Where It All Began 

The Nanyang Technological University Buddhist Society (NTUBS) 40th Anniversary Committee and Singapore Buddhist Music Hub (SBMH) joined forces to produce an original composition to commemorate the occasion. Nanyang Technological University Buddhist Society (NTUBS) is a non-sectarian Buddhist society which provides various Dharma learning experience suitable for NTU community. It envisions propagating the Dharma and at the same time encouraging spiritual development.

 

This collaborative project is testament to the aspiration of NTUBS to walk the Dharma journey alongside each other in learning the Dharma and practising wholesome actions, and not only realise one's potential but share the benefits with all beings. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step —  a courageous step to take in taking on a joint-partnership as fellow Buddhists — and indeed, as SBMH shared, "It was somewhat uncharted waters at first for both parties as we were not entirely certain how it would turn out, and whether we could achieve this within a set timeline. With the Buddha’s blessings, and the right conditions, as well as enough will and excitement to complete the project, we managed to bring this to fruition." 

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Delving into the lyrics of this Dharma fruit, 'Where It All Began', we see not only the product of a synergistic collaboration but we also feel what is conveyed deep within verses with upbeat melody, a profound message of journeying together with the Triple Gem guiding us as we support and uplift each other on the Path to Nirvana. 

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A Production by NTUBS 40th Committee and SG Buddhist Music Hub

Lyrics: Jane Tay Hwee Mei, Ong Wei Guang, Soe

Melody: Jane Tay Hwee Mei, Ong Wei Guang Music

Arrangement: Ng Kang Kee

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Lyrics

This is the place where it all began

A special friendship that will never end

This is the place where we come to be

A part of this spiritual family

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This is the place where we want to be

A place where we share precious memories

This is the place where we have begun

Our journey

 

Every step we’ll walk together

Every day our hearts grow closer

With the Buddha as our teacher

Wherever we go doesn’t matter

 

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Kalyanamitra lasts more than a lifetime

We share the faith in the Dharma

Together we will strive for Nirvana

 

This is the place where it all began

A special friendship that will never end

This is the place where we can be

A part of this beautiful story

This is the place where we learn to be

Grateful, contented and be happy

This is the place where we learn to be free

Forever

 

Every step we’ll walk together

Every day our hearts grow closer

With the Buddha as our teacher

Wherever we go doesn’t matter

 

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Kalyanamitra lasts more than a lifetime

We share the faith in the Dharma

Together we will strive for Nirvana

 

Sweet or bitter, ups or downs

I know I can always count on you

Kalyanamitras hand in hand

We’ll come out stronger with the Dharma light

 

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Kalyanamitra lasts more than a lifetime

We share the faith in the Dharma

Together we will strive for Nirvana

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SBMH team gave special thanks to NTUBS’ Bro Lai Chuan and Sis Celine’s courage to believe and follow the vision they had through, as well as the singing team’s great rendition of the composition; SBMH’s Bro Wei Guang, Sis Edna Pan, Sis Hwee Mei, for providing inputs to the lyrics and melody, and Bro Kang Kee for the whole musical arrangement. Lastly, thanks to Bro Alvin’s coordination with NTUBS for making this a reality. Sadhu! And may we have the conditions to create more Buddhist music for everyone!

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