Spreading the Dharma Through Sound, Touching Hearts with Rhythm — Xiangyun Temple’s “Steel Tongue Drum Drum Concert” Makes a Healing Debut

By Reporter Xi Xiu, Austin

The long-awaited “ “Steel Tongue Drum Concert” warmly took place on the afternoon of February 7 in the Main Shrine Hall of Xiangyun Temple. Distinguished guests and more than eighty attendees gathered to share in the occasion, embarking on a healing musical journey for body and mind amid the clear and melodious sounds of the drums.

The  Steel Tongue Drum course is one of the offerings of the Fo Guang Austin Academy. In response to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of “propagating the Dharma through music,” and with the support of Venerable Jueji, the course is taught by Instructor Helen Wang and guided by Venerable Yongjia. Through focused practice, students are led to settle into the present moment and purify both body and mind.

Before the performance, Venerable Yongjia explained the Buddhist meaning behind the piece “Blue and White Porcelain,” encouraging everyone to face life with compassion and wisdom. The concert opened with Instructor Helen Wang leading six students in performances of “Blue and White Porcelain,” “Canyon in D,” and other pieces. The clearly layered rhythms earned enthusiastic applause. Students also shared reflections on their learning experiences, demonstrating the fruits of cultivating the mind through music.

In her remarks, Venerable Jueji expressed gratitude to the teachers and students for their dedication and expressed hope that the course would continue to promote harmony and peace. Four local members of the Xiangyun Temple Choir performed “We Are the World,” and YAD members presented flowers in congratulations, showcasing the unity among the temple’s various groups.

At the close of the event, Instructor Helen Wang prepared cake to share with everyone, and teaching assistant Sister Biyu He gave a demonstration lesson. The concert concluded successfully in an atmosphere filled with Dharma joy.