04/08/2024

Austin Youth Group Reflects on White Elephant Youth Camp: Inspiring Hope for the Future

- by Qing Liu (Translated by Li Huei Huang)

The English Chapter of the Austin Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) orchestrated a remarkable event for observing the total solar eclipse on April 8 th , 2024. Despite the day being reserved for incense offerings, the temple graciously opened its doors to the public, offering a rare chance to witness this celestial spectacle!

With anticipation running high, over 30 participants and their families eagerly participated, some brought specialized eclipse viewing glasses, while the association thoughtfully provided additional pairs. Seated on the steps in front of the main shrine, attendees savored the melodies of Xiang Yun Temple's Golden Cowboy Band, engaged in conversation, all the while eagerly awaiting the total eclipse.

Initially, the day was overcast with occasional showers, but at the moment of the total eclipse, the clouds dispersed, the sky darkened suddenly, and the temperature dropped. People held their breath, silently observing the sky and the unique atmosphere around them, eagerly taking out their phones to capture the moment. At this time, the verses of Master Jian Zhen's poetry, "Mountains and rivers in different lands, sun and moon in the same sky, speaking to all the Buddha's disciples, let's forge our bonds together," encapsulating the shared sentiment among the present Buddhist practitioners.