BLIA Los Angeles Chapters Host Lunar New Year Lantern Festival at Hsi Lai Temple, Promoting Harmony and Shared Prosperity

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple

On Feb. 26, 2026, four chapters of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter—Hacienda Heights, Long Beach, San Gabriel Valley Subchapter One, and Subchapter Two—jointly hosted a Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Peace Lantern Festival at Hsi Lai Temple in Los Angeles. Nearly 250 BLIA members, family members, and community residents gathered to celebrate the new year amid glowing lanterns and festive decorations, offering prayers for peace, good fortune, and the growth of wisdom and blessings.

The evening began along the temple’s Bodhi Path with the resonant tolling of the Peace Bell. Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong delivered welcoming remarks, quoting the Lunar New Year message of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan: “Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.”

Venerable Hui Dong explained that true success arises from harmony, and harmony is built upon coexistence and mutual acceptance. Only through respect and cooperation, he said, can society remain stable and individuals achieve fulfillment. He then struck the Peace Bell three times. The clear, lingering sound echoed through the night sky, offering blessings for personal well-being, the flourishing of Humanistic Buddhism, and peace throughout the world.

Also attending the event was Bob Archuleta, California State Senator for the 30th District. He joined BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai, calligraphy artist Pan Qingzhong, and the presidents of the four hosting subchapters in ringing the bell and offering prayers for the new year. Each solemn chime is like cleansing the heart and usher in calm and hope for the year ahead.

As night fell, Bodhi Path transformed into a lively outdoor stage where cultural performances prepared by the participating chapters were presented one after another. Calligrapher Pan Qingzhong demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, writing the phrase “Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity” in flowing strokes that highlighted the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.

A youth martial arts troupe delivered an energetic kung fu performance, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Hacienda Heights Subchapter opened the festivities with the lively “God of Wealth Dance” and a choral performance of “Lighting the Lamp.” San Gabriel I Subchapter showcased unity and vitality through a vocal performance by Liang Weicheng and a song-and-dance piece titled “Moving Forward Together.” San Gabriel II Subchapter presented the song “Girl from the South Seas” along with the graceful dance “Spring Has Flowers, Autumn Has the Moon,” expressing gentle Chan-inspired elegance. Long Beach Subchapter energized the crowd with the upbeat performance “Peach Blossoms in Full Bloom,” filling the venue with joyful holiday spirit.

Throughout the event, a performer dressed as the God of Wealth—symbolizing prosperity and good fortune—walked among the crowd holding a gold ingot, posing for photos with attendees and adding to the lively atmosphere. Applause and laughter echoed throughout the gathering, reflecting the warm spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.

Following the performances, participants proceeded into the Main Shrine to take part in the Light Offering Service, presided over by Venerable Hui Hsuan. Devotees reverently chanted the Heart Sutra and read Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year Prayer. Accompanied by the dedication verse known as the Buddha’s Light Verse, the merits of the light offerings were dedicated to all beings, with prayers for social harmony and peace for all.

This year also marks the theme “60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy,” commemorating the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan’s founding. Over the past six decades, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of Humanistic Buddhism has spread the wisdom of the Dharma across five continents.

Each lantern lit that evening symbolized not only an offering to the Buddhas but also the illumination of inner light and hope. Participants prayed that the light of wisdom would dispel confusion and allow compassion and goodwill to flourish throughout the world.

With the final toll of the bell and heartfelt exchanges of “Happy New Year,” the Year of the Horse Peace Lantern Festival concluded successfully. Participants returned home filled with Dharma joy and renewed aspirations to practice harmonious coexistence, treat one another with kindness, and work together to create a brighter future.