Young student monks at the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) recently made 300 rolls by hand, then delivered them to families needing food.
Master Zhen-Ru, spiritual teacher of GEBIS, once told her disciples: “As a ‘come from away‘ group who has been very well received by Islanders, we must sincerely and humbly repay all the kindness Prince Edward Island has offered us.”
A recent article regarding food insecurity caught Master Zhen-Ru’s attention. She is very engrossed with such widespread issues impacting many families, and particularly with school children in those household would go without food for long stretches of time.
Young student monks at GEBIS realized this, and aspired to put their kind heart into action — a great practice to fulfill the teacher’s wishes. In a recent Friday afternoon session, amidst their rigorous study and training program, they have added making 300 dinner rolls as an extra assignment on top of their chores.
Group leaders and moderators started planning and encouraging other members to be involved. The entire class took turns overseeing the baking and there was ample manpower for working the dough. By 9 o’clock in the evening, all 300 rolls full of love are finally ready.
Lay volunteers for the monastery took the next baton by rushing to where these rolls were needed. One family in need had a father stricken by illness and unable to work, and their household was in a precarious position. Having received these dinner rolls, heart-felt feelings may very well be better expressed without words.
Perhaps there exists some language barrier between young monks and our great Islander neighbours. However, in each young heart illuminated with kindness, there seems to be no distance in between. Much warmth is generated and felt through such acts of kindness. A spiritual teacher’s aspiration for her students to live their life devoted to kindness is being fulfilled by these young monks.
