Mary Tan (傳言),
Coordinator , Library Section

Mary was one of the earliest lay people to come to Ocean Sky ten years ago. She says: “Ocean Sky Chan Monastery is an auspicious place for spiritual cultivation, where everyone is welcome whatever his religion may be.”

Mary attends all five levels of Chinese Zen classes each week. At the end of each class, after all the students have gone home and the lights have dimmed, she stays behind in the lecture hall, quietly fixing things, making sure everything is neat and orderly, especially the tables and chairs. Mary also cleans the images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas with the deference and care of someone who understands that these statues represent the inherent wisdom, compassion, and purity within all sentient beings.

After years of cultivation, Mary took the Lay Bodhisattva Precepts in 2008, and has since vowed to prioritize the well-being of all sentient beings ahead of her own. She promises herself: “I would like to purify my mind to prevent future suffering. I wish to attain enlightenment in this life in order to end the cycle of rebirth.”

As coordinator of the Library Section, Mary works quietly by the bookshelves. She checks the books against a master list, tags them with the right code, then classifies and arranges them neatly in the correct sequence on the shelves. She would also take the books out regularly for dusting. For most people, this work might seem insignificant and boring, but Mary does it with utmost respect towards the Dharma treasures she handles. This quality of hers in accomplishing her chores and doing them just as attentively even away from the eyes of people is what sets her apart from all other volunteers in the monastery. Mary said: “Studying Buddhism has taught me how to always reflect on all my actions, so that my awareness is constantly sharpened.”

In addition to the library work, Mary is also an acolyte, taking care of the lay people in the Chan hall. The afternoon before each ceremony, she carefully arranges the trays of fruit offerings. Mary often voluntarily prepares delicious and healthy food to offer to the Sangha and lay people. She also helps out with the Bodhi Star class, showing her compassion in taking care of the children. Even with so many tasks to do in Ocean Sky, she does not neglect her family obligations by rushing home to prepare dinner before returning to the monastery to attend class. By not being picky with her tasks around Ocean Sky and doing everything to the best of her ability, Mary is truly one best model of how to practice the bodhisattva way.