Hundreds of pounds of food and other supplies were donated to Friends In Deed non profit organization.
As the world eagerly awaited the dawn of the Lunar New Year, steeped in tradition and cultural significance, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters and the Holy Miracles Temple shine brightly as symbols of compassion and community service. Amidst the festivities marking the commencement of the Lunar New Year on February 10th, 2024, the temple embarked on a noble endeavor titled “Charitable Act to Benefit Our Community Together: 2024 Food and Goods Drive.”
During the 15-day Spring Festival, the Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, California, played a pivotal role in fostering generosity and goodwill. Local residents and well-wishers gathered at the temple to engage in acts of reverence and benevolence.
Guided by the venerable Abbess of the Hua Zang Si Temple, Ruzun Ruohui, the faithful congregated earnestly to pray and make offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on February 10th, 2024, invoking blessings for the welfare of all sentient beings. Ruzun Ruohui elucidated that the deeper meaning of “make offerings” was beyond the material realm, that these offerings embodied a deeper significance, serving as channels for accumulating merit and virtue, purifying the soul while the greed and attachment would be diminished with one’s sincere offerings, and nurturing compassion towards all living beings.
In alignment with the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Holy Miracles Temple extended its compassionate embrace beyond its hallowed halls, spearheading an initiative to collect essential provisions for the less fortunate. Hundreds of devotees and volunteers, organized and led by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters and the temple, tirelessly worked throughout the Lunar New Year Festival, from February 10th to 24th, to gather donations for those in need. From sustenance to shelters, the outpouring of donations from all corners of society mirrored the temple’s unwavering commitment to serving humanity with humility and grace.
The culmination of the “Charitable Act to Benefit Our Community Together” saw the collection of over 55,000 items, including food, blankets, rice, canned goods, living appliances, and shelter supplies. On March 1st, these donations were distributed to three organizations in nearby communities, including the Heart of Compassion Distribution Food Bank in Montebello, Friends in Deed in Pasadena, and the Pasadena Humane Society. The temple also emphasized that compassion and benevolence are to be carried out for those in need at any time rather than limiting efforts to only holidays or specific events.
Seven pallets of pet food and supplies were donated to Pasadena Humane society.
Tim Nistler, Director of the Food Pantry program at Friends in Deed, expressed profound gratitude to the World Buddhism Association Headquarters for their generous donation. He emphasized the critical role such contributions play in supporting their community, particularly as the Food Pantry serves more households than ever before, averaging about 580 visits per week. Nistler highlighted the diverse demographics of their community, where English, Spanish, and Mandarin are the main languages spoken. He described their pantry setup as akin to a neighborhood market, where individuals can select groceries based on their family size and preferences, aiming to offer diverse and healthy options. Nistler stressed the importance of partnerships like those with the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, noting that together, they can accomplish more in serving those in need.
Five pallets of food and supplies were donated to Heart of Compassion Distribution food bank.
Pasadena Humane’s public relations representative, Kevin, excitedly told reporters: “The donations from the temple are abundant, diverse in types, and plentiful in quantity. They have truly helped the animals housed at the shelter and will greatly assist in the future Food Pantry events held by Pasadena Humane in 11 cities, providing free food and supplies to cat or dog owners in need.”
Through its exemplary acts of charity and devotion, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters and the Holy Miracles Temple have reaffirmed the timeless values of compassion, generosity, and communal spirit. As the Lunar New Year unfolds, may the radiant spirit of altruism embodied by the temple continue to illuminate hearts and uplift communities worldwide, fostering a world brimming with empathy and kindness.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
