Ronnie Go (傳中),
Coordinator , Computer Systems Section

As coordinator of computer systems, Ronnie takes charge of support and maintenance of the computer hardware and software of Ocean Sky. Busy during the day, he spends most of his free time after work to attend classes and fix the computers of the monastery. Ronnie is one of the few lay people to stay up all night printing tablets or completion certificates when a ceremony approaches. Ronnie is also very generous with his business, printing various materials for Ocean Sky in his office, like designing posters, class cards, locker numbers, and even the Bodhi Star book on the Sixth Patriarch Huineng at the recent summer camp.

Like most Chinese Filipinos, Ronnie was raised in a Daoist/Buddhist family, and practiced the faith without really understanding it. Then, he became a Christian in school. Because he had difficulty concentrating, he was introduced to Ocean Sky to practice meditation. He recalled: “I didn’t know that there would be formal classes in Buddhism. But I attended anyway. In addition, Ocean Sky had very compassionate Shifus, and served delicious vegetarian dishes.”

Ronnie credits Ocean Sky to the dramatic changes in his personality. He shares: “Before, I was very ego-centric, insisting on being right, regardless of what others might say. I would blame others for all bad things that happened. Or, I would simply say it was God’s will. But when good things happen, I took all the credit. After attending meditation classes in Ocean Sky, I now know that it is the law of karma at work. We simply reap what we sowed. We have to take responsibility for all our actions.”

In class, Ronnie is very sharp in realizing answers to Abbess’ probing questions about Buddha Nature. He was one of the few students to get a perfect score during the last exam. In practice, he has become very kind and patient toward others. Warm and hospitable with newcomers, he will soon be taking on an added duty as receptionist.

Ronnie reflects back: “I was gravely ill two years ago and suffered the most hellish pain. That was when I realized everything in this world was of no importance to me. The old Ronnie who always took full control of everything is no longer me. I have been transformed by my involvement with Ocean Sky and have learned to be more generous, compassionate, patient, and tolerant with the people and things around me. I now know that there is a time for everything and that patience brings out the desired results. I am not the master of the universe, but just a tiny speck in the dust of life.”