02/02/2025

Xiang Yun Temple's Lunar New Year Celebration: Harmony Between Buddhism and Diverse Cultures

Reported by Zhou Li, The Life News Agency, Austin

On February 2nd, following the New Year’s Thousand Buddhas Dharma Assembly, Xiang Yun Temple held a grand Lunar New Year celebration, attracting 2,500 enthusiastic guests. Venerable Jueji, the temple’s abbot, encouraged everyone to face the future with compassion and wisdom. Special guests, including U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, City Council Member Marc Duchen, and Simone Flowers, the director of the Central Texas Interfaith Alliance (iACT), praised Xiang Yun Temple for its contributions to community development and the promotion of cultural integration.

The celebration featured captivating performances from 15 groups, including Dunhuang dance, soprano solos, youth lion dancing, martial arts, and bands, showcasing multiculturalism and innovative energy. The venue hosted three food trucks offering a wide array of delicious vegetarian cuisine. Inside the main shrine, there were booths displaying Buddhist artifacts, a Cloud and Water Bookstore stall, live calligraphy demonstrations, Chinese paper-cutting art, and printmaking. These exhibits highlighted the diversity of Buddhist art. A picturesque Lunar New Year-themed area attracted many guests to take photos as mementos.

The event was a great success thanks to the venerable’s guidance and the volunteers’ dedication. Staying true to its mission of “serving the community and preserving culture,” Xiang Yun Temple will continue to work toward harmony and peace within the community.