03/16/2025

Xiang Yun Temple English Dharma Gathering Welcomes Many to Take Refuge in Buddhism

Reported by Renjian News – Benwu, Austin

On March 16, sixteen people took part in the Three Refuges Ceremony at Xiang Yun Temple. Among them, eleven were local English-speaking individuals. Many friends and fellow practitioners also attended to witness and offer blessings.

After the ceremony, Venerable Jueji, the temple's supervisor, led everyone to the Waterdrop Teahouse. Attendees shared their experiences learning Buddhism and their journey toward taking refuge. Many enthusiastically joined BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association), learning together and embodying the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism as taught by Fo Guang Shan.

The couple with Dharma names Yili and Yiho had recently moved to a small town in Texas, about an hour from Xiang Yun Temple. They often bring their three young daughters to the temple and actively participate in volunteer work. This time, they were delighted to have the opportunity to take refuge together.

Most of the local participants who took refuge were members of the English Dharma study group. Some had explored various religious texts before ultimately finding a deep resonance with Buddhism and deciding to take refuge. It's heartening to see the achievements of the English Dharma study group.