FGS News
Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony in Ottawa New Life is born at Easter
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa April 9, 2024 On March 31st, during the Canadian Easter long weekend, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa held the "Fo Guang Shan Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony ." Over 30 individuals of all ages, ranging from the very young to the elderly, took refuge and became devoted Buddhist laypersons. In the presence of over 30 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members and relatives, the preceptees sincerely followed Ven. Yung Ku, the abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, in taking the Triple Gem refuge and receiving the blessings of the holy nectar. The preceptees conducted themselves with utmost respect, making the ceremony solemn and extraordinary. Among the 30 new preceptees, their ages ranged from 5 to 79 years old. Some were college students who traveled from Queen's University, others were mothers who took refuge with their children, and there were also those who took refuge on behalf of their beloved family pets. “Do I need to become a monastic after taking refuge?” “Why should I take refuge if I can still learn Buddhism without taking refuge?” In response to these questions from the public regarding taking refuge in the Triple Gem, Ven. Yung Ku patiently addressed everyone's doubts and concerns during the "Good Morning Fo Guang" program. An online briefing was conducted on March 28th to provide an explanation of the ceremony procedures. During the refuge ceremony, Ven. Yung Ku explained that taking refuge means relying on the Triple Gem. The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are invaluable spiritual treasures. Before we embark on the path of learning Buddhism, our lives are bestowed upon us by our parents. However, after taking refuge, we nurture our Dharma bodies through sincere study in accordance with the guidance of the Triple Gem. Fo Guang Shan is a bodhisattva temple that embodies the concepts of right understanding, right view, and right faith in Buddhism. Ven. Yung Ku hopes that everyone can study with a peaceful mind, gradually cultivate their aspirations, consider Fo Guang Shan as their spiritual home, and make frequent visits to it. Ban Tongyan, whose Dharma name is Hai Yue, is a student at Queen's University. With the help and support of Ven. Miao Rang and other venerables, she established the BLIA club on campus. She expressed gratitude to all the Dharma friends she encountered that offered her guidance. She hopes to fully comprehend every word spoken by the abbess and will hold it close to her heart. Furthermore, she aspires to use the Triple Gem – the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – as guides and to diligently study and practice Buddhism, and uphold the teachings in her life. Zheng Xiang, whose Dharma name is Hai Xian, is a member of the Buddha's Light Choir. She not only participated in the Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony but also officially became a member of BLIA. Hai Xian shared, "When the abbess presented me with the refuge certificate and blessed me with the holy nectar, tears welled up in my eyes. In my heart, I couldn't help but think, 'It feels so good to be home!' Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is like 'being reborn,' and from now on, I have faith in life. There is a light illuminating my heart and I vow to follow the teachings earnestly from this day forward."
Hsi Lai Temple Shares Over 12,000 Bowls of Tasty Laba Porridge Filled with Auspicious Blessings
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 6, 2024 On January 18, Hsi Lai Temple distributed over 12,000 bowls of Laba porridge to the public—marking the first time the dining hall was open for Laba porridge dine-in since the pandemic. Both inside and outside the dining hall, people eagerly waited to enjoy the tasty Laba porridge, with over 40 BLIA members guiding them. The 8th day of the lunar December commemorates the day when Buddha attained enlightenment; also referred to as the "Dharma Day" to honor the Buddha's grace. On this day, Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan, along with branches worldwide on five continents, cook and distribute savory Laba porridge to convey the compassion and wisdom of Buddha. A bowl of fragrant Laba porridge symbolizes the blessings and care from the temples for the public, wishing everyone peace, prosperity, and the growth of merit and wisdom. Ven. Hui Dong, the Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, delivered a sermon after the Dharma service, emphasizing that the Dharma Day commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment and liberation. He shared the story of a shepherdess offering a bowl of milk porridge to Buddha, who, after gaining strength, ultimately attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree on the diamond throne. Buddhism commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment by consuming Laba porridge, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to understand and to learn the Dharma. Ven. Hui Dong also expressed gratitude to over 