Evelyn Chan (傳行), Vice President

When Evelyn was young, her aunt used to bring her along to visit traditional Buddhist temples around Manila. Looking at the dark, smoke-filled interiors of these temples, with the huge, copper-red statues, she would later have nightmares in her sleep. As an adult traveling in China, Evelyn often visited many temples to make offerings and pray for blessings. But still, she couldn’t tell the difference between those and Daoist temples.

In 2003, Evelyn came upon Ocean Sky by accident. She entered the almost completed structure of the Monastery, mistaking it for another soon-to-open restaurant, as the street where the Monastery is located is known as a restaurant row. Immediately, she was surprised to discover that it was a Zen monastery!

After diligently attending several levels of meditation classes, Evelyn soon learned how to distinguish clearly which temples espouse the True Dharma. Since then, her character had greatly improved. Evelyn shares: “I have been attending classes and Dharma Ceremonies in Ocean Sky for almost 10 years now. After years of studying Buddha’s teachings with the compassionate Dharma Masters, I have learned to be more charitable, by giving generously to the needy. I have become more tolerant with my children. I also gave more opportunities for my workers and house helpers to improve their lives. I’m learning to give without attachment, knowing that whatever we give will come back and more.” Clearly, Evelyn has taken the lessons on Causality, Emptiness and Impermanence to heart.

And just like many of the lay people in the Monastery, Evelyn has since regarded Ocean Sky and the resident Sangha as her own family. This is very evident in the way she has been taking care of the many Shifus who have come and gone in Ocean Sky. She anticipates their needs, and would meticulously shop for the items needed, and personally prepare the food, medicine, or other personal necessities for the Shifus. Evelyn is also very generous in offering supplies needed in the Monastery.

Evelyn has a personal attendant, Gina, whom she treats like a daughter. Gina accompanies Evelyn whenever the latter reports to Ocean Sky. From the start, Evelyn has encouraged Gina to attend meditation classes and study the Dharma. Now, Gina has also become an active volunteer in the Monastery, and feels that her own life has changed for the better.

Evelyn’s advice to all newcomers in Ocean Sky is “to keep a keen sense of observation, adapt the good practices, and apply them in one’s own life. Tolerance is also needed. As a virtue, it can be cultivated. Through constant polishing of one’s character, one can become purified, and the Buddha Nature will radiantly shine through.” As one of the Vice-Presidents, Evelyn is well-loved and respected by the whole Ocean Sky family.