The first time I encountered IBS Program was at a dinner Fund raiser that I was invited to. When I first met Venerable Xianzhong he was very friendly and easy to talk to, there was an immediate connection because of his kindness. After hearing more about the program during the fundraiser it was inspiring for me and knew that I could see myself doing more things with the program and the people involved in it. Since then I have been to a Dharma Function led by Venerable Xianzhong and there were lots of people and food to eat for everyone. It felt more like a family rather than friends. I was also very fortunate to attend another Dharma Function and Dharma talk that was led by Venerable Hueiguang. I was very inspired by what I heard and how easy it was to talk with Venerable Hueiguang which I only knew for two days but felt like I could ask him anything without shyness. I learned a lot in such a little amount of time from both Venerables and even inspired me to take refuge under their lineage, having the Dharma name Guan Jing. My next encounter with IBS was attending their homeless program where we go out on the streets and offer lots of hot pizza, water and recently also giving them clothes, shoes, blankets, gloves, beanies, jackets, and more. During this experience, it not only made me realize how lucky I was to have what I have in life but it also gave me a chance to put a smile on someone’s face because they just wanted to have a full stomach. It gave me a chance to actually see what they are going through and see the real conditions of what they are living with. It gave me the chance to do something very meaningful in life and just help another human being. This experience brought me back to the first time I went to the dinner fundraiser when I was greeted with warm hearts and kindness from everyone, I was now getting to show others that there are people that do care and kindness does exist. This whole experience has deepened my Bodhicitta.
A phrase that I have now used many times that has stuck in my head that I got from IBS is “NO ONE CAN HELP EVERYONE BUT EVEYONE CAN HELP SOMEONE” May all beings suffer less, May all beings be happy!
Namo Amituofo _/l\_
Guan Jing
