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The concept of "Four Givings," which includes giving confidence, joy, hope, and convenience to others, is a working guideline established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan, for the followers of Fo Guang Shan. Hsi Lai Temple has adopted this concept as the theme for its local volunteer day, known as the "Day of Giving," where volunteers gather monthly to serve at the temple, practicing the paramita of generosity and learning to let go of attachments. This initiative has now entered its third year.
The first Day of Giving in the Year of the Dragon took place amidst the burgeoning spring. The theme of this Day of Giving was to dismantle the Lunar New Year decorations within the temple. Local groups participating in the event included the Hsi Lai Subchapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), the BLIA YAD 1 (Young Adult Division 1, the Hsi Lai Scouts, Hsi Lai TAG School, the Rotary Interact Club of Rowland Heights High School, as well as local individuals who signed up for the event, totaling nearly 130 participants.
Ven. Hui Dong, the abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, gave a Dharma talk, highlighting how the Lunar New Year decorations at the temple had accompanied thousands of households across the United States in celebrating the Lunar New Year. Thus, the Day of Giving not only cultivates compassion but also involves sacrificing one's time, energy, and adjusting daily schedules to serve the public, thereby learning to let go of attachments. Ven. Hui Dong emphasized that each person had a responsibility in today's service and needed to learn to follow instructions to complete tasks together, thereby cultivating diligence, patience, efficiency, and concentration. Finally, Ven. Hui Dong blessed the volunteers to enjoy the process of volunteering and embody the spirit of generosity.
Ven. Zhi Xing, the leader of the temple's Social Education & Outreach Department, assigned tasks to the volunteers, who sorted plastic flowers by color, dismantled fences, stacked artificial bricks, and returned items to the warehouse for future use. With everyone's efforts, most of the dismantling work was completed in about two hours.
One participating family, the Su family, originally from Myanmar, joined the event for the first time. Paige Su, along with her husband and two sons, participated in the TAG School weekend sessions in February. Both parents and children benefited greatly from the program, especially Lucas Su, the younger son, who developed a habit of tidying up toys at home after attending classes. This was their first time participating in the Day of Giving, with their 6-year-old and 3-year-old sons joining as little helpers.
Allison Chieh, a senior member of the Hsi Lai Girl Scouts for nine years, came to serve with the Girl Scouts today. She also participated in the Lunar New Year decoration activities at Hsi Lai Temple earlier this year. Through various services at Hsi Lai Temple, she mentioned a change in her introverted personality, becoming more outgoing and confident. The Day of Giving volunteer activities brought her relaxation and joy, and she expressed her intention to continue participating in the future.
(Photos by Jing Lin)
