Hsi Lai Temple Enshrines Relic of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Continuing the Dharma Lineage Across Five Continents

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
March 25, 2026

Hsi Lai Temple, the first overseas temple established by Fo Guang Shan Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun as he brought Humanistic Buddhism from Taiwan to the global stage, marked the third anniversary of the Venerable Master’s passing with a historic enshrinement ceremony of his relic.

As part of a global distribution to 12 temples across five continents, a delegation of 84 monastics, BLIA members, and devotees from North America, led by Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong, traveled to Taiwan to receive the relic on March 19. The group returned to Los Angeles on March 21, where the temple held a formal enshrinement ceremony and a commemorative service titled “Commemorative Tribute to the Venerable Master.” The event drew representatives from 30 temples and 26 BLIA chapters, along with nearly 2,000 attendees, creating a solemn and momentous atmosphere.

Both the enshrinement ceremony and the commemorative service were livestreamed globally in Chinese and English. Upon arrival, Venerable Hui Dong led the procession in a circumambulation of the temple grounds. The Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai Scout Troop paid tribute with a flag ceremony in front of the Bodhisattva Hall, after which the procession proceeded along the Courtyard. With palms joined in reverence, attendees welcomed the relic into the Main Shrine, where they are temporarily enshrined. A permanent enshrinement is scheduled for July 18 at the Patriarch’s Hall, to be officiated by Fo Guang Shan Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau.

Amid the resonant chanting of Buddhist hymns, participants paid homage to the relic, recited the Heart Sutra, and sang hymns including “Fo Guang Praise” and “Ode to the Venerable Master.” A commemorative video, An Honest Revelation: An Open Letter, reflecting on the Venerable Master’s life and teachings, was also presented.

In his Dharma talk, Venerable Hui Dong noted that the Venerable Master last visited Hsi Lai Temple in 2009. Seventeen years later, the return of his relic symbolizes not only the presence of the Venerable Master’s Dharma body but also the enduring spirit of Humanistic Buddhism. He emphasized that through service and dedication, practitioners transform themselves while giving back to Buddhism and society—an embodiment of the core ideals taught by the Venerable Master.

Chen Ju, treasurer of the BLIA World Headquarters, spoke on behalf of the lay devotees, reflecting on the three years since the Venerable Master’s passing. He noted that both Fo Guang Shan and BLIA have continued to advance steadily under the institutional framework established by the Venerable Master. Expressing gratitude for his guidance, he affirmed that followers will carry forward and promote Humanistic Buddhism in his footsteps.

Distinguished guests included Dr. Lewis R. Lancaster, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, who shared his deep personal connection with the Venerable Master. He recalled that the Venerable Master’s often said, “I am just a monk,” describing them as profoundly thought-provoking. Seeing the relic enshrined at Hsi Lai Temple, he said, brought a sense of the Venerable Master’s continued presence.

Other attendees included senior monastics from various temples, representatives from the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center, executives from EVA Air, officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, and university leadership from Hsi Lai University.

During the commemorative service, artist Chen Xingjie presented a painting titled Centennial Tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun in honor of the Venerable Master’s 100th birth anniversary. The program featured a variety of performances—including drama, choral music, recitation, and Chinese opera—offered by BLIA chapters, youth groups, Hsi Lai School, Buddha’s Light Youth Symphony Orchestra (BLYSO), and Hsi Lai Temple Choir, all expressing deep reverence for the Venerable Master.

Seven monastic and lay speakers also shared personal stories of their connections with the Venerable Master, moving the audience between laughter and tears. The event concluded with a choral performance of “The Ways of a Monastic” by the Venerables, followed by a group rendition of “Fo Guang Members Around the World,” led by Venerable Hui Dong. The ceremony closed in an atmosphere that was both solemn and heartfelt.