Venerable Guo Pin back in quake-torn Sichuan province in celebration of Children's Day with students
On 1 June 2009, the Deputy Abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), Venerable Guo Pin, led a team of volunteers from the DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (DDMSWCF) back into Xiushui Township of Sichuan Province in China. This particular date is celebrated as Children’s Day in mainland China, signifying a day for caring and spreading of the power of virtues.
The team hosted a gratitude party, titled "You are empowered", at the Minxin High School in celebration of Children’s Day with students who have suffered from the devastating quake in May 2008.
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The Minxin High School was the first outpost in the DDMSWCF volunteer rescue team's humanitarian efforts following the occurrence of the deadly earthquake.
In order to enable students to enhance self-confidence, to understand the values of "Six Ethics of the Mind" and to overcome sorrow and self-pity, the Deputy Secretary General of DDMSWCF, Venerable Chang Fa, specially designed several energetic and creative inspirational programs, such as Walking Chan and Hugging Love.
Prior to the conclusion of the party, Venerable Guo Pin encouraged students to say good words and do good things every day, and to do them with compassion, humbleness, and gratitude in mind. Ultimately, helping others in need and dedicating oneself to doing good deeds for the general public are arguably the best roads leading to the attainment of happiness and inner peace.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
