01/19/2025

Austin Xiang Yun Temple Hosts First Welcome Party for a Newborn Baby

Reporter: Zhiding, Humanistic Society, Austin

On January 19, 2025, Austin Xiang Yun Temple hosted a welcome party for the newborn of Indian-American couple Sumedha Ganjoo and Parimal Sraf. Over 50 friends and family members gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. Sumedha, a regular attendee of the temple’s weekly English Tea and Zen sessions, connected with the temple and requested Venerable Jue Ji last year to hold this special ceremony for her baby, expected to be born in April.

The event took place in the main shrine, where Venerable Jue Ji explained the principles of "dependent origination" and "cause and effect." The venerable also presented a gift of Guanyin-themed baby blessings, wishing the child a lifetime of peace and auspiciousness. Following the Dharma talk, attendees joined in sincerely reciting Venerable Master Hsing Yun's “Prayer for Newborns” before moving to the Five Contemplations Hall to copy scriptures, offering blessings for the baby.

Later, Sister Li Qun performed a Tea and Zen art demonstration. Members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Youth Group and Choir sang heartfelt songs, including “You Raise Me Up”, “Mama, I Love You”, “Lighting the Lamp”, and “Awaken”. The atmosphere was warm and moving, deeply touching Sumedha and her family. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the temple’s venerables and volunteers and joyfully took group photos to commemorate the event.

This event showcased Xiang Yun Temple's integration of Dharma propagation with local culture, promoting the localization of Buddhism in the community.