Every morning at half past four, as a volunteer, I get up on time to start my day. Five o'clock,Morning classAt the beginning of the chanting, I gathered in the monastery with other volunteers and recited word by word。Even though it was still early in the morning, I could feel the solemnity and sacred atmosphere that permeated the temple. With the completion of the morning fast, we began to work, divide and cooperate, and devote ourselves to our respective jobs. At around 6 o'clock, at our appointed time, we went on a group meditation to listen to the teachings and wisdom of the Venerable Master. Around ten o'clock, we finished the day's work tired and satisfied, resting and sleeping to fully recover our strength. That's what I amKoboji TempleEveryday volunteer life.
Koboji TempleLocated inShenzhenFairy Lake Botanical GardensAs a volunteer, I have the privilege of making my own contribution to it. Whenever I walk into the temple, I can always feel itTranquilityand an atmosphere of seclusion. Dressed in uniform volunteers, the volunteers busily shuttled through the monastery and communicated with the pilgrims, harmoniously forming a beautiful landscape. At first, I thought that everyone had a pious heart and wanted to practice and ascend in the monastery. However, when I got involved in volunteering, I realized that the reality was different from what I had imagined.
InKoboji TempleTo volunteer is to go up the mountain, which is the unified name of everyone. Regardless of gender, volunteers refer to each other as brothers. There are two types of volunteers: Suixi volunteers and resident volunteers. Suixi volunteers are round-trips on the same day, while resident volunteers need to do at least three consecutive days and can live in the monastery dormitory for free. When I arrived at the monastery gate, I went to the volunteer office to register, and then a senior brother led me to the volunteer dormitory. The dormitory has four bunk beds and a bathroom, giving it a feel similar to a university dormitory. However, due to poor ventilation and lighting, the walls were covered with mold. For most of the new seniors from the city, waking up early is the biggest challenge. Five o'clock in the morningMorning class, which makes people can't help but need to put in more effort to get up. Every time I chanted a sutra in the temple, I couldn't help but yawn despite my efforts to stay focused. Some of them almost fainted while kneeling and worshipping the Buddha due to lack of sleep. Unlike other cities,Koboji TempleThe volunteers are mainly young people in their 20s, and they just happen to fitShenzhendemographics. But in this fast-paced, vengeful late-night city, waking up early is a huge challenge for young people. However, if you can adapt to the work and rest time and the collective lifestyle, monastic life will take on a different appearance than in the cityTranquilitywith calm.
One of the most common greetings in the monastery is, "How long have you been volunteering?" This simple greeting was saidKoboji TempleOne of the reasons for becoming a group of relatives and friends at the monastery is that after a long time, everyone will become familiar with each other and develop a sense of intimacy with each other. Every day before going to work, I will say hello and greet the senior brothers who are also in the post, which has also become a tacit understanding and tradition between us. As a volunteer, my main job is to help with the day-to-day running of the monastery. This includes cleaning the temple, arranging the scriptures, decorating the hall and Buddhist services, etc. Although these tasks may seem mundane, they require our care and patience. When I clean the temple, I carefully wipe down every placeBuddha statuesThe dust, try to ensure that the Buddha hall is clean and solemn. When I organize my books, I turn each page carefully to avoid any damage or omission. When decorating the temple, I carefully arrange each offering and make offerings with the utmost sincerity. These seemingly trivial tasks are a manifestation of our respect and devotion to Buddhist temples.
InKoboji TempleIn addition to my busy work and heavy tasks, I also have a lot of time to reflect and improve myself. The monastery gave me a quiet and meditative space that allowed me to think more deeplyThe meaning of lifeand value. Every time I practice as a group, I listen carefully to the teachings of the Master and apply his guidance and inspiration to my own life. Whenever I encounter confusion and frustration, I also look for comfort and strength here. Koboji TempleNot only a temple, but also a place to learn and grow.
The true face of monastic life is far from what I originally thought. It hasTranquilityWith the sacred, there are also busyness and challenges. However, it was this kind of life that allowed me to recognize my shortcomings and what I needed to improve. It has given me the opportunity to grow and think more clearly about my life and humanity. Every day of my life is an opportunity for reflection and improvement, and in the process, I constantly feel myself growing and improving. That's what I amKoboji TempleA life full of challenges and opportunities.