Putting “World Environment Day” into Practice
In order to support “World Environment Day” on 5th June, members of Fo Guang Shan diligently participated in environmental protection activities. Everyone strives to protect our earth, reduce the defilements in our mind and body to zero, and uphold the Chinese tradition of “work for prosperity, but conserve our resources”.
On the day at 9:00am, North Island BLIA chairperson Dolly Tsai led all the volunteers straight into action. The 34 members were organised into 3 teams, and were assigned to clean the temple ground from the corridors, steps, and all the way to the kitchen. Everyone swept away fallen leaves, removed weeds, trimmed bamboos and meticulously tidied every inch of the temple.
After the hard work, Central Sub chapter chairperson Peggy and Chia Khoon organised everyone to sit down and watch an environmental protection film. Through viewing, everybody more deeply comprehended the philosophy of “Protecting the earth starts with me”. The film also features a commentary by Master Hsing Yun to talk about the value of “Protecting the environment while protecting our mind”, through which he emphasises the importance of uncovering resources. We should uncover the resources of the Dharma; open our heart of humility, gratitude, and joy. When we open our heart we will develop more concern for our society and country. When we are all able to take good care of the environment in our mind, the world will be saved.
Venerable Abbess Manshin reminded everyone that to green and environmentally caring starts with our mind. How we manage our time, space and life all comes from our mind, so tidying up ourselves is a big virtue. During our everyday lives we should nurture good habits and become a good person. Wisdom can be uncovered if we develop a “Can do” attitude that’s full of courage and energy. By setting examples with the hard work of today’s temple cleaning, it is hoped that everyone who witness it will be joyfully encourage to put more effort into loving and protecting our planet.
Chairperson Dolly Tsai expressed that since everyone got up early to clean the temple, not only do we save money by not wasting it on Yum Cha (Tea and Yum Cha for many Chinese people is very similar to the café culture in New Zealand), we also generate good inner merits and wisdom, hence achieve the cultivation goal of “Double cultivation of merit and wisdom”. When we clean both body and mind, we put sustainability into real action, thus creating a wholesome life style.