YAD’s New Blood Learn Spirit and Joy of Group Chores

On 24th October, YAD had another Temple Day, and in the afternoon, Venerable Miaoyu led more than 10 youths in watching the final episodes of the “Lighting the Eternal Flame – Story of Fo Guang Shan” series. This movie session covered the “Great Compassion Kindergarten”, “Fo Guang Vihara”, and the origins and purposes of the “Good Wisdom Floor”.

The Great Compassion Kindergarten has been in operation since the establishment of Fo Guang Shan, and has a history of close to 40 years, and was originally known as “International Children’s Village”.

Regardless of nationality or background, the Kindergarten receives children in need of a nurturing environment and through the Venerables, volunteers and teachers, these children learn life skills and self-reliance, and are guided in planning for the future. Many children who have graduated from the Kindergarten are grateful for the compassion of Venerable Master and the volunteers at the Kindergarten, and have become productive and grateful members of society.

The Fo Guang Vihara is a pureland for the elderly to spend their golden years; and the Good Wisdom Floor was especially established to provide accommodation for female Buddhists and a place where they can be diligent volunteers and practice good speech and cooperation.

At the conclusion of the film, everyone wrote down their thoughts and feelings on the film and submitted it to Venerable Miaoyu, so that during the next movie study group session, the feedback may be shared with everyone.

After dinner, the YAD members shared amongst themselves the chores of cleaning the temple environment, with some cleaning the pond and some weeding the garden. This was an opportunity for the new YAD members to experience something fresh to them.