The Lunar New Year Celebration at Hsi Fang Temple

Ching Pan
February 13, 2025

The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) San Diego Chapter hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year Festival on February 2nd, marking the fifth day of the Lunar Year of the Snake (2025). Nearly 300 attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds enjoyed captivating both traditional and modern cultural performances.

Additionally, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple curated five special exhibitions: "Healing the Mind" by artist Tzu-Wei Chen, Lanterns of Inspiration: A Radiant Wall, New Year’s Zodiac Exhibition, Kindness Rock Garden, and “Grow & Glow” Family Time. From Lunar New Year’s Eve on January 28 to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the temple welcomed almost 2,000 visitors for festive activities and blessings.

Warm Greetings to the Community

“Happy New Year!” the BLIA San Diego Chapter President Roman Chou greeted everyone with enthusiasm as he welcomed and expressed gratitude to the temple’s monastics and volunteers for their meticulous planning. Venerable Miao Zang, superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple, delivered an inspirational message based on the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan: “Keep Going, the Future is Bright.” Drawing on the Year of the Snake’s symbolism, she encouraged guests to embrace resilience and transformation, likening life’s challenges to the snake’s winding movement toward progress and renewal through shedding its skin.

Vibrant Cultural Performances

The event began with a lion dance by students from the University of California, San Diego. Other performances included “the ‘Fortune God’s Blessing’ skit” by BLIA San Diego Chapter members, where red envelopes and candies delighted children. The Xingjian Dance Studio presented several dance routines, complemented by solo performances of the guzheng, tai chi sword demonstrations, and martial arts by the San Diego Wushu Center.

A standout performance came from the Mindful Movement and Dance Class, established at Hsi Fang Temple just last August. Six young performers wowed the audience with a dynamic routine that featured formation changes, leaps, flips, and ribbon dances. Their first-ever public performance was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers of “Amazing!”

Inspiring Exhibitions

• "Healing the Mind" Painting Exhibition: Tzu-Wei Chen showcased an array of works, including traditional depictions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, alongside playful modern pieces like Traveling Guanyin, Reading Guanyin, Guardian Cat, and Chai Shen Yeh (God of Wealth).

• Lanterns of Inspiration: A Radiant Wall: A community project featuring vibrant lanterns painted with rainbows, hearts, dinosaurs, and positive messages, created by visitors of all ages.

• New Year’s Zodiac Exhibition: An interactive exhibit where guests received New Year blessing cards, explored the 12 zodiac-themed windows, and admired Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy inspired by zodiac traits.

• Kindness Rock Garden: Created by the community, featured brightly painted rocks inscribed with words like Tolerance, Joy, Peace, and Less is More. Guests could take a rock that inspired them or leave one to encourage others.

• “Grow & Glow” Family Time offered families the chance to paint cartoon snake figures and write wishes while playing melodic xylophones, delighting visitors with cheerful sounds and smiles.