Celebrating the opening of the Dharma Drum Degui Academy
The Dharma Drum Degui Academy was opened on 29 March 2009 with the mission of providing services and care to the elderly and youth and other disadvantaged people. The opening of this Academy is a new landmark in the work of DDM in Protecting the Spiritual Environment.
The Academy will provide services that will teach Chan meditation for youth, provide mental and spiritual counseling, provide training to volunteers and courses to provide an opportunity for lifelong learning. Through this, DDM hope to invite more people to open and to cultivate their mind for good.
The Academy's inauguration ceremony was co-presided by the Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, the Deputy Mayor of Taipei City Government, Mr. Lin Jianyuan, the Principle of DDM University, Dr. Liu Anzhi, the Secretary General of DDM Humanities and Social Improvement Foundation, Mr. Li Shengyi, and Mr. Chen Jianan from DDM's General Association of Dharma Upholders.
The Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong encouraged all to conduct problem-solving in positive ways thereby opening the lights of wisdom and compassion in the mind.
The Deputy Mayor, Mr Lin Jianyuan said that the site of Dharma Drum Degui Academy is convenient for people either living in Taipei City or in Taipei County by Mass Transit Transportation, bus or even scooter. People could easily access DDM's quality services and teaching of the Dharma, enabling the power of passion and good to quickly permeate throughout the society.
In addition, the "Life Line for Care" of DDM was at the same time formally inaugurated. Anyone who rings this line will receive professional assistance in spiritual counseling, allowing anyone who is in despair to realize he/she is not facing difficulties alone.
The location of the Academy is：
No. 77, Yan Ping South Road, Taipei (near MRT's Ximen Station. Exit 5)
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)