As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chicago Buddhist Temple organized its annual year-end cleanup following the conclusion of the Year-End Light Offering Service on February 1. More than twenty volunteers and members of the Young Adult Division (YAD) gathered to practice the spirit of collective creation, cleaning the environment while purifying their inner minds through Bodhisattva practice.
Before the cleanup began, the monastics led the assembly in reciting the Heart Sutra and “A Prayer for Volunteers” by FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Abbess Venerable Yung Han encouraged everyone, noting that the cleanup is not only a physical organization but also a spiritual baptism. She urged the volunteers to use a joyful heart to purify their actions, speech, and thoughts, bringing a renewed spirit to both their inner and outer worlds. Subsequently, Venerable Miao Wei assigned tasks to the various groups, officially commencing the cleanup.
The cleaning efforts covered the entire temple, including the main entrance, offices, kitchen (Daliao), restrooms, audiovisual room, and information desk. Volunteers meticulously wiped the Buddha shrines and kneeling pads and climbed up to clean light fixtures and beams. YAD member Yang Zhong shared that collaborating with others helped him deeply appreciate the value of mutual aid. First-time participant Lam Phan expressed his moved feelings upon seeing the selfless dedication of the senior members, experiencing the joy of serving the public.
After hours of diligent effort, the temple was left bright, clean, and serene. The volunteers then proceeded to put up New Year decorations in preparation for the upcoming spring festivities and the Community Joy Day on February 22. The temple cordially invites the public to welcome a year of compassion and wisdom in 2026.