Xmas party - Kobe 2007

Anna and I hosted a Sanoynara party for our friends Tom & Alfredo \ Craig and Jodie and toasted 2007. Together we raised close to US$800 from this event to the education of 3 underprivileged children on the border area of Thailand to complete their high schooling. Here is the prayer I offered to all:

Shantideva's Prayer #1

May all beings everywhere
Plagued by sufferings of body and mind
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy
By virtue of my merits.

May no living creature suffer,
Commit evil or ever fall ill.
May no one be afraid or belittled,
With a mind weighed down by depression.

May the blind see forms,
And the deaf hear sounds.
May those whose bodies are worn with toil
Be restored on finding repose.

May the naked find clothing,
The hungry find food;
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy;
May the forlorn find hope,
Constant happiness and prosperity.

May there be timely rains
And bountiful harvests;
May all medicine be effective
And wholesome prayers bear fruit.

May all who are sick and ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments.
Whatever diseases there are in the world,
May they never occur again.

May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed;
May the powerless find power
And may people think of benefiting each other.

Rajasthan Trip

During December we visited Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodphur and Jaisalmer.

Was truly a memorable visit and each of these cities unique in their own special ways.

One highlight of the trip was Jodphur Fort - the most imposing I've ever seen and did take your breath away !

The hassle factor was quite low (surprisingly) and we enjoyed all the food and hotels we stayed in
.