The Sprout of Bodhicitta · Family Tree Adoption Event Information

— Mui Kwok Temple

1. Background and Purpose

With the kind approval of our Venerable Abbot, Mui Kwok Temple is initiating the "The Sprout of Bodhicitta · Family Tree Adoption Event ". The purpose is to beautify our temple grounds, create a peaceful environment, and provide a precious opportunity for devotees to connect with nature, cultivate their spirit, and gather blessings.

In The Field of Merit Sutra:

The Buddha said to the Heavenly Emperor, ' There are seven more ways to widely give and gather merit, which are called fields of merit. Those who practice them will be reborn in the Brahma Heaven. What are the seven? First, building pagodas, monasteries, living quarters for Sangha and space for propagation of the Dharma. Second, Planting trees and gardens to provide comfortable space. Third, providing medicine to cure all illnesses. Fourth, Building strong ships to ferry sentient beings. Fifth, connecting bridges to allow the weak to cross. Sixth, digging wells near roads to provide water for the thirsty. Seventh, providing public wash rooms to convenience others. These are the seven deeds that lead to the blessings of the Brahma Heaven.'"

Planting trees for shade is one of the seven fields of merit, and widespread practice of it leads to rebirth in the Brahma Heaven. As our ancestors also said, "All plants and trees have the Buddha-nature within them. Cultivating and donating green plants is a way of nurturing and protecting our own Bodhicitta." Therefore, planting trees not only gathers merit but also creates immeasurable blessings. We ourselves can enjoy the shade in this life, and it can also provide relief for future generations. Those who plant trees with a sincere heart are acting for the benefit of themselves and others, which is the practice of a Bodhisattva.

2. Event Details

• Event Name:  The Sprout of Bodhicitta · Family Tree Adoption Event

• Location: Designated garden area at Mui Kwok Temple

• Target Audience: Families (or one parent with a child/children)

• Adoption Format: Families voluntarily adopt, provide their own sapling, plant it themselves, and care for it long-term.

• Date: TBD.

3. Adoption Process and Guidelines

1). Registration:

• Please contact Shifu Xing Zhen, Jin Pingguo, or Newson Ly to register.

• Spaces are limited and will be closed once filled.

2). Tree Selection (Important):

• To maintain the tranquility and harmony of the temple, the trees planted must be suitable for the temple environment.

• You may purchase your own sapling or consult with Shifu Xing Zhen, Jin Pingguo, or Newson Ly for recommendations to ensure the tree species is healthy and harmless.

3). Tree Planting Day Schedule:

• Arrival and Sign-in: Gather at the temple to listen to a brief talk from a Dharma teacher and learn about the planting event details.

• Blessing and Purification: The Venerable Abbot will lead a simple blessing and purification ceremony for the saplings and the land.

• Hands-on Planting: Under the guidance of volunteers, families will work together in a designated area to dig a hole, plant the tree, fill the soil, and water it.

• Hanging a Wish Plaque: The temple will provide uniform wish plaques. Families can write their names and blessings on them and hang them on their tree.

• Dedication of Merit: At the end of the event, everyone will dedicate the merit from the day's good deeds to all sentient beings.

4). Long-Term Responsibility and Commitment:

• Adopting families are expected to show long-term love and responsibility, committing to regularly caring for their sapling (we recommend at least twice a month), which includes watering and weeding.

• Temple volunteers will perform daily supervision, but the primary care responsibility belongs to the adopting family.

• If for any reason you are unable to continue caring for your tree, please inform the temple or Jin Pingguo/ Newson Ly in a timely manner so arrangements can be made.

4. Important Notes:

• Respect the Sacred Space: Please keep the peace, avoid loud noises, abide by the temple's rules, and protect all plants and trees.

• Safety First: Parents must supervise their children at all times, use tools correctly, and prioritize safety.

• Environmental Cleanliness: After the event, please return all tools and take all your trash with you, leaving the area clean.

• Harmony and Uniformity: All wish plaques will be provided by the temple. Please do not bring plaques made of other materials to maintain the solemn and harmonious appearance of the garden.

5. Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact the temple or the event coordinators: Shifu Xing Zhen, Jin Pingguo, or Newson Ly.

May the sapling we plant today grow into a forest tomorrow. May this merit nourish our compassionate hearts and provide shade for future generations.