Fellow Practitioner’s Reflection

Fellow Practitioner’s Reflection — Autumn Maple Viewing at Mituo Village

Origin: A friend who often hikes with me expressed an interest in learning Buddhism. I therefore requested the Mituo Village Committee to consider organizing some introductory activities. To my surprise, within just three days, causes and conditions aligned perfectly. At the peak of autumn, an event was organized inviting everyone to enjoy the fall scenery and share tea and Dharma discussions. Ironically, that same friend couldn’t make it due to prior commitments—but on my rideshare, I met another practitioner who happened to be my schoolmate and had already received the Bodhisattva precepts. Listening to him speak so gently about the wondrous power of the precepts, I was struck with awe—indeed, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas knew my hesitant heart toward receiving the precepts and had sent two such practitioners to encourage me within just two months. Namo Amitabha!

Mituo Village has both inner and outer areas, each serving different purposes. The outer section welcomes newcomers through lighthearted activities, while the inner section is devoted to focused Pure Land cultivation. During this autumn outing organized by the outer section, around 20–30 participants gathered joyfully. Since there was also a campfire event that evening, many volunteers brought their children along. The open and inclusive nature of the outer section even attracted a few Mazu devotees—truly an occasion for wholesome connections.

The event began with volunteers introducing the grand Amitabha statue enshrined the previous October—a six-meter-tall sacred image, the tallest of its kind in North America. My mind drifted back to that night when volunteers installed the statue—witnessing auspicious lights in the dark sky and the incredible feat of lifting nearly a ton with mere volunteer effort. Surely, it was through the Buddhas’ blessings—truly inconceivable. Amitabha Village is remote, with few people and much work to do—these volunteer Bodhisattvas truly embody great perseverance.

Soon, we set off on our hike. What filled us with special joy was that Venerable Master Kuan-Ju, a member of the most honored Sangha, joined us. As I listened to the committee brothers describe the village’s future plans, I smiled quietly—the narrow mountain path beneath our feet seemed freshly cleared that morning by volunteers with weed cutters, and this autumn outing itself felt like a spontaneous idea upon seeing the golden hills.

The forest air was alive with energy, mingling with children’s laughter. The Venerable occasionally bent down to point out fallen blossoms, and upon reaching a great North American cedar, he stopped and shared that he often meditates under it. We picked up blue pinecones and rubbed them gently in our palms, releasing a sweet, smoky fragrance. The Venerable explained that Native Americans have long used cedar to cleanse negative energy and harmonize the environment. Many of us embraced the sturdy trunk, feeling its silent pulse as if it were a gift from heaven and earth. So many treasures exist quietly in this world—without a teacher’s guidance, we might pass them by unnoticed.

As dusk fell, visitors began preparing for the campfire evening—some set up the bonfire, others hung string lights. The brother with me sweated as he hung the lanterns, while a young mother deftly climbed onto the cabin roof to help secure them. Several other brothers busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing dinner for all. When evening prayers began, many volunteers were still setting up, so I joined a few others in the main hall. The sound of chanting filled the air. Though I’m not well-versed in the sutras, I could chant “Amitabha Buddha” with confidence. That short half-hour of calm recitation, along with the day’s hiking and shared warmth, made the day deeply fulfilling.

Because my companion had family waiting, we didn’t stay late. Later, I saw photos from the campfire—bright flames, warm lights, and children laughing amid shadows and glow. Gazing at them, a quiet wish arose in my heart:
May this flame-like light illuminate more lives.
May all beings experience the light and wisdom of the Dharma.