Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 17, 2023

On October 7th, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple and Nan Tien Institute organized the "Temple Tree Day" event, attracting thousands of local residents and tourists to participate.

The "Temple Tree Day" event is sponsored by Hsing Yun Education Foundation, and Nan Tien Temple teamed up with the Tree Veneration Society's artists to arrange series of activities, including Tai Chi, Tree Meditation, Guided Tree Tours, Beekeeping, Mindful Tree Sketching, Buddhist Tree Ceremony, Tree Creature Craft, Bodhi Tree Chalk Drawing, and more。

The "Temple Tree Day" event aims to embody Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" and aligns with the United Nations' "2030 Sustainable Development Goals." It allows people to connect with Nan Tien Temple and the trees.

Venerable Zhi Li, the head of the Social Education Department of Nan Tien Temple, expressed that Buddhism has a profound connection with trees. The Buddha was born, enlightened, and attained Nirvana under a tree, making trees symbolic of life. Understanding the essence of trees can lead to a deeper understanding of life.

Participants wore headphones to listen to the sounds inside the trees. photo／The Life News Agency

Founder and President of the Tree Veneration Society, Louise Fowler-Smith, provided a unique sensory experience where participants wore headphones to listen to the sounds inside the trees. Artist Amanda Farquharson guided participants in crafting handmade creations using branches, bark, and leaves. In a mindfulness drawing class, artist Kathy Karas led everyone to appreciate the garden from a new perspective. Artist Kassandra Bossell applied healing turmeric to a sick maple tree, emphasizing that all things have spirituality, and trees can sense human care. Beekeeper Rachel Peedom brought beehives to the event, offering participants an educational and close-up observation of nature.

Beekeeper Rachel Peedom brought beehives to the event, offering participants an educational and close-up observation of nature. photo／The Life News Agency

The most captivating part of "Temple Tree Day" was the Tree Sapling Prayer Ceremony. Participants held small saplings tied with yellow ribbons, listened to the sermon at the Main Shrine, and received purification blessings.

Venerable Miao You, a board member of Nan Tien Institute, pointed out that trees possess healing power, aiding in balancing both body and mind. We should learn from the wisdom of trees and practice "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" through mindfulness and introspection in our daily lives.

Venerable Miao You led the participants in experiencing Tree Meditation. photo／The Life News Agency

The yellow ribbons on the saplings symbolize a commitment to the environment and nature, as emphasized by Venerable Zhi Li in his speech: "When we plant a tree, we are also building a bond within the community." Through a small sapling, everyone can contribute to global environmental efforts, working together to create a better future. Venerable Zhi Li concluded the event by quoting the Dharma Verse of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, "being conscious of homogeneity and interdependence is the most enlightened and best idea in the world."