“The world is impermanent; the lands are fragile.” The major earthquake on February 6th, 2023, affecting Turkey and Syria, caused trembling in the minds of all people, serving as a shocking reminder of the suffering, emptiness, and impermanence of the world. In the spirit of compassion and empathy, the resident monastics of Lingyen Mountain Temple (Canada) once again asked everyone to take action in caring for those in need. They are gathering everyone’s contributions and purchasing supplies to send to the affected areas. They are also dedicating the merit of their Buddha Recitation and other wholesome practices in prayer that those who have lost their lives during this disaster will be reborn in the Western Pure Land, and that those surviving will soon rebuild their homes, and find peace and happiness in both body and mind.

On February 11th, the temple purchased urgently needed supplies and delivered them to the donation depot in Vancouver. With the assistance of the Turkish Consulate in Vancouver, Turkish Airlines will deliver supplies to the affected areas every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

On February 11th, the temple delivered the first batch of relief supplies to the Turkish Consulate in Vancouver’s donation depot.

On February 12th, instructors of the Sunday Buddhist Children’s Program taught the children about means of disaster prevention, and showed them videos of the current situation. They discussed ways to help the many people who are now homeless, cold, and hungry. The children were saddened by what they saw and sympathized with the victims: “They were asleep and did not have a chance to run away; they must have been very scared.” “They have lost their homes, which have now turned into a pile of dust. It is very sad.” “I want to donate some of my allowance.” “We are very safe here; how truly lucky we are.” With the guidance of the teachers, they began to see how “there is no peace in the Three Realms; they are like a burning house.” They also began to understand the true meaning of “It is a greater blessing to give than to receive” and thought about ways in which they could personally help. Aside from reciting the Buddha’s name to pray for those affected by the disaster, they also took the initiative to donate their allowance money into the Turkey Earthquake Relief donation box. By actively participating in charitable initiatives, and making an effort to care for the world, they felt the joy that comes from helping others. It was surely a very meaningful day for them.

Lingyen Mountain Temple (Canada) continues to lead the way in their participation of the “Help Turkey Vancouver” fundraising initiative. Following the first delivery of supplies to the Turkish Consulate in Vancouver’s donation depot on February 11th, there has continued to be an outpour of love and care. Everyone has continued to donate generously online and at the temple.

On February 15th, the resident monastics and volunteers from various regions used the recently donated funds to purchase diapers, canned food, and instant noodles, etc. and made a second delivery consisting of 11 pallets of goods. The employees at the donation depot gave a detailed explanation of how the supplies would be transported, and repeatedly expressed their appreciation. It was truly a warm and touching sight. With a mind of great kindness that extends to all, regardless of whether we share affinities, and a spirit of great compassion based on sharing the same essence with all beings, the temple hopes that the donated supplies will soon reach Turkey, and provide immediate relief to those in need. We hope that those affected by the disaster will be able to feel a sense of warmth in the freezing cold winter, and soon recover from their sorrow.