The Aspiration in the Spring Chill

The Aspiration in the Spring Chill — A Volunteer’s Story at Mituo Village

In North America, March marks the beginning of spring. The winds on the mountain still carry a chill, the plants have yet to awaken, and the earth remains in slumber. Yet, in such a season, Mituo Village quietly comes alive.

To prepare for the upcoming Qingming Kṣitigarbha Dharma Assembly in three weeks, to solemnize the sacred grounds, and to welcome good-hearted people from all directions, a group of volunteers arrives in the village ahead of time—some traveling from several hours away, and some coming from distant places, including ordained monks. Each one comes with a quiet and resolute heart, not for fame or profit, but with the simple wish to offer whatever small help they can.

Lobsang Dawa, a Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, happens to be visiting these days, and without hesitation, he joins the group of volunteers. There is no special seat for him, nor any preferential treatment. The Lama participates in every task as a humble volunteer. His equal heart and joyful spirit are deeply moving. He smiles and says, “Whether it’s Han Chinese tradition or Tibetan tradition, the heart of a practitioner is the same.” Indeed, on the path of supporting the Three Jewels, the boundaries of language, lineage, and region are all dissolved by a sincere heart.

On this Saturday, everyone works together in harmony, each taking on their tasks:

Organizing the Sutras
In the inner courtyard activity center beneath the main hall, a few volunteers carefully organize the sutras that have been piled up for a long time. They focus on sorting and placing each sutra in its proper order, with a quiet reverence in their actions. Even a small booklet is handled with the care one would give to a treasured item, with deep respect.

Laying Stones
Outside the courtyard walls, another group of volunteers is busy pasting the exterior stones onto the wall. In the cold wind, their fingers are slightly reddened by the chill, but their smiles remain undiminished. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough materials to complete the task, but the Lama says, “Doing your best is what makes it perfect.” Indeed, on the path of practice, there is no such thing as "perfection." The most precious thing is the aspiration in the present moment.

Moving the Screen
A few young volunteers work together to move a large screen, placing it in the yard outside the inner courtyard activity center. The screen is heavy, but the volunteers’ hearts are light. Some guide the direction, others stabilize the base, working together in perfect harmony, as if they have been co-practitioners for many years. In that moment, the screen is no longer just a screen—it becomes a corner of the sacred space that everyone collectively supports.

Exploring a New Path
Another small group of volunteers heads up the muddy mountain road to explore a new path from the dormitory to the outer courtyard activity center. The road is unpaved and overgrown with weeds, but they measure each step, hoping to find a safer and more convenient way to walk. Twigs tear at their gloves, and mud stains their pants, yet their eyes shine as if they are paving a “Bodhi Path”—perhaps in the future, many will walk this path towards the Dharma, towards the light.

On Sunday, the aspiration still does not waver.

The previous night’s strong winds tore the roof off a small house on the mountain, and broken branches lay across the roof. Although the volunteers are not skilled in roof repair, they still, with unwavering determination, lift and carry the heavy branches, clearing them one by one. They carefully cover the roof with waterproof tarps to temporarily shield it from the incoming winds and rain, and to prepare for future repairs.

A family of volunteers, visiting Mituo Village for the first time, decided to stay and contribute after their visit. They assisted in assembling furniture, working quietly and happily, without expectation, as if they had been seasoned volunteers at the village for many years.

Meanwhile, in another building, after a harsh winter, the pipes in a practice room have frozen and cracked in several places, causing leaks and water accumulation. The volunteers are urgently repairing the pipes, racing against time to complete the work before the mountain opens, ensuring that the practitioners will have a safe and settled place to practice.

Throughout the entire weekend, no one urged or commanded. Everyone worked quietly and focused, naturally doing what they could. The mountain wind was still cold, but Mituo Village, because of these people, felt as warm as the rising sun. Perhaps it is because of this unspoken kindness and responsibility that Mituo Village stands out in this season, especially moving.

Three weeks later, we will welcome the annual Kṣitigarbha Dharma Assembly. May the aspiration born in this cold season contribute to the solemn and complete success of the assembly. May more good-hearted people come to experience the tranquil and genuine power of this land.