September 28th Shared Practice Day: Anticipation and Dedication
It’s that time again—Shared Practice Day, a day eagerly awaited by many practitioners. For them, it is not only an opportunity for self-reflection but also a day to contribute to the temple through physical labor. They cultivate good karma and set an example for their children and future generations, embodying and passing on the spirit of practice.
Morning Mist and the Serenity of Silence
Just a few days ago, the chill of autumn was setting in, and everyone was adding layers to keep warm. However, Saturday morning suddenly turned warm, with light mist enveloping the gentle slopes. The main hall looked as if it were bathed in ethereal light, hazy and beautiful, exuding an exceptional tranquility and elegance. In such a morning, the silence felt particularly natural, and the inner peace mirrored the calm of the surroundings. At eight in the morning, everyone promptly participated in the precept ceremony of the Eight Precepts, with nearly all practitioners present. Everyone understood that according to the teachings of the "Medicine Buddha Sutra" and the "Sutra of the Ten Good Deeds," even holding precepts for just one week brings incredible merit—"erasing the five heinous crimes, and eliminating all other evils."
The Silent Dedication of the Fruit Offering Group
The work of the fruit offering group always proceeds quietly and orderly. At seven in the morning, while everyone was still enjoying breakfast, members of the fruit offering group had already begun to unpack, purify, clean, assemble, and plate exquisite fruits for offering at the Buddha's altar. This rhythm has continued silently for ten years, like a silent machine, constantly in operation.
The Silent Benefactors in the Kitchen
Every Saturday’s breakfast and Sunday’s meals are lovingly managed by our Vietnamese brothers and sisters. They personally go shopping for ingredients every Friday, while Chinese practitioners take over the cooking for Saturday lunch.
Here, there are no barriers of race or language; everyone is a disciple of the Buddha, practicing the teachings together. After meals, practitioners who conscientiously clean the dishes reflect the awareness and sense of responsibility cultivated through practice. True practice does not lie in grand gestures; rather, it is these seemingly trivial tasks that lay the foundation for spiritual growth.
Tidying Up the Main Hall
After the last incense burned down in the afternoon, marking the end of the shared practice of chanting, everyone worked together to tidy up the main hall in preparation for the upcoming renovation. Some practitioners were busy even into the night, ensuring that the space and conditions were ready for the grand Buddha statue's arrival.
The Construction of the Guanyin Seven-Treasure Lotus Pool
After a summer of hard work, the Guanyin Seven-Treasure Lotus Pool is taking shape. Although the volunteers lacked professional construction experience, under the blessing of the Buddha's power, the pool was successfully completed. The seven lotus petals are evenly distributed, and the water circulates beautifully. The gentle sound of flowing water seems to tell stories of the Pure Land, drawing many practitioners to pay respects to Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Planing the Small Garden and Renovating the Old Dormitory
Some practitioners took the initiative to carefully plan the small gardens on either side of the main hall and personally planted the first batch of flower seeds. This little garden not only provides future practitioners with a pleasing view but also symbolizes the budding and growth of their aspirations.
Other practitioners dedicated themselves to carefully repainting the dormitory undergoing renovations, taking practical actions to maintain the temple’s dignity and purity. Each brushstroke of paint embodies a heartfelt concern for and protection of the temple.
Subtle and Silent Cultivation
As the morning mist gradually dissipated and a light rain gently fell on the autumn leaves, Mituo Village appeared exceptionally clean and beautiful. The Seven-Treasure Lotus Pool was filled with water, and everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the grand Buddha statue and the empowerment ceremony led by the abbot. Everything seemed to unfold quietly, while practitioners knew that true change had already begun within their hearts, silently nurturing like spring rain.
Cultivation is like this tranquil morning mist; to outsiders, it may seem uneventful, yet internally, there are waves of transformation. Each shared practice in Mituo Village is an opportunity for everyone to refine their hearts through external circumstances—a true testament to silent dedication and personal growth. More fellow practitioners are warmly welcomed to this pure land to cultivate and grow together.