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What would you like to get out
of the Acolyte class?
Having
to learn the Buddhist practice as a student at Buddha Gate Monastery is already
very overwhelming because at first there is much to learn. Therefore, the only
way one person can perfect it is to practice.
Being able to attend class helps us achieve that.
As
for being on the Acolyte team, it is an honor.
It gives us an opportunity to understand the reason why we are doing
certain duties. Having the understanding
of why we walk a certain way or what the preparation is and means, gives me the
opportunity to help the people attending the ceremony. Also, the ultimate goal is to make the
ceremony go as smoothly as possible. I
also see the reason why we have the class and meetings. It is so we can work as a team, even if there
are any language barriers. Therefore,
attending the Acolyte meetings and class will help us understand the flow in
preparation so we can succeed during the ceremony. Another thing I noticed as an Acolyte is
timing. We depend on each other on
timing things right to make everything go smoothly. For me, once I accomplish this, it makes me
feel good.
I
appreciate all the Dharma Masters for teaching us and pointing out the
mistakes
we make so we can correct ourselves and not make the same
mistake. Practice makes perfect. For us, lots of practice
makes a step closer
to perfection. I feel that as long as we
are willing to accept the correction then we are benefiting.
To answer the question, “What would I like
to get out of the Acolyte class?” it is to be able to understand what we are
doing during the actual duties. Knowing
the etiquette and the meaning of why we do it satisfies our curiosity. Once we have an answer, then our mind can
rest. Before, I would wonder why are
they doing that or what is that for? How
do they know when a certain thing is to be done? So it all boils down to the knowledge and
wisdom we can attain from whatever the Dharma Master is trying to show and tell
us.
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