12/20/2024

Austin BLIA Met Texas Deputy Secretary of State for Holiday Greetings

BLIA President Ariel Liu and volunteer Pri Tyagi met with Texas Deputy Secretary of State Dave Nelson and Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Walker to exchange holiday greetings. BLIA members introduced their community efforts, including partnerships with iACT and AFSSA. Deputy Secretary Nelson affirmed the state’s dedication to protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. An invitation was extended to the Secretary of State’s office to visit Fo Guang Temple and participate in its activities.

Key upcoming events discussed included the Lunar New Year celebration, the North America BLIA Conference, and the Spring Music Event in April. BLIA emphasized the urgent need for more volunteers to support temple maintenance, proposing to align this initiative with the First Lady’s Volunteer Month in April, a suggestion warmly welcomed by the state officials.

The meeting also explored how the values of Jesus and Buddha could inspire daily practices to help others. BLIA shared Master Hsing Yun’s teachings on humanistic Buddhism, emphasizing kindness and virtuous actions. Ms. Walker fondly recalled her high school visit to Fo Guang Temple as part of her theology studies and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the historic Secretary of State’s office and an exchange of holiday gifts. Both sides appreciated the strengthened communication and expressed hopes to continue working together to enrich and support local communities.