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The JOY-of-Giving and the JOY-of-Belonging were elegantly interwoven throughout the afternoon’s online sharing experience—Getting Involved in Hsi Lai Temple—organized by the Social Education and Outreach Department of Hsi Lai Temple, on March 20. Thanks to the grand efforts of Ven. Zhi Xing and five dedicated volunteers, who are members of the Buddha’s Light International Assoc. (BLIA) and the BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD), participants heard insightful, personal stories and had all their inquiries answered.
Ven. Zhi Xing shared a powerpoint packed full of historical facts and important information regarding Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, the founder Ven. Master Hsing Yun, and the numerous ways people could become involved within this compassionate, caring Sangha community. As Ven. Master Hsing Yun said, “The Sangha is a community, made up of monastics and lay people, working together side by side to accomplish great things—like the two wings of a bird. Both wings are needed to fly"!
Through heartwarming words and stories by YAD Advisor Vincent Liu, BLIA advisor Avelyn Busch, BLIA Hsi Lai subchapter president and Docent Chris Richards, and BLIA Hsi Lai subchapter secretary Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) Teacher Christine Khanbijian, participants were able to envision what it would be like to be a volunteer and walk upon the path of GIVING or as Buddhist’s lovingly call it—the Bodhisattva path. Lynette King, MC, ended by sharing, “As humans, we can be hesitant and/or cautious of the unknown, the new. I recently read a quote I would like to share with you today" —
“It’s impossible,” said PRIDE.
“It’s risky,” said EXPERIENCE.
“Give it a try,” whispered the HEART.
Everyone was invited to come and to experience, firsthand, the joy of giving at Hsi Lai during the Day of Giving, Mar. 26, 10 am -12 noon. One day a month monastics and volunteers gather and work together on a specific project—like gardening, painting, or cleaning. For more info, please visit or register at http://www.hsilai.org/en/events/localcommunity/GettingInvolvedInHLT.php
