05/03/2025

Austin Xiang Yun Temple the intersection of music and the heart

Human Press reporter Xi-Siou Austin reports

On the morning of 3 May, Xiang Yun Temple held a music dialogue during the English retreat session, attracting more than 120 Chinese and foreign participants. With the theme of music as a bridge between hearts and minds, the event explored the power of sound in giving, communication and connection. Host Younnie pointed out that music can resonate with the soul across languages and cultures. Starting from the Buddhist rituals, Venerable Jue Ji emphasized that chanting and reciting are ways of practice and offerings and led the public to chant the character "Om" and the four verses of Buddha's light.

Andres Hernandez Labra, a double bassist from Mexico, shared how he learned music in difficult circumstances and is committed to giving back to the community, especially through music workshops for the hearing impaired, to practice the inclusion and hope of music. Italian cellist Francesco Mastromatteo explores the essence of music from the perspective of education and faith, believing that music reveals the heart, transcends religion, and is a common language between people.

The whole event integrated the spirit of Buddhism, music, and education, and ended successfully with the resonance of the venerable and artists, embodying the concept of "Music Without Borders" and the concept of "Co-exist and Co-prosperity" of the Buddha's International Light Society.