For the past two years, every spare moment in the life of Dharma Brother T has been devoted to the Yen Ming temple. After clocking out from his day job, he makes his way there, ready to serve in any capacity needed—vacuuming floors, cleaning, moving heavy items, or any other task that arises. What began as simple volunteer work, however, has blossomed into a profound personal transformation. Dharma Brother T reports a remarkable shift in his life’s trajectory. Workplace conflicts and problems that once plagued his career have dissipated. Where he once faced the real danger of losing his job, his professional life is now stable and secure. Challenges at work seem to resolve smoothly, almost effortlessly. He attributes this dramatic change to the compassionate blessings of the Golden Mother, the principal deity revered at the Yen Ming temple. "The Golden Mother is incredibly responsive," Dharma Brother T shares. Whenever he encounters difficulty, he goes before her to speak sincerely of his troubles. He routinely seeks her guidance and empowerment to avoid misconduct and reflects deeply, often offering heartfelt repentance — for his shortcomings. His service, he emphasises, is driven by no desire for personal gain. "I just dedicate myself wholeheartedly, without expecting anything in return," he explains. This spirit of selfless service extends beyond the temple walls into his daily life, where he finds joy in helping others. Living nearby, Yen Ming temple is a constant in his landscape. Even on days too busy to stop and volunteer, he …
For the past two years, every spare moment in the life of Dharma Brother T has been devoted to the Yen Ming temple. After clocking out from his day job, he makes his way there, ready to serve in any capacity needed—vacuuming floors, cleaning, moving heavy items, or any other task that arises.
What began as simple volunteer work, however, has blossomed into a profound personal transformation. Dharma Brother T reports a remarkable shift in his life’s trajectory. Workplace conflicts and problems that once plagued his career have dissipated. Where he once faced the real danger of losing his job, his professional life is now stable and secure. Challenges at work seem to resolve smoothly, almost effortlessly.
He attributes this dramatic change to the compassionate blessings of the Golden Mother, the principal deity revered at the Yen Ming temple. “The Golden Mother is incredibly responsive,” Dharma Brother T shares. Whenever he encounters difficulty, he goes before her to speak sincerely of his troubles. He routinely seeks her guidance and empowerment to avoid misconduct and reflects deeply, often offering heartfelt repentance — for his shortcomings.
His service, he emphasises, is driven by no desire for personal gain. “I just dedicate myself wholeheartedly, without expecting anything in return,” he explains. This spirit of selfless service extends beyond the temple walls into his daily life, where he finds joy in helping others.
Living nearby, Yen Ming temple is a constant in his landscape. Even on days too busy to stop and volunteer, he makes a point to pause, put his palms together, and bow respectfully towards the Buddha and Bodhisattvas as he passes.
The transformation, he notes, is not only external but deeply internal. He observes significant changes in his own character: a temper once quick has softened into patience; confusion in the face of problems has been replaced by a clearer wisdom to handle situations; an ability to let go of fixations and embrace the flow of life has emerged.
Reflecting on the source of these blessings, Dharma Brother T identifies three key factors: genuine — a heart of reverence and respect — for the Grand Master, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas; his wholehearted, reward-free service as a volunteer; and his continual practice of repentance coupled with a sincere effort to correct his faults and habits.
His story stands as a quiet testament to the potential for spiritual practice, selfless action, and an open, reverent heart to catalyse tangible, positive change in one’s life and destiny.
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