FGS Auckland Team Doing The Gardening Chores Enthusiastically During The Holidays

During the holidays between 25th and 30th December, 20 people, including the temple staff, BLIA members and YAD, did the gardening chores under the guidance of Abbess and Venerables. The tasks included cleaning the wall and some gardening chores, such as trimming the trees, maples, cherry blossoms, and other trees.

Under the guidance of Abbess, the Temple has planted thousands of different kinds of plants over the decade. Therefore, the gardening team is even busier during summer. The team started gardening at 6 am, working hard to make the Temple look more solemn, even under the bright sun. Moreover, Abbess also provided guidance and demonstrations on trimming to prevent and minimize the damage to the plants by cutting them neatly and accurately.

The President of BLIA North Island Ms Yu-Lin Ku stated that while the experienced YAD trimmed the trees using powered saws with the guidance of Abbess, BLIA members removed the weeds, collecting and bagging it all together in one go. When the branches were cut, the surrounding had already been cleaned up. Abbess said planting trees is not an easy process; maintaining trees and the garden requires continuous effort. Only if you had participated can you experience the preciousness and joy of this event.

BLIA member Reann Chang shared that gardening needs teamwork and guidance from the discerning leader who pointed out the branches that should be cut and kept the ones with a promising future. Gardening is a kind of self-reflection allowing us to trim away our ignorance, but sometimes we need the corrections and teachings of wise people. Hence, gardening is more than just a physical activity, but a way of practicing mindfulness.

BLIA NZ YAD Sin Jun shared that it was vital for us to be efficient and keep moving forward in gardening. Teamwork is also essential to accomplish the task; even leaving out one person can make a big difference. Abbess has said that: "One person can walk fast, a group of people can walk far, and only collaboration and teamwork can make dreams come true".

YAD member Abby expressed her gratitude to Abbess for her patience and guidance during gardening. Abbess's concern and care for the plants are the same as her concern shown for society as a whole. Taking out excess branches is like trimming away your bad habits; only by removing them can the plants grow stronger.

Thomas thanked Abbess for leading everyone to do gardening under the scorching sun. Unity was needed as Abbess led a group of people who first dealt with the rough branches, then a second group took care of the smaller branches, and the third group quickly cleaned up the mess. Gardening requires learning to take care of your surroundings, not only to do the job at hand but also to help others.

YAD member Edwin felt terrible for accidentally cutting down three big branches that still had a chance of surviving. Abbess taught him to feel the temperature of a branch before cutting it so he wouldn't take away the causes and conditions that allow it to grow.

In short, BLIA members and YAD have enhanced their value through services and volunteering, maintaining the cleanliness and comfort of the temple together and having a fulfilling and meaningful holiday.