01/11/2025

Lanterns Hang High at Austin Xiang Yun Temple: Welcoming the New Year Through Icebreaker Activities

By Renjian Society Reporter Shi Cuiyu, Austin

On January 11, 2025, Xiang Yun Temple hosted a year-end cleaning event to welcome the New Year, drawing over a hundred participants from various backgrounds. The event began with Venerable Jueji and Yongjia leading the recitation of the Heart Sutra, followed by an English reading of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Volunteers. Venerable Jueji praised the collaborative efforts of Fo Guang members, emphasizing the spirit of localized and collective Buddhism.

Participants enthusiastically joined in cleaning the temple, tidying the courtyard, polishing Buddha statues, and hanging red lanterns to create a festive atmosphere. After a vegetarian lunch, the Fo Guang Youth Group led icebreaker games inspired by Buddhist teachings, helping everyone connect more deeply. Phillip highlighted the importance of patience in Buddhism, while Sister Zhiding shared her experiences as a volunteer, saying that teaching Buddhism to children is her greatest joy.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words deeply inspired participants: “Volunteering builds confidence, creates positive relationships, and benefits both yourself and others.” The event left volunteers feeling fulfilled and uplifted.