Autumn Volunteer Day

Autumn Volunteer Day | Cultivating Through Labor, Growing Through Dedication

After the group practice, on a weekend filled with the essence of autumn, we once again welcomed Volunteer Day. The participating volunteers approached their tasks with sincere hearts, completing several important projects with love and sweat, prompting spontaneous admiration and joy.

Care and Thoughtfulness in the Meal

Knowing that the volunteers and children traveled from places like New York and Delaware, the long-term residents prepared a hearty vegetarian meal early on, carrying a deep sense of care. To ensure everyone enjoyed their meal, a thoughtful selection of four dishes and a soup was prepared. The sour and spicy cabbage, a popular northeastern home dish, took center stage on the dining table, while the tofu and kelp soup provided warmth and nourishment.

As everyone busily prepared the meal, the dedicated volunteers arrived from afar, ready to jump into cooking. They quickly sautéed refreshing loofah and greens using a cooking machine and brought along pizzas and salads, adding color and flavor to the table. The abundant spread not only delighted the taste buds but also made the participants feel the warmth and care of home.

Meticulous Painting, Renewed Appearance

After lunch, the volunteers quickly divided tasks and dove into their busy work. The renovation of the Family House dormitory was nearing completion, and the female volunteers took the initiative to paint the interior walls.

This three-story dormitory had been carefully designed and transformed into nine independent suites, each equipped with its own bathroom, kitchenette, and heating and cooling systems. Today, their task was to apply a coat of light yellow latex paint to the walls, bringing a warm and bright new look to the rooms.

To ensure a smooth painting process, the long-term residents led the team in carefully patching up cracks and uneven spots on the walls, ensuring they were smooth and ready for painting.

Although the female volunteers rarely engaged in such technical and physically demanding work, the warm and joyful atmosphere allowed everyone to encourage one another, with laughter ringing out as they worked together, enjoying the warmth and strength of the collective. Looking at the newly painted walls, everyone felt a sense of accomplishment and joy, sensing the warmth and satisfaction that came from their efforts, with smiles brightening their faces.

Progressing Steadily on the Gate Project

The male volunteers primarily focused on the planned engineering tasks. The key work of the day involved preparing for the renovation of the main hall and the arrival of the Buddha statue, while also laying the groundwork for the new gate and removing the old “North America Mituo Village” sign.

These tasks posed new challenges for everyone, but each volunteer embraced a learning mindset and resilient spirit, exploring step by step. Supporting one another, they learned while working, steadily making progress despite difficulties.

Just like when constructing the Seven Treasures Lotus Pool, no one had relevant experience at the time, but through unity and determination, everyone worked together, gradually realizing their goals through effort. This shared contribution not only advanced the project but also fostered personal growth and elevation of spirit.

Cultivating Through Dedication, Growing Through Labor

This weekend, everyone contributed their strength through labor while cultivating through dedication, accumulating intangible merit with heartfelt effort. Every drop of sweat and every bit of effort silently nourished our spirits. This volunteer work not only allowed us to witness the project's progress but also deepened our connection with the center, where we felt the warmth and joy that comes from unity, dedication, and mutual growth.

Every practitioner who arrives is an indispensable part of this connection. No matter where you come from, your presence is not only a support for the community but also a heartfelt commitment to your own practice. Here, we cultivate with our hands, gaining insights into impermanence, accumulating merit, and nurturing wisdom through our efforts.

We look forward to welcoming more practitioners to our future volunteer days to continue this precious bond. Each gathering is a valuable companionship on the path of practice, and every contribution nourishes both the community and our personal growth. Let us join hands in this pure land, experiencing the essence of practice through our work, and finding joy and peace in our giving.

At our next volunteer day, we sincerely await your arrival. Together, let’s put in our hearts, efforts, and wisdom to create a better community and a purer mind. We look forward to walking this path with you!