Fo Guang Shan North Island Auspicious Garden Team Gathers Strength again to beautify the Temple

On 30th April, under the leadership of Venerable Abbess Manshin 16 diligent YAD members of the Auspicious Garden Team gathered up their spades and shovels to plant trees for the temple.

After breakfast the youths gathered in front of the Front Shrine and areas of bamboo groves. The teams proceeded to clear the weed, plough the ground, pulling out deep roots from the ground, and cleaning up spoils for the tip. YAD’s teamwork fitted like a glove, reiterated by constant chants of “3, 2, 1!”. Even though everyone ended up being caked in mud, the end result was all worth it.

In the afternoon the teams gathered around the courtyard’s Zen Garden to remove the bamboos. The bamboo’s roots are not only deep but also tangles into the soil. Hence they were finally pulled out after much sweat was shed by the youths, eliciting many cheers at the accomplishment.

Afterwards the youths were not only overjoyed at their result but were also motivated with renewed self-affirmation. YAD leader Karzin expressed that the bamboos reminded her of her own diligent practices. Even though the results may not show on the surface, but deep down roots have been planted. As long as the roots are strong it will surely mature with time. Then one will be able to scale peaks that were deemed impossible in the past.

Another youth Victoria happily exclaimed that even though she only managed to help out with the temple and the team for short two weeks during the school holiday, it was still a joyful time. She claims now to be fully recharged to face school again.