Embedded Files
Vancouver 2024 VegRun Gathering:
The Vancouver 2024 Global VegRun Charity Event held its grand gathering on July 6 at Mill Lake Park, with over 100 Fo Guang Shan members enthusiastically participating. They completed the final mile of VegRun, collectively covering a total distance of approximately 300 km, adding to the achievements of the Greater Vancouver area.
The day also served as a Volunteer Fellowship Gathering event. On the way to the park, Lay Dharma Lecturer Wang Keqian shared insights from a recent talk at the Edmonton temple. He mentioned that Fo Guang Shan is also known as the Mountain of Joy because everyone possesses the right understanding and views. Therefore, they will find joy in their hearts no matter what they do. The successful Charity Fair in the previous month saw the Vajra brothers setting up the venue under the sun with everyone’s faces tanned into two different shades. One of them said positively, "This is a mark of honour! Instead of lying in bed showered by the sunlight, it's better to enjoy a sunbath outdoors, proving that we are still strong and healthy!"
Before the lake walk, Venerable Chueh Chu gave a Dharma talk, expressing gratitude to the volunteers for their hard work in promoting the Vegetarian Month, the Rice Dumpling Harmony Festival, and the Charity Fair, which made each of these significant events a success. She encouraged everyone to be the captain of their own lives and fulfill the purpose of their current existence, quoting Venerable Master Hsing Yun: "Movement is the vitality of life. The meaning of life lies in action, for it is through movement that we have thoughts, emotions, and energy. Laziness and inaction lead to a lack of understanding of the meaning of life." She emphasized that the meaning of life is to contribute to and benefit humanity.
During the volunteer sharing session, Juanxian Cao, an elderly Bodhisattva nearly 80 years old, shared her knowledge of making rice dumplings. She mentioned that one should wash the bamboo leaves with a compassionate and gentle heart, handle ingredients with love and care, and complete every little detail with patience. Cultivation is about bringing the teachings of Buddhism into every corner of our daily lives.
Benson and Ivy, a family of four who joined this year’s Charity Fair, led by example to silently influencing their children by forgoing weekend leisure to join the volunteers. Ivy shared that witnessing the liveliness of the event and the dedication of all the volunteers deeply moved her. "Focusing on doing every task at hand, doing what needs to be done, brings a sense of fulfilment. It’s truly joyful to become a volunteer!"
The Vancouver 2024 VegRun event began on June 9 and is nearing completion. This year’s theme, “You Run, I Plant Trees”, plants a tree for every 20 km cumulated, donating them to local elementary schools to help children develop the right understanding of planting trees and protecting the environment, continuing the mission of "Three Acts of Goodness to Love the Earth."
The event took place on a clear, vibrant summer day in the park, featuring delicious vegetarian food, songs of the Sounds of Human World, fun games, and a lucky draw, bringing happiness and joy to all volunteer Bodhisattvas.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse