Lighting the Inner Lantern — Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple Hosts “Under the Moon” Community Event

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple
October 14, 2025

On October 4, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple held the annual “Under the Moon Mid-Autumn Lantern Walk” event, bringing together nearly 120 community members and friends. Participants gathered at Hsi Fang Temple and set off on a lantern walk through the neighborhood, enjoying live music performances and concluding the evening with a session of meditation to illuminate the light within.

Venerable Miao Zang, the temple’s superintendent, shared that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of reunion. “Our community is like one big family,” the Venerable said. “Through this lantern walk, we hope to bring light to every home, embodying the spirit of ‘Keep Going, the Future is Bright.’” After the walk, Venerable Miao Zang led the participants in tranquil meditation, inviting everyone to experience the warmth of togetherness, and sending prayers to family and friends from afar, sharing the same moon.

To ensure the safety and success of the event, Venerable Miao Zang, together with University Heights Community Association’s (UHCA) President Marc Johnson, committee member Janice Hsu, and neighbor as well as member of the temple, Colette Pisacano, surveyed the walking route a week in advance to confirm that it was level and safe. They also invited local businesses along the path to join in the celebration.

Janice shared her joy in being able to continue her father Andy Hsu’s affinity with Hsi Fang Temple. Her father had assisted the temple during its early construction phase, helping with engineering and utility applications. “It’s very meaningful to be able to carry on his connection with the temple and continue supporting its growth in the community,” she said.

A week before the event, the temple also hosted a Lantern-Making DIY Workshop, which attracted 45 participants. Using recycled materials such as soymilk bottles, juice containers, and paper boxes, participants painted and decorated unique lanterns to bring to the community walk. Neighbor Bravo shared, “I just moved into this neighborhood, and I really appreciate how inclusive and diverse Hsi Fang Temple is. It adds so much color and warmth to our community.”

Christine, who previously studied at Fo Guang Shan Dallas Temple’s Chinese School, first visited Hsi Fang Temple a month ago. She invited her friends—Roslyn, Megan, and Mallorie—to join her for this event.

Roslyn, visiting for the first time, described the experience as “amazing,” and enjoyed tea and mooncakes during the gathering. Megan shared her appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and connect with others in the community. Mallorie, a nearby resident who had often passed by the temple but never entered, expressed how welcoming the atmosphere felt and was glad to finally take part in a temple activity.

Among the participants was the Jordan and Lisa family, attending with their daughters Mary and Rossie. This year marked their third time joining Under the Moon. “Three years ago, our younger daughter Rossie was still in a stroller,” Jordan recalled with a smile, “and now she’s walking beside us carrying her own lantern.” The family praised the event for fostering community spirit. Young Mary shared that she felt calm and relaxed during the lantern walk. Jordan and Lisa added that making lanterns together was a heartwarming family activity, and they admired the creativity and thoughtfulness behind each handmade lantern displayed that night.