English Sub-chapter Montly Report - July 2008
This is a report of the activities of the English Sub-Chapter during July.
1. Dharma Functions
Members of the ESC have been registering and attending some of the big Dharma functions such as Great Compassion Repentance, Ksitigharba Dharma Function of Filial Piety and Ullambana Festival. We see this as an excellent opportunity to learn more of the Dharma, and even though these are conducted in Mandarin we can feel the experience. It is an integral part of our cultivating and learning.
2. Offering To The Sangha
We have 17 people from ESC registered to do the offering to the Sangha at the Ullambana Festival. This is a first time experience for many of us, and we are looking forward to showing our appreciation to the Sangha for their constant hard work.
3. Song Rehearsals
For the past four weeks we have been having regular rehearsals to prepare for the Sangha Day. This has been a great time for us to get together and have some fun singing and practicing an array of songs.
4. First Aid Training
One of the ESC members, Dane Brett is a paramedic with St John’s Ambulance and kindly offered to give some basic First Aid Training to all Tour Guide Operators. Some of the factors covered in the Training were Primary Response, CPR, Recovery Position, when to call for an ambulance, and what to do to keep somebody comfortable until an ambulance arrives. The training was presented with lots of fun and laughs and Dane was an excellent teacher and very well prepared. We are very fortunate to have these opportunities and thank Dane for kindly offering his time and knowledge.
5. Tour Guides
Over the month of July six of the English Sub-Chapter members have arranged time from their busy working weeks to either take or assist in many of the guided tours in the temple. The feedback from visitors has been very positive, and this is a great opportunity to introduce local people to the theme of humanistic Buddhism.
6. AGM Invitation Letter
Recently we received an urgent request to put together an invitation letter in English for the upcoming AGM. Working together we managed to get the letter finished and submitted prior to the deadline. Some of the members from English Sub-Chapter, East One and YAD worked together to fold the letters and place them in the envelopes to be sent out for all BLIA members.
7. Daily News & Translation
The English Sub-Chapter daily news team continues to write the activities happening in the Temple which is published on a regular basis on the English version of the Fo Guang Shan website. This is an invaluable way of connecting with the wider community and sharing some of the dharma talks and lessons.
We are also helping to translate a recent speech given by Venerable Master Hsing Yun from the International Youth Conference held at Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan on the 10th July 2008 so this can be published on the website.
8. Hundred Masters Wall Plaque Exhibition
Some of the members of English Sub Chapter is in the process of helping with the translation of some of the calligraphy from the new Ink Rubbing exhibition in the Hai Hui Hall. The translation into English will be of benefit to English speaking visitors so that they can have a more meaningful experience.