DDMSWCF Hosts Two-Day Excursion for the Disadvantaged in Linbian
The Peace of Mind Relief Station of Dharma Drum Mountain and Social Welfare Station (DDMSWCF) in the southern Taiwanese township of Linbian in Pintung County hosted a two-day excursion for the families of 24 households from 7-8 May, 2011.
These households have been under the long-term financial patronage of the Linbian station.
The event was an exciting one for many of the residents as some of them had never travelled out of their hometown before so this was a first time opportunity to get out, relax and enjoy the two-day experience
The first stop of the journey was a visit to the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan in Taichung City in the morning, followed by a visit to Taichung’s Baoyun Monastery that afternoon to join in the Vesak celebrations with Baoyun’s monastics.
In the evening, the group arrived at the Tiennan Monastery located in the Sanxia Township of New Taipei City where they spent the night.
Most of the participants were truly awed and wonderstruck at the beauty of Tiennan Monastery with its beautiful yet simple architecture and the tranquility and beauty of its natural surroundings. Playing hosts and guides to the residents were the Tiennan monastics.
The next day dawned bright and sunny and the participants set off early for the DDM World Center for Buddhist Education which is located in Jinshan Township of New Taipei City.
With the help and explanation of their Chinese-language tour guide, the participants could truly relate and enjoy not only the scenic beauty and Zen-like atmosphere of the Center, but at the same time they could immerse themselves in the beauty of the teachings and nurture the Dharma seed within their hearts.
The two-day excursion ended with a final visit to the Zhaiming Monastery in the afternoon. This Monastery which is over one hundred years old and a national historical site, is located in the Daxi Township of Taoyuan County.
Again the participants had the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the ancient artifacts and history of the Monastery.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
