6/24/2021. another full moon to remember.

7 days before 24th yr after hk returned to prc, a newspaper forced to close down 26 yrs after operation, not because of no business, but the reverse.

after 2 yrs of continual “surprises”, unimaginable event one after another, hkers seem to be used to “shock”.

what’s stunning is not that the paper was cracked down, (which, of course, is also unbelievable just 2 yrs ago), but how calm and positive all responded : the staff, the reader, those who can help out…

particularly impressed by the creativity and trust that the staff of apple allowed fellow journalists from other media to enter into their work place to report how the last paper was produced

so focused, professional, calm … in face of suppression, unemployment, some even legal proceedings…

people gathered outside the building to support those working inside hard, till the last minute,

staff who have resigned, returned to witness the historical moment.

higher mgt. released on bail, came back to thank staff for staying and working hard till the end

meanwhile, hundreds of hkers lined up at mongkok, mid night, in rain, to wait for this last issue

it continued during the day, in central, other places … people lined up in pouring rain… for this last paper printed 1M copies, all sold out

rain poured almost whole day. rarely

yet, after “the end” , more new beginnings.

some continue to write, in another channel / format; other organisations planning to recruit now unemployed staff, overseas hkers planning to print something similar overseas to extend the apple spirit, …the most encouraging of all, people remain faithful, positive, … knowing this is only temporary. seeds of the fallen apple shall grow again into big apple tree over time.

it is interesting to see how hkers have learnt and transformed over just 2 yrs.

no more yelling, protest, marching, strong emotions,… but peace, wisdom, faith, strength..

rain stopped finally this evening. blessed with low tide and last minute quiet beach time before dark to move a while and bless all.

may the pain/ tears be finally over / ease, and we all ready to start a new journey to replant the seed wherever we go.

Sat Nam Deep I

Namaskar