02/24/2024

Austin Xiang Yun Temple Commemorative Praise Meeting - A Tale of Master Hsing Yen

By Human Society Reporter Hui Du, Austin

On February 24th, Fo Guang Shan held a global commemorative praise gathering for the anniversary of Master Hsing Yun's passing. Nearly 60 followers, both Eastern and Western, attended at Austin Xiang Yun Temple. Venerable Jue Ji led the assembly in devoutly worshiping, reciting the Heart Sutra, and chanting praises for Master Hsing Yun.

After the ceremony, a heartwarming segment called "A Tale of Master Hsing Yun" allowed participants to gain deeper insights into the Master's life through the perspectives of six different speakers.

Venerable Jue Ji shared that from the hand-written treasure bestowed by the Master, with the words "Eternal Continuation of awakening," she internalized the Master's expectation for her to possess a clear and awakened consciousness. Not only should she awaken herself, but she should also consistently transmit the teachings of Buddhism, guiding sentient beings towards awakening.

Venerable Yong Jia shared that when she served as the discipline director at the Fo Guang Shan Taipei Women's Buddhist College, the Master compassionately instructed her with the secret formula: "Teach students with three parts teacher and seven parts fellow Dharma practitioners."

Rebeca McKnight, of Mexican descent, expressed her gratitude for visiting Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan with the Xiang Yun Temple Golden Cowboy Band last December. She was deeply impressed by Master Hsing Yun's humble and benevolent words and actions, as well as his calligraphy that influenced her free-spirited English lettering.

Tam shared the profound inspiration he received from the Master's concept of "Buddhism relies on me." Buddhism, he said, has given him a joyful life, and he hopes to help others as much as he can to repay the many assists he has received from others.

Senior Advisor Elaine Hsu shared that the Master eloquently and succinctly explained the true meaning of Buddhism to the followers, making it clear that Buddhism is not separate from worldly awakening, and daily life is a practice ground. She encouraged everyone to not only diligently cultivate the essence of Buddhism but also to wholeheartedly support Xiang Yun Temple in promoting the Master's ideas of "Humanistic Buddhism" and "Localization of Buddhism."

Sister Judy Lai expressed gratitude for the Master's compassionate heart, establishing Dharma centers to guide sentient beings across five continents. She also shared a precious moment when she encountered Master Hsing Yun in Dallas, Texas, had tea and a conversation with him, and was invited to take a valuable photograph together.

After the gathering, the attendees expressed their admiration for the Master's lifelong mission of giving and his philosophy of "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings," vowing to strive towards realizing these principles in their daily lives."