100 volunteers, "Today, over a hundred volunteers returned to the temple before dawn to assist. The kitchen started preparations at 4 a.m. Volunteers participated in porridge distribution activities to experience service and dedication, letting go of attachments, and purifying their hearts." Alex Wu, President of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, mentioned that Hsi Lai temple, BLIA members, and volunteers collaborated to prepare, pack, and distribute Laba porridge. The goal was to spread joy and warmth to every family. To ensure smooth traffic flow at Hsi Lai Temple, BLIA members from various subchapters adopted a "quick in, quick out" approach to collect the porridge. The BLIA LA Chapter Elder Advisor committee and a team of 30 elder advisors began preparations at 7 a.m., providing nearly 4,000 bowls of porridge to BLIA members. Elder advisor director Zhao Linfeng expressed joy in preparing Laba porridge filled with blessings and compassion. BLIA LA Chapter Board of Directors member Yeh Li-Mei brought her 93-year-old mother, Yeh Wu Wen-Chuan, to the event. Mother Yeh is a first-generation follower of Fo Guang Shan, sharing the family's five-generation connection with Fo Guang Shan. She choked up with emotion while recounting her relationship and affinity with founding master Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Influenced by Venerable Master's "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings," Mother Yeh once pledged to sponsor over 200 Vietnamese refugee families, offering them hope. Sorba Shakya, a descendant of the Shakya clan from Nepal, and his family have been supporting the temple since its early days and returns every year on Dharma Day to enjoy the steaming hot Laba porridge. Anjelene Quin, a local resident, praised the taste of the porridge during her first experience at Hsi Lai Temple, expressing admiration for the temple's serenity and the friendly volunteers.
Setting Out on the Path of Discovery: Toronto Youth Commence Transformative Journey through Youth Temple Retreat
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto April 15, 2024 At the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the 2024 Youth Temple Retreat was held from March 29th to 31st, drawing 29 young individuals eager to immerse themselves in the teachings and lifestyle of Humanistic Buddhism. This initiative aimed to guide participants on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. The retreat commenced with an opening ceremony in the Conference Room after participants' registration on the afternoon of the 29th. Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, extended a warm welcome to the youths, many of whom were visiting Fo Guang Shan or any Buddhist temple for the first time. She commended their courage and urged them to embrace the experience with sincerity, openness and the beginner’s mind. Following introductions, participants received an orientation from Ven. Ru Zhong, detailing the camp's schedule, temple protocols, and essential information. Among the challenging requirements was the temporary surrender of their mobile phones, a rule all participants respectfully adhered to. The retreat's overarching theme, "To Know the Way," guided a diverse array of activities over the three-day temple retreat. These included immersive experiences in learning the Buddhist etiquettes, traditional temple vegetarian culinary arts, Buddhist chanting, fundamental teachings of Buddhism, meditation sessions, group discussions, teamwork and chores, special Dharma lectures, along with morning and evening chanting, provided a holistic understanding of monastic life. A highlight of the retreat was a virtual lecture by Ven. Miao Fan, director of the Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute at Fo Guang Shan. Delving into the “Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch: Daily Practice Insights.” Ven. Miao Fan skillfully intertwined the insights with personal anecdotes, resonating deeply with the participants. During the sharing session, Ven. Zhi Guan and Ven. Ru An encouraged participants to share their reflections. Xu Tao, the president of the University of Waterloo's Buddha Light Community Club, remarked on the practicality of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and practice in daily life. Many youths shared profound personal insights, recognizing that life's journey is one of self-cultivation and that the most significant transformations are those that occur within. Fule Liu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and the enlightening meditation sessions that underscored the concept of "causality" in her spiritual journey. Guidance from Ven. Zhi Guan provided clarity amidst uncertainty, fostering deep understanding. Jason Au highlighted the value of cherishing current opportunities and the importance of continuous learning and self-awakening at a young age. The retreat proved to be a transformative experience for many, providing them with not only answers to their initial questions but also with Buddhist teachings and practices they plan to incorporate into their lives moving forward, aiming for self-improvement and a deeper understanding of their life journey.
