On December the morning of 19th, 2009, the Chicago area was glistened in a white cover of snow. At this moment, the east coast was suffering from the most severe winter storm in a decade. With the blessing of the power from Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha Buddhist Library in Chicago successfully concluded the 2009 year-end two-day retreat.

Participants braced the winter storm and enthusiastically showed up in numbers. Some brought along family members, some came with whole family of 3 generations, some brought along friends, and some were non-local Dharma friends. Though they all came from different countries and spoke different languages (e.g. Mandarin, Cantonese, Fukienese, and Vietnamese), with different expectations, they all participated in this retreat, devoting in their heart paying tribute for Buddha by reciting the sutra.

Participants followed Dharma chanting solemnly and harmonically and recited the sutra to praise the Buddha, the pounding sound of ground bell purifying and calming the mind and letting people feel the gratitude of Buddhism. After the 1st Incense, one of the reporters asked why everyone’s face looked so bright and glorious. Was it because of a vegetarian diet? This was truly because the whole heart was devoted to praying for the Buddha.

The regularly scheduled Sunday Buddhism seminar was held after a vegetarian lunch on December 20th. For this occasion, Director Lin first explained "Five Contemplations Before A Meal", then continued on the scheduled course "Aparimitayur Sutra — Infinite Life Sutra". She also answered questions from the audience, and Co-Director Tan provided on-site Chinese to English translation to American Dharma friends. Director Lin has been teaching about four years from Buddhism fundamental concepts, the "Chapter of the Practice and Vows Samantabhadra Boddhisattva", and to "Aparimitayur Sutra — Infinite Life Sutra". Even those first-time listeners also appreciated the profound knowledge from this seminar.

Thanks to the Director, Co-Director, publication, book cataloging, general mattering, and all volunteers for help with organizing the retreat.