Gathering in the Golden Autumn

Gathering in the Golden Autumn · A Record of Amitabha Village’s Autumn Special Event

The autumn breeze is refreshing, and the maple leaves are turning red. From October 18 to 19, 2025, Mituo Village welcomed its “Autumn Special Event.” After the successful completion of the Seven-Day and Three-Day Amitabha Retreats, the outer temple of Amitabha Village organized a special autumn appreciation event to welcome more people. During this most beautiful golden season, many practitioners, along with their families and friends, returned once again to the village to enjoy a warm and Dharma-filled weekend close to both nature and the Buddha’s teachings.

The first stop of the event was the solemn Gratitude Buddha Recitation Hall. As the clear sound of the bell echoed, everyone respectfully made three prostrations to the Buddha, allowing their minds to settle with each recitation. The autumn hiking and nature walk that followed was led by Ven. Kuan-Ju. The group walked along the mountain paths, chanting the Buddha’s name as they enjoyed the scenery. With trees glowing gold and a gentle breeze blowing, their steps were light and their hearts tranquil. Along the way, the Dharma teacher compassionately reminded everyone: “Whether walking or sitting, one can always recite the Buddha’s name.” Thus, this autumn walk became not just a scenic outing, but a practice of mindfulness harmonized with nature.

As night fell, the lights of the temple glowed warmly. Practitioners gathered around a bonfire, where the fragrance of hot pot filled the air, blending with laughter and the sound of Buddha recitations, creating a vivid and joyful autumn night. Children ran and played while adults conversed happily. Sweet potatoes and potatoes roasted over the fire, their comforting aroma accompanying waves of laughter that illuminated every joyful face.

The next morning, everyone gathered for tea and conversation. Sitting around the stove, they sipped tea, listened to the Dharma teacher’s talk, and shared their cultivation experiences and life insights. In the afternoon, they watched a Buddhist film together and engaged in meaningful discussion afterward. During these two short days, Amitabha Village was filled with both laughter and serenity—a perfect harmony of study, practice, and daily life.

This autumn special event not only allowed participants to recharge through nature and spiritual cultivation but also enabled newcomers to experience the warmth and tranquility of the monastery.

With gratitude to the Dharma teachers and to every fellow practitioner who walked this path together. May this warmth and joy remain in our hearts. May we gather again at Amitabha Village in the future—to practice, rejoice, and keep our minds pure and in harmony.