" TBIF " English Lecture: Buddhism in a Technologically Advancing World
Ching Pan April 10, 2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple hosted the "Thank Buddha It’s Friday” (TBIF) English monthly lecture on March 29, featuring Ven. Jue Wei, Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Nan Tien Institute in Australia. The lecture, titled "Buddhism in a Technologically Advancing World." About 40 attendees from Australia and North America attended. Ven. Jue Wei led the discussion on the mindful use of technology to nurture Bodhicitta and foster a compassionate world (MettāVerses). Ven. Jue Wei invited the participants to contemplate on their daily screen time and social media usage, reflecting on its impact on mental and interpersonal well-being. Participants expressed fatigue and decreased concentration and yet struggled to detach from it. Ven. Jue Wei then explained the concept of the "Attention Economy," where social media platforms constantly feed tailored information and products to users based on algorithmic analysis, creating addiction while fostering an illusion of control. "Attention and mindfulness are crucial," Ven. Jue Wei emphasized. In the rapidly changing technological era, not all impacts are negative. By applying Buddhist principles of impermanence, interdependence, non-self, and dependent origination, emptiness, individuals can make informed choices regarding their relationship with technology. Ven. Jue Wei encouraged attendees to focus their attention on the "Four Immeasurables" of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, constituting a "Buddhist-Inspired Attention Ecology" aligned with the Mahāyāna principle of benefiting all beings. By cultivating Bodhicitta and utilizing technology to propagate Buddhism, Buddhists can then contribute positively to the society and create a compassionate world (MettāVerses). "Metta" in Pali, commonly translated as "loving-kindness" or "universal love." It refers to the genuine, unconditional benevolence and goodwill towards all beings. In alignment with the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, who defines compassion as selflessness, genuine care, and mutual assistance, Ven. Jue Wei regarded the "compassionate world" (MettāVerses) as an antidote to the violence and discrimination prevalent in today's online environment, encouraging solidarity among attendees. Peter Meluso, an attendee with a Master's degree in Business Administration, found the lecture enlightening. Noting Ven. Jue Wei's own MBA degree, he inquired about applying Bodhicitta in profit-oriented marketing. Ven. Jue Wei stressed the importance of ethical conduct, conscience, and moderation, advocating for the Circular Economy principle in marketing to balance profitability with societal well-being. Peter expressed gratitude for the insightful response.
Canada Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Visits Fo Guang Shan Toronto Celebrates Lunar New Year
FGS Toronto February 23, 2024 The second Day of the Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, February 11, a steady flow of visitors came to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and pay homage to the Buddha, participating in the "Lunar New Year Dharma Service". Among them was a prominent guest, Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Poilievre was greeted by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and Mabel Lam, President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, who led him and other guests in offering flowers to the Buddha. Venerable Chueh Fan presented gifts with Lunar New Year Greetings, the book “Buddha Land in the Human World: The Making of the Buddha Memorial Center” and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year greetings of 2024 “May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful” to Poilievre. As a kind gesture, Poilievre delighted attendees by singing the Chinese song "Happy New Year" in the Dining Hall, extending his wishes for happiness and prosperity to everyone. Before departing, Poilievre paused to read the explanation of the Lunar New Year Happiness Bell, solemnly ringing it three times to express his wishes for world peace, prosperity, and harmony.
