Xiang Yun Temple English Dharma Gathering Welcomes Many to Take Refuge in Buddhism

Xiang Yun Temple
April 8, 2025

On March 16, sixteen people took part in the Three Refuges Ceremony at Xiang Yun Temple. Among them, eleven were local English-speaking individuals. Many friends and fellow practitioners also attended to witness and offer blessings.

After the ceremony, Venerable Jueji, the temple's supervisor, led everyone to the Waterdrop Teahouse. Attendees shared their experiences learning Buddhism and their journey toward taking refuge. Many enthusiastically joined BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association), learning together and embodying the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism as taught by Fo Guang Shan.

The couple with Dharma names Yili and Yiho had recently moved to a small town in Texas, about an hour from Xiang Yun Temple. They often bring their three young daughters to the temple and actively participate in volunteer work. This time, they were delighted to have the opportunity to take refuge together.

Most of the local participants who took refuge were members of the English Dharma study group. Some had explored various religious texts before ultimately finding a deep resonance with Buddhism and deciding to take refuge. It's heartening to see the achievements of the English Dharma study group.

March 16 Afternoon – 16 Take Refuge at Xiang Yun Temple

Eleven of the sixteen participants were local English speakers. Alongside them, many family members and fellow practitioners came to witness the event and offer blessings. Together, everyone offered their prayers for the new Buddhists, wishing that they find their spiritual home and return to the embrace of the Buddha.
One participant, Dharma name Yiquan, though not yet twenty, had spent years pondering life’s questions.

He moved to Austin six months ago and began participating in Xiang Yun Temple’s Lunar New Year activities earlier this year. Afterward, he joined the English Dharma study group, which deeply touched his heart. It is hoped that this future disciple of the Buddha will shine brilliantly on the path to enlightenment.
Another participant, Dharma name Yili, has also spent many years cultivating in the spiritual realm. He had previously studied the Tao Te Ching, the Quran, and the Bible, but ultimately found Buddhism to be the most compatible with his beliefs. His sincere attitude toward philosophy is admirable, showing great promise for the future.

The couple Yili and Yiho, after moving to a small Texas town over an hour from the temple, often bring their three young daughters to Xiang Yun Temple. Immersed in the Buddhist atmosphere, they hope their children can be nurtured by Buddhist values and Chinese culture. The couple actively engages in volunteer service, and we wish their family abundant blessings and wisdom.

We also witnessed several long-time Dharma gathering attendees finally take refuge. Everyone was overjoyed for them!

It’s truly encouraging to see the fruits of the English Dharma study group. These local participants chose to dedicate themselves to the Buddha’s teachings after attending the English Dharma sessions.

After the ceremony, Venerable Jueji led attendees to Waterdrop Teahouse. The English group’s volunteers thoughtfully prepared tea and refreshments. Everyone shared their stories and experiences in Buddhism and encouraged one another to join BLIA, practicing together on the path of Humanistic Buddhism taught by Fo Guang Shan.