FGS Volunteer’s Seminar: Determined Faith and Commitment
On the 4th August, a volunteer’s seminar was organised by Venerable Rulian to build consensus among volunteers of Fo Guang Shan Auckland Buddhist Temple. The purpose of the seminar was to enhance their understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and apply the concept of the Three Goodness and Four Giving (3G4G) while serving the community. Abbess Manshin was invited to give a lesson for a total of 40 volunteers from the Front Shrine, Main Shrine, art gallery and the kitchen.
Abbess Manshin said that all the volunteers are blessed and virtuous as they are willing to contribute to the community and build affinities in the Temple. At the age of 96, Venerable Master Hsing Yun has been serving the society and the Buddhism community all his life, and now he is still concerned about the world. The willingness to shoulder responsibilities and the concept of the Four Giving are the quintessence of the Temple to provide the warmest and most joyful services to the public. Abbess encouraged the volunteers to construct themselves and gain the strength to serve the public. Through volunteering in Temple, we share our kindness and help to build up the community together.
Venerable Rulian expressed her gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for establishing the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in New Zealand, allowing us to have a spiritual home here. we should cherish and be grateful for this opportunity by serving the community with the spirit of giving. People that come to the Temple as volunteers should first purify themselves, then their family, the community, and the wider society.
From the feedback of a front shrine volunteer, Samantha Song, said that Abbess Manshin’s whole life has been about Buddhism, and that Abbess is always in a state of righteousness. Furthermore, she saw Abbess’s wisdom, capableness in doing and courage to carry on the burdens. From architectural plans to gardening, flower arrangement and refreshment preparation, Abbess always does a meticulous job as a talented person who is proficient in what she does. Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said, When there is Dharma, there is a Way, which is also reflected in the spirits of Venerable Rulian and Venerable Miaoyu. Samantha also expressed that she feels very fortunate to be able to study Buddhism here and to learn how to devote her life to Buddhism.
In the seminar, Abbess shared about the Temple’s ongoing maintenance work and the modest dressing rules for Temple visitors. Moreover, the volunteers were encouraged to serve the community with the spirit of 3G4G and to improve themselves through service so they can follow the footsteps of venerable in having a rich heart and quality life, shared Shuyu Zhu.
Vicky Liang, a volunteer from the Front Shrine, said that she felt very inspired every time Abbess gave a lesson. Vicky said that Abbess always practically applies the Dharma in her daily life, and that she vows to serve more often in the Temple and to learn from the Venerables. The Venerables provide guidance in our life, hence we should be more committed as volunteers and serve the public diligently.
A volunteer from the Ksitigarbha shrine, Wenyan Yao, was moved by the efforts of Abbess and those who protect and support the Temple and Buddhism. She wishes to be a qualified volunteer at Fo Guang Shan to accumulate blessings and merits along with upholding the Dharma and the Temple.
Wang Qi, a volunteer at the art gallery, said that she gained so much from the seminar and it helped her improve her cultivation. Practicing Buddhism requires lifelong learning, and you can learn Buddhism everywhere in your life. Only through continuous learning can we improve ourselves and benefit others in this life. She felt that the seminar was vivid and engaging, as it was integrated with real life example and daily life applications, and she hopes to attend these activities frequently.
Dingyi, a volunteer at the art gallery, shared that It was an honour to attend the volunteer’s seminar presented by Abbess. Dingyi expressed she has gained great wisdom from Abbess as she shared her life experiences and knowledge. The application of the wisdom in architecture is why everyone can feel a sense of peace and tranquillity every time they visit the Temple. During the seminar, Abbess reminded the volunteers to demand more of themselves, and to keep learning and improving. In addition, Dingyi felt very fortunate and greatly cherish the opportunity to be able to serve in such a team.