Others First

It was quite a new and refreshing experience for me to join IMG Dharma Gathering on 2026.08.30.

From beginning to end, I was deeply moved by the thoughtful and detailed arrangements made by all the volunteers and Venerable Guo Chii (果啟法師). Without their efforts, how could we have experienced such a feast for the five senses?
 
The heart of the entire event took place in the Chan Hall. Venerable Guo Chii led us in walking meditation at different speeds, sometimes fast and sometimes slow. It was a lesson for us in staying present mindfully with every step.
 
Last but not least, Venerable Guo Chii invited us to read the vows we had written on the mini aspiration cards in front of the Buddha. This moved me to tears. I felt so deeply accepted and embraced by the Buddha's compassion. At that moment, I thought to myself, if I don't make the effort to cultivate myself from now on, what am I waiting for? The next life?
 
At the end of the activity, I saw the tea hosts pulling their luggage and packing up everything they had brought with them—including flowers, containers, tea leaves canisters, tea sets, and all the other things needed to create the right causes and conditions for the event. At that moment, I realized that what we had enjoyed during the whole precious event actually came from their own contributions and efforts. Not to mention that they had come to set up the venue the day before.
 
I began to think about what drives the volunteers to give so much of themselves. Wasn't this a realization of Master Sheng Yen's teaching, "Others First"?
 
What moved me the most was realizing that behind this beautiful experience was the selfless effort of so many people. Their actions are a model that I would like to keep in mind and follow from now on.




Written by Megan C. 20260831

Photos：Emily 施心媛