FGSITC Buddhism Friendship Scholarship: Nurturing Global Youth in Dharma Propagation
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple April 1, 2024 Fo Guang Shan International Translation Center (FGSITC) and the AJ Wang Foundation have been collaborating since 2023 to offer the "Buddhism Friendship Scholarship" to outstanding bilingual students from colleges and high schools in Southern California. On March 16, 2024, marking the second year of collaboration, FGSITC hosted its first workshop of the year at the FGS Hsi Lai Temple. The workshop aimed to enhance the twenty-six participants’ understanding of the translation center and leverage their diverse expertise in propagating Dharma while emphasizing the internationalization of Buddhism. Venerable Yi Chao, the executive director of FGSITC, introduced the center and the scholarship's objectives. Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1996 at Hsi Lai Temple in the United States, FGSITC aims to realize Venerable Master's vision of "letting the Dharma stream flow across all five continents." FGSITC, in collaboration with all of the publishing houses under the FGS system, has translated and published Buddhist classics and series in twenty-one languages. Not only have these publications received awards, but they have also been designated as textbooks by university professors. FGSITC provides free public access to its publications and has established a website that facilitates the global dissemination of Humanistic Buddhism. It serves as a platform for participants to showcase their diverse talents in the hope that they will become vital forces in the propagation of Buddhism. Venerable Yi Chao also expressed gratitude to the scholarship provider, the AJ Wang Foundation, founded by Alice and JP Wang. Shigu Amanda Ling from FGSITC and Echo Tsai, the coordinator of the Scholarship Counseling Committee, welcomed the participants. The committee members who attended were seven professionals from various fields, all expressing high enthusiasm for serving and welcoming participants. Participants from 2023 shared their reflections on the "Buddhism in Every Step” English Booklet Series authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The themes covered the Four Noble Truths, Buddhist perspectives on time and space, Buddhism and psychology, etc. The evaluations conducted by Venerable Yi Chao, Venerable Miao Hsi, Venerable Miao Zhong, members of the Scholarship Counseling Committee, and the new 2024 participants were based on presentation and organization, knowledge, audience engagement, and visual aids. Awards were given to the top three presenters based on these criteria. Venerable Miao Zhong guided the participants in "Buddhist Etiquette," where, to the sound of the bell, they practiced joining palms, prostrating, and bowing while maintaining mindfulness and regulating their breathing. Teacher Jo Ho from Buddha's Light Hsi Lai School taught "Unlock Your Buddha Nature Through AI Drawing," emphasizing Venerable Master's teaching that "I am the Buddha." Participants communicated with AI to draw the image of Buddha as perceived in their minds. This session sparked discussions among participants about the impact of AI on their lives. During the ice-breaking session, participants got to know each other through mutual interviews, accompanied by laughter. Finally, participants opted to join different teams, including translation, media production, and skit creation, hoping to utilize their expertise in collective brainstorming and creation during the subsequent three workshop sessions. Coordinator Echo Tsai expressed her delight in seeing that half of the 26 participants in the 2024 program had returned from the 2023 cohort to attend once again, which she considered an excellent affirmation for the counseling committee. New participant Jia Li Wang expressed gratitude for the tailored curriculum catering to the needs of youth, stating that Humanistic Buddhism brings optimism to life and provides practical guidance. Another new participant, Guan Yi Chang, who aspires to become a psychology professor, expressed that Buddhism stabilizes the mind and is closely related to psychology; she looks forward to more profound learning during the workshop.
FGS Prayer and Blessings Shower Hacienda Heights Community - 76th Anniversary Celebration of HHIA in LA
The Life News Agency March 4, 2024 The Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA) in Los Angeles celebrated its 76th anniversary on January 17. The annual meeting and member dinner took place at the Hacienda Heights Community Center, with nearly 130 directors and members in attendance, including local government officials, community leaders, and the chief of police. Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, a member of the Hacienda Heights community, was invited to participate—representatives included Ven. Hui Dong, abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, Ven. Hui Cheng, and various members of Buddha’s Light International Association Los Angeles Chapter (BLIA LA). Ven. Hui Dong offered a heartwarming opening prayer and blessings using the prayer content of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan. The prayer wished for the prosperous development of the Hacienda Heights community, the well-being and harmony of its residents, and the collective effort to create a better life. Scott Martin, vice chairman of HHIA, welcomed the guests, introduced the 2023 awardees, and presented certificates to the outgoing directors, recognizing their positive contributions to the Hacienda Heights community. New directors were elected; the results showed a majority of Chinese-American directors, with 8 out of 12 seats, marking a historic moment in the 75-year history of HHIA. The newly elected directors included R. Ann Ellis-Hall, Alitzah Wiener, David Fang, Michael Wang, all residents of Hacienda Heights. The founding purpose of HHIA has been to promote and support community projects for improvement and development, making Hacienda Heights a better place to live. Government officials in attendance included representative Anabel Cuevas of the U.S. Federal Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, representative Kyle Miller of California State Senator Bob Archuleta, representative Ryan Serrano of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and representative Ruby Duenas of U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Calderon.
