Li, Bi-Zhen has been a volunteer at DDM since 1993 and it has become simply a part of her daily life. She admits that she used to be very egoistic and not very compassionate when dealing with people. However, her human relations skills have improved tremendously and she now knows how to communicate more effectively and choose kinder words which do not harm others. Using compassion and wisdom as her guide, her interpersonal relationship and skills is getting better and better.

On the morning of 18 July, 2013, the Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), Venerable Guo Dong, represented the Sangha to present a Certificate of Appreciation to the local Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce for their wholehearted devotion in upholding the Dharma work of DDM in Thailand . As this was a rare occasion to have Venerable Guo Dong in Thailand, eleven devotees took the opportunity to take Refuge in the Three Jewels in the Abbot President’s presence. He not only visited DDM Thailand’s premises but also visited the Thorn Buri district of Bangkok to offer his blessings to devotees.

On July 15 and 16, DDM hosted the Rotary International R.Y.E. Religious Camp 2013 in DDM’s World Center for Buddhist Education for thirty-five exchange students from 18 different nations with the aim of introducing the Dharma and Chan meditation into their daily life.

The morning of 30 June 2013 marks a momentous event in the history of Tai Chung Branch Monastery. The whole Sangha of Dharma Drum Mountain, together with special guests and more than four hundred lay supporters from the central Taiwan area attended a Dharma Assembly in conjunction with the securing of treasure to the central beam of the monastery and placing the beam to the newly constructed monastery.

Have you ever wondered how your children could spend their summer holidays meaningfully?

On 19 May 2013, the Yunji Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain in Tainan City hosted the Bathing Buddha Dharma Assembly and Gala Party in celebration of Vesak Day and the promotion of environmental protection.

In the evening of 22 June 2013, more than a hundred underprivileged children together with their families were received as special guests of Dreamnight at the Zoo; this event was hosted by the Taipei Zoo with the Dharma Drum Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDSWCF) as a co-organizer.

On the morning of 26 May 2013, the Anhe Branch of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taipei City hosted a Bathing of the Buddha Ceremony and a Dharma Assembly in celebration of Vesak Day, a day of great significance to Buddhists as we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.

On 5 May 2013, Xinxing Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain in eastern Taiwan, Taitung, held a Dharma Assembly, the Refuge-Taking Ceremony, followed by a Gala Party in celebration of Vesak Day.

On the morning of 5 May 2013, the Zhaiming Monastery of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taoyuan City held a Dharma assembly in celebration of Vesak Day.