DDS Held the Certification Ceremony for Fundraising Members

On the morning of September 28^th, 2024, Dharma Drum Singapore (DDS) hosted a certification ceremony for its fundraisers, as well as a caregiving event for the local volunteers. Ven. Guo Huei (果暉法師), the Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), was invited to officiate the certification ceremony and give a Dharma talk to all the local volunteers.

Having been established for 28 years, DDS continues to spread the Dharma and Master Sheng Yen's teachings to the people in Singapore, so that more people can apply Buddhadharma to calm their body and mind. As people gain the benefits from the Dharma, they then further share it with others. In order to sustain the development of DDS, DDS has decided to implement a membership program for fundraisers. Nevertheless, the goal of DDS' fundraising activities is not only aimed to raise funds, but also to introduce people to the Dharma, as well as to invoke people's aspiration to support the Dharma. In addition, DDS hopes to bring people's power together to support various events for propagating Buddhadharma as well as social activities.

After completing the training program for its fundraising members in August 2024, for the first time in 28 years, DDS organized the certification ceremony for the fundraising members. Ven. Guo Huei visited DDS to confer the certifications and express his wishes for them.

Ven. Guo Huei indicated that, through raising funds, the fundraisers are cultivating blessings for themselves and others, in addition to extensively building amicable karmic affinities with others. With the advancement of technology, the number of people attending physical Dharma assemblies and activities is decreasing, which means that it is becoming more difficult to raise funds for Buddhadharma propagation.

Ven. Guo Huei pointed out that life is impermanent and the suffering of birth, aging, illness, and death is as normal as the cycle of day and night. Many people avoid talking about the issues regarding life and death. Until the last stage of their lives, they just realize that they must be confronted with their fear of death. Without religious beliefs and guidance, it is especially difficult for them to face death and let go.

As Ven. Guo Huei suggested, whether it is in countries stricken by war or hit by natural disasters and diseases, people are in need of attention and loving care. Even in advanced countries such as Singapore, there must be communities that we can reach out and express loving kindness to, not only in material but also in spiritual terms. Ven. Guo Huei hopes that the newly certified members can introduce people to DDM, as well as cultivate blessings and wisdom in their lives together.




Original Chinese text / Lai Fo-man (黎科慜)
Photos / Publicity team of Dharma Drum Singapore
Translation / Li Siang-ling
Editing / Keith Brown, YKL