Hsi Lai Girl Scouts Creatively Celebrate World Thinking Day by Showcasing Japan
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 20, 2024 Girl Scouts united together to embrace perspectives different from their own, to learn and experience various cultures, and to gather new insights to help create a world filled with peace and harmony. On March 2, 2024, the Buddha's Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts joined approximately 170 members from seven neighboring Girl Scout troops at the St. Mark's Lutheran School in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, USA, to celebrate World Thinking Day. The day promoted thinking BIG—what are small things one can do that could make a big impact on the world—and supported the theme for 2024: “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Global Poverty.” Buddha's Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts chose Japan as their exploration country this year, delving into Japanese history, geography, culture, customs, flag, attire, cuisine, and dances. Sixteen girls adorned themselves in traditional Japanese yukata (a lightweight kimono), reflecting Japanese tradition's elegance. World Thinking Day, observed annually on February 22nd, has been celebrated by Girl Scout troops from 150 countries and regions worldwide since 1926—nearly 10 million Girl Scouts commemorate the day globally. This year, Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts handcrafted 170 beautiful Japanese origami cherry blossoms to symbolize their goodwill and elegant integration of Japanese traditional culture, which seemed to receive accolades from everyone. They, along with all the other Girl Scout Troops, exhibited a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor, fully embodying the essence of their represented countries. The Girl Scouts meticulously created vibrant decorations, posters, costumes, performances, and food, representing the unique flair of seven countries—Greece, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Fiji, Ireland, and England. Meaningful group performances were presented with culturally distinctive dances from their respective countries, each earning enthusiastic applause and the delighted audience's approval. Girl Scouts collected their travel passports to visit each "country" booth and received a stamp confirming their "visit" and signifying their new understanding and appreciation of the differing cultures. Participants also immersed themselves into each culture by tasting various traditional foods, such as English afternoon tea, muffins, and gingerbread cookies; Irish Dublin cream scones; Fijian tropical fruit cups; Korean dumplings; chocolate pies; and Greek hummus dips. By exchanging gifts-of-appreciation with one another, they took home special mementos—bracelets, wristbands, masks, and other treasures. Annie Yang, attending the event for the first time, expressed her fascination with Japanese attire and dressing techniques. Molly Huang, with multiple event experiences, emphasized the happiness she feels when providing newer Girl Scouts with more practical opportunities and collaboratively completing activities after numerous communications. The World Thinking Day event not only allowed participants to experience joy but encouraged them to contemplate upon those still facing challenges and hardships, urging every Girl Scout to take action, utilizing their influence and creativity to make the world a better place.
Resetting the Heart for a Fresh Start” - Hsi Lai Temple’s One-Day English Retreat
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 7, 2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held a one-day English retreat, January 20th, to help calm and reset the hearts and minds of 50 participants for the new year. Like pressing the reset button on a computer, they engaged in a day full of activities, meditation, classes, and sutra calligraphy to rediscover inner peace amidst the turmoil of life. Due to overwhelming registrations, most opportunities were reserved for first-time participants. Teresa Anaya, attending for the first time, had a connection to the temple dating back over a decade ago when she accompanied her son in the "Buddha’s Light Sharing Love in Winter" event in which numerous scholarships were distributed. Since then, she has harbored a wish to return to this tranquil sanctuary. Now, with her son serving in the army, she finally has fulfilled her long-held desire. Patricia Nathali, attending for the fifth time, has consistently benefited and highly recommended the experience to her friend Cenny Kuesal. The program, guided by Ven. Hui Cheng began with everyone sitting upright and experiencing the start of the day with a focused mind. To first-timers, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, Ven. Hui Dong taught Buddhist practices encompassing a variety of methods with meditation being just one aspect. Drawing inspiration from Buddha's enlightenment on the Diamond Throne, Ven. Hui Dong encouraged attendees to view life from a different perspective–one of truthfulness. While ordinary individuals are engrossed in the daily grind with their minds like monkeys jumping from one thing to another, enlightened individuals perceive life and things as they truly are. This retreat emphasized training one’s mind to focus on daily life. Ven. Hui Cheng taught meditation and Buddhist principles, while Ven. Zhi You led sutra calligraphy. Even morning exercises and lunch were centered around mindfulness. During group discussions, a participant shared how she enjoyed the relaxed writing pace during the first calligraphy session. However, the second time around, she began feeling rushed and pressured. So, she stopped. Reminded herself: if I don’t experience the true joy of relaxation, what is the meaning of sutra calligraphy? Immediately centered and refocused, she entered into a state of joyfulness. Melissa Lai missed the last one-day retreat—due to late registration—but not this time! She thanked her mother, Zheng Honglin, secretary of the BLIA LA Chapter Elder Advisor committee, for keeping a watchful eye on the temple’s online announcements and promptly registering her. Melissa expressed great satisfaction and pledged to attend again. Ven. Hui Cheng expressed deep joy in seeing many participants return to the temple after attending the one-day practice to engage in Buddhist classes, participate in various BLIA events within the community, and volunteer at the temple—continuing their joyful journey on the Buddhist path.
