On my Birthday in May 2014

This day I reach three scores and ten
A time for reflection
A time to be grateful
A time to be thankful
My parents first and foremost
Because of their unstinted love and direction, I am what I am today
My family, immediate and distant, my relatives from all sides
My friends, young and old, near and far, without barriers

To Lord Buddha who made sense of this World to me
and taught me not to be avaricious, rein in desires,
and to try and foster Universal loving kindness to all beings,
and to be aware of impermanence and change.

My Teachers who shaped my enquiring mind,
and helped me to become a good citizen ( I hope)
My colleagues for their understanding, friendship and tolerance
My patients for trusting me and giving me a sense of purpose in life
To my students who taught me so much

To the woman I loved and married

for happy memories and two wonderful sons

To those who may not have liked me
For teaching me how to practise true love

for loving your friends is easy,
but loving your “enemy” is harder
For all this I am truly grateful

And thank you so much
To all those who sent me good wishes today

And to all those who didn’t but felt so in their hearts.