Low Chang Leng (85 years old)
I was admitted to the Sungai Buloh settlement in 1956, when I was just 16. I later attended school here. As a child, the festival I looked forward to the most was Wesak Day, because the temple would be especially lively and full of joy.
I often went to the temple with my classmates to pray, eat vegetarian food, and chant sutras with the adults. I also joined the Hokkien Association's activities, and once represented them in the Wesak Day parade—I even played the role of a celestial maiden! A temple sister “Si Jie” taught us how to dress up and walk in formation. There was also a man named “Lao Wu” who taught us how to sing. Thinking back now, those memories are still so precious and unforgettable.
I had never painted before until I joined the Nagomi pastel art class at the Medical & Health Station. That’s when I began learning this art form. For this Wesak Day exhibition, our teacher guided us in painting Bodhi leaves. After finishing mine, I brought it home to show my two daughters. They loved it.
My eldest daughter kept exclaiming, “So beautiful! I want to learn too! Can you teach me?”
I laughed and said, “You don’t even have time to poop, how will you find time to paint?”
She laughed and said, “As long as you're happy, that’s what matters!”
They’re happy to see me learning and growing here. I wish everyone happiness! I also hope those who see my work can genuinely appreciate this late-blooming passion of mine—just like my daughters do.
