Waiting for Spring to Arrive

Waiting for Spring to Arrive, Let’s Work Together — Volunteers Gather at Mituo Village

This week's main task was to fully organize and store the large amount of materials cleared from the inner courtyard activity center. The space, newly renovated, is now bright and fresh, but alongside it came a staggering amount of cardboard boxes, books, miscellaneous items, wires, tools, and items that had accumulated over the years. The old items scattered across the floor needed to be classified, cataloged, cleaned, and properly stored away.

The volunteers spread out in the spacious but dusty room—some opened boxes and counted items, some squatted in corners to wipe off dust and clean, and others carried boxes back and forth. With gloves on their hands and sweat on their faces under their masks, no one complained. The resident monastics of Mituo Village also quietly participated in the tidying efforts—moving items, counting, organizing, working side by side with the volunteers.

They said, "It's not tiring. When we see them neatly arranged, our hearts are at peace."

The Restoration of the Jingjin Building, All for the Warmth of the People

At the same time, the renovation of the Jingjin Dormitory building is progressing with urgency, as the old water and heating system is being dismantled and replaced.

The old system, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, can no longer support future use. Several experienced volunteer brothers repeatedly measured the pipe routes, cleared the old connections, and coordinated the construction plans. While consulting with professionals, they also took matters into their own hands, striving to ensure that every detail was properly handled.

All of this is done to ensure that the people attending the Dharma Assembly will have a warm place to stay, a comfortable place to bathe, and the ability to focus on their spiritual practices without distractions, even in the cool early spring.

The Auto Repair Team: Working Despite Illness, Driven by Heartfelt Dedication

In a corner outside the village, the auto repair team volunteers are crouched in the mud, repairing a tractor that is leaking oil severely.

Their task is, honestly, dirty, heavy, and dangerous. In addition to the tractor, they also repaired the transport trailers and vans within these two days. Oil splattered on their faces, bolts were hard to tighten, and parts were difficult to find. But they said, "The tractor has been carrying heavy loads for years. We must fix it now so it doesn’t cause trouble during the opening of the mountain."

They silently worked, tested, and adjusted, transforming what would have been a "quick fix" into something that is "safe to drive."

Streetlights Lighting the Way Home

Last year, the new solar-powered streetlights in the village lit up the small roads where volunteers walk home during countless nights. This year, we reinforced and repaired several of the light poles that had become unstable, and also rechecked some of the wiring and panels.

The lights that flicker in the night silently illuminate the road home, gently accompanying those returning after late-night practice. They do not speak, yet they are always present.

The Latest Volunteers: Returning Home at 2 AM

This time, there were many tasks and fewer people. Many volunteers worked non-stop for two days, with almost no rest in between. Some finished one task and immediately took on another, while others worked from morning until night, not leaving until the temple was completely cleaned.

The latest group of volunteers returned home at 2 AM on Monday. Although tired, their eyes were filled with satisfaction and light.

One volunteer said, "Although it's very tiring, my heart feels more at peace doing this work here."

They left with their tired bodies, but their backs held the most gentle and determined of silhouettes.

Spring Breeze, Unchanging Determination

Spring is a new beginning, and this group of volunteers, quietly giving their all, is the most beautiful scenery in the spring. They are not professional workers or technicians, but a group of people with a heartfelt desire to help.

They used their hands to tidy, repair, and build, while in the process, they also cultivated, advanced, and grew. They made Amitabha Village brighter, warmer, and stronger in the spring breeze.

🌿 The Earth Store Bodhisattva Dharma Assembly is approaching, and we look forward to your participation.

Next weekend will be the last opportunity for volunteers before the opening of the mountain, and also the final preparations for the Dharma Assembly. If you are willing to join us, regardless of your skills, we warmly welcome your participation!

Let us together, in the spring sunshine, plant the seeds of our aspirations, and welcome the Dharma Assembly, and a more beautiful Mituo Village.