Lolita Lutanco (傳醒), Executive Secretary;
Coordinator, Liturgy Chanting Section
Brought up in a traditional ancestor-worshipping Chinese family, I spent my early schooling in Samantabhadra Institute (普賢中學). Before exams, our teachers would tell us to pray before an image of Buddha by sitting quietly and focusing on the tip of our nose. I took it literally; so each time, I sat there feeling I would soon be cross-eyed! I remember I visited temples with my mother, but was quite turned off by the thick smell of incense and the chaotic vendors outside. I thought if that was what Buddhism was all about, then I didn’t want to be a part of it.
Later, I studied in a Christian school and almost took up the faith, but stopped short, because it could not explain to me satisfactorily why there were so many inequalities in life, why some bad people had the good life and other good people suffered.
In late 2003, I saw a feature in the papers about meditation classes in Ocean Sky and got interested. When I visited, I was so surprised to find that the Monastery wasn’t the typical Buddhist temples of my childhood. Ocean Sky was serene, neat, and very orderly. The first lesson I came upon was the 2nd Noble Truth—Causes of Suffering. During the Dharma talk, all my nagging questions were suddenly answered, and everything became clear! It has been 9 years since, and I have not stopped attending classes.
After one year of attending classes, I started volunteering in various capacities around the monastery. I helped out as acolyte in the Chan Hall, then, became a receptionist two days a week. Sometimes, I also serve as coordinator of the beginners’ class. Presently as executive secretary, I was put in charge of the Chan hall and all of its activities, including serving as acolyte, playing the Dharma instruments, and pitching in as emcee. On the side, I have been doing some translations, and writing short plays for various activities. I am grateful to the Shifus for giving me the chance to learn, because I’m surprised that at my age, I can still pick up new things. Ocean Sky has become part of my life. My commit-ments at home sometimes have to take a back seat especially when a big ceremony is looming. My family has also learned to fend for themselves when I am busy with “temple things.”
Ocean Sky is a true gem, and all our learned and wise Dharma Masters are one of a kind. Nowhere else in the Philippines can you find such a place where the precious True Dharma is expounded, with nothing expected from you in return. I thank Grand Master Wei Chueh for including the Philippines in his plans. When I first stepped into Ocean Sky, I thought I came for the meditation. But, I received so much more. I discovered Buddha’s teachings and understood what life was all about. I have come full circle from the Samantabhadra Institute of my childhood, and I am finally home.
