Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
June 2, 2023

On May 28th, the Fo Guang Shan Europe held "2023 Europe Temple Construction Dharma Service" at headquarters Fo Guang Shan France, expressing gratitude to the devotees for their sincere support in the temple construction.

The Dharma Service was presided over by Venerable Jue Rong, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Europe, Deputy Abbot Venerable Miao Xiang, and Deputy Abbot Venerable Miao Duo. They led 20 monks from other Fo Guang Shan temples across Europe, as well as approximately 600 participants on-site and online, in prayers and blessings.

Participants offered lights, chanted sutras, and respectfully listened to the recitation of the "A Prayer for the Lamp Offering" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun .photo／The Life News Agency

The purpose of the service was to invoke the blessings and protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and to pray for the growth of blessings and wisdom for the Dana, as well as for their peace and happiness.

Participants also offered lights to transmit the light of peace and hope to the world. The attendees sincerely chanted sutras, made vows, and respectfully listened to the recitation of the "A Prayer for the Lamp Offering" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan.

Venerable Miao Xiang, who is in charge of the reconstruction project of Fo Guang Shan Berlin, expressed, "A thousand words can only be summarized in one phrase: gratitude!" With utmost sincerity, he extended his heartfelt thanks to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the venerables all over the world, and the global Fo Guang members for their support. The completion and consecration ceremony of Fo Guang Shan Berlin is expected to take place in June next year.

Venerable Miao Xiang expressed gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the venerables all over the world, and the global Fo Guang members. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Rong stated that the Dharma service for blessings was specifically held to express gratitude to the faithful supporters who have contributed to the construction of temples in Europe. She expressed her appreciation to all Fo Guang members for not only taking care of their own families and careers but also going a step further to support the establishment of places for the Dharma body and wisdom life.

Venerable Jue Rong stated that the Dharma service was held to express gratitude to the faithful supporters. photo／The Life News Agency

Ms. Cai Youdi, the supervisor of the IBPS Paris, expressed that she first visited the old temple in Paris in 1993 and made a vow to sponsor the construction of the temple. She stated that supporting the construction of the temple has brought more meaning to her life.

Supervisor Wang Ailian expressed that establishing temples and abiding sangha not only was Venerable Master Hsing Yun's aspiration but also the aspiration of Fo Guang members. Fo Guang members will uphold the master's ideals and spread the truth, virtue, and beauty of Humanistic Buddhism to every corner of Europe.