Day of Giving Volunteers Prepare Hsi Lai Temple for Lunar New Year, Celebrating Harmony and Shared Success

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
February 25, 2026

On the morning of Jan. 31, nearly 40 volunteers gathered in front of the courtyard at Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple to complete the final phase of the temple’s Lunar New Year decorations as part of its monthly Day of Giving. With calls of “a little to the left,” “a little to the right,” and “perfect,” volunteers worked together to bring the festive display into alignment.

The centerpiece—a main lantern symbolizing good fortune for the Year of the Horse—was carefully set in place, echoing Fo Guang Shan Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year message, “Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.” The installation set the stage for the temple’s upcoming New Year celebrations.

At the opening, Venerable Zhi Xing, deputy superintendant of Hsi Lai Temple, thanked volunteers for their dedication and explained that this year’s decorations incorporate new design elements. To accommodate the updated layout, some floral arrangements installed during the initial setup on Dec. 20 had to be temporarily removed and later reinserted once the overall design was finalized.

Venerable Zhi Xing noted that the process offered a meaningful reflection on the Buddhist principle of cause and conditions. Change and impermanence, he said, need not be feared—when conditions shift, they can often lead to more harmonious and complete outcomes.

Volunteers first removed and sorted the existing floral arrangements, then worked together to install inflatable displays reading “FGS 60” and “60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy,” along with large lantern figures of Venerable Master Hsing Yun—beaming with a warm smile—and the beloved “Three Acts of Goodness” novice monk. Once the main structures were in place, the flowers were carefully reinstalled.

The highlight of the day came with the placement of the auspicious Year of the Horse lantern, which required the coordinated effort of several male volunteers. With all decorations completed, the Courtyard was transformed with a vibrant New Year atmosphere, drawing temple visitors to stop, admire the scene, and take photos.