04/17/2025

North America Fellowship Guests Visit Xiang Yun Temple

Reported by Zhiding, Renjian News, Austin

On April 17, 2025, Austin Xiang Yun Temple warmly welcomed the first group of distinguished guests attending the North America Regional Fellowship Conference. The delegation included Venerable Yi Kong, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Culture; Venerable Jue Pei, Secretary General of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters; Venerable Yong Gu, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Ottawa; Venerable Ju Duo, Deputy Secretary General of BLIA ROC Chapter; Venerable Ru Yang, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Northern California; along with more than 60 accompanying volunteers.

At 4 p.m., all volunteers at Xiang Yun Temple joyfully welcomed the guests with a rendition of the “Welcome Song.” Venerable Yi Kong led the assembly in paying respects to the Buddha and offering homage to Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Afterwards, Venerables Yi Kong, Jue Pei, and Yong Gu shared their profound connections with Xiang Yun Temple. Venerable Yi Kong fondly recalled his early bonds with Venerable Yi Song and praised the temple’s well-organized environment.

Venerable Jue Pei expressed gratitude for the Venerable Master’s great vows, which have allowed Fo Guang followers to find spiritual homes across the world. Venerable Yong Gu affirmed the collaborative efforts of the three Texas temples, which have helped strengthen community spirit and team cohesion.

Venerable Jue Ji, the supervising monk of Xiang Yun Temple, expressed heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated volunteers. The temple's youth group also offered their respectful greetings to the honored guests. The visit concluded with warm farewells as everyone sang “The Light of Fo Guang Shines on You,” officially marking the beginning of the Fellowship Conference.