More Than 1700 Devotees Participated in Year-End Gratitude Gathering at Nung Chan Monastery

On January 12^th, 2025, Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) General Association of Dharma Supporters held the "Walking into 2025 Year-end Gratitude Gathering." Along with 22 other DDM affiliates around the world, Nung Chan Monastery joined the livestreamed event, in which over 8,500 volunteers attended to exchange blessings with one another. A total of 1,700 volunteers gathered at Nung Chan Monastery, including volunteers of Nung Chan Monastery, volunteers from other centers such as Cheng-jung, Neihu, Shipai, and Beitou, as well as the Center for Spiritual Development. 

In her opening speech, Ven. Guo Yi (果毅法師), Director of Nung Chan Monastery, pointed out that it is the solid foundation laid by late Master Sheng Yen and his teacher, Ven. Master Dong Chu, as well as the joint effort of volunteers that make Nung Chan Monastery a precious venue to benefit sentient beings with Buddhist teachings. On behalf of the senior devotees, Wang Chung-jung (王崇忠), Vice President of DDM General Association of Dharma Supporters, expressed his gratitude to the wisdom and compassion of the Three Jewels, encouraging everyone to aspire to support the spread of Dharma while cultivating meritorious blessings and wisdom at DDM. Ven. Guo Dong (果東法師), former Abbot President of DDM, was invited to send loving care to devotees at the gathering on behalf of DDM Sangha. In his humorous Dharma talk, which filled the room with constant laughter and applause, Ven. Guo Dong encouraged everyone to have great aspirations in order to integrate Buddhist teachings into their lives. 

Through the livestream, Nung Chan Monastery also tuned in to the Dharma talk delivered by Ven. Guo Huei (果暉法師), Abbot President of DDM, as well as the blessing from Chang Chang-pang (張昌邦), President of DDM General Association of Dharma Supporters. Ven. Guo Huei indicated that, as DDM is moving in a more international and youthful direction, DDM's outreach will become more diverse while realizing its core value of protecting the spiritual environment. Ven. Guo Huei also encouraged every volunteer to start with themselves by putting Buddhist teachings into practice in their daily lives, so that they can activate their "power of great aspiration," which gives direction and breathes positive energy into their lives.



Original Chinese text / Wu Li-jiuan (吳麗娟)
Photos / Nung Chan Monastery
Translation / Li Siang-ling
Editing / Keith Brown, YKL