Nurturing Families - TAG School Opening Ceremony
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 25, 2024 Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) School of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple welcomed the spring semester with an opening ceremony on March 3, 2024. More than 200 teachers, students, and parents gathered in the Auditorium for the celebration which featured highlights from previous semesters, a Fo Guang Shan knowledge quiz, the presentation of Appointment Letters to volunteer teachers, and an introduction to the upcoming semester's curriculum. Following the ceremony, students and parents engaged in fun-filled, interactive activities and shared the anticipated excitement for the new semester. Ven. Hui Cheng, the Guiding Venerable for TAG School, extended a warm welcome to students upon their return and urged them to carry forward the Three Acts of Goodness—performing good deeds, speaking kind words, and cultivating positive thoughts—in their daily lives. Additionally, classes for Preschool, Kids, Junior, Youth, and Parents were also announced. And, everyone was invited to attend the collective spring outing on April 7th, with special surprise guests. Ven. Hui Cheng urged parents to actively join the parent classes, emphasizing parents are the ‘true teachers’ of their children. Thus, they should not only teach their children the Three Acts of Goodness but also become examples themselves, so the whole family can practice together. New parent Austin Minnich was grateful for the opportunity his family had together as they visited Buddhist temples in Korea and created unforgettable memories. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he vowed to take his daughters, Ava and Amelia, to a temple to learn Buddhism. Through research online, he discovered that Hsi Lai Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the United States with excellent children's classes, and he was delighted to enroll his daughters. He hoped, by practicing TAG teachings, they would be nurtured with kindness and compassion, and grow into outstanding, wise young women. Kennedy Hart, a 16-year-old, who was a student in the youth class four years ago, has now stepped into the role of assistant teacher. She believes that TAG thinking and actions have become an integral part of her life. Through two years of volunteering, she has grown significantly, particularly in the ways of learning how to take on more responsibility. Graciela, a new kids’ class assistant teacher, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Buddhism through a Chan meditation experience during camp at Hsi Lai Temple last June. Not only does she volunteer herself, but she also influenced her nephew to enroll in TAG School. She shared her belief that TAG philosophy transcends religion and ethnicity and is something everyone needs. Buddhism can benefit every child in school and at home, and she encourages everyone to learn Buddhism. Ten-year-old Steven Zhao, a kids’ class student for the third semester, has already witnessed significant changes since joining TAG School. His mother, Celine Huang, is delighted to see improvements in their parent-child relationship, as well as Steven's newfound sense of dedication and respect. After he completed one semester, he began to volunteer in the Main Shrine every week, where he welcomes visitors in both Chinese and English and provides answers to questions regarding Buddhism. Guests at the ceremony included Alex Wu, President of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, and president of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter Elder Advisor Committee, Zhao Linfeng, who presented Appointment Letters to volunteer teachers. The opening celebratory ceremony infused hearts with vitality and joyful anticipation of another growth-filled semester about to unfold. Parents looked forward to their children continuing to learn and to grow taller and wiser during springtime, as the seeds of Buddhism are nurtured within and shared with families, friends and spread throughout the world.
