Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 8, 2023

On September 4th, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) New Jersey Chapter participated in the 2023 South Plainfield Borough Labor Day Parade. Amidst the drumming, Fo Guang members rode on a truck carrying a giant sramanera statue, promoting the concept of "Three Acts of Goodness(TAG)." 

BLIA New Jersey Chapter was invited to participate in the Labor Day Parade last year, where they performed an astonishing dragon dance. This year, they were invited once again.

BLIA New Jersey Chapter President Paul Tong drove a float to lead Fo Guang members' parade procession. photo／The Life News Agency

BLIA New Jersey Chapter President Paul Tong drove a float adorned with the slogan "Three Acts of Goodness" to lead the Fo Guang members' parade procession. Fo Guang member Edward Zyvith played the drums with vigor, while Fo Guang member Wang Wanrong handled the cymbals percussion instrument. All Fo Guang members joyfully conveyed the joyful, humanistic, and altruistic aspects of Humanistic Buddhism to the residents watching the parade.

Fo Guang member Edward Zyvith played the drums. photo／The Life News Agency

The weather was extremely hot on September 4th, but the enthusiasm of the Fo Guang members was not affected. Nearly all past superintendents, chapter presidents, members of the board of directors, sub-chapter leaders, and many other officials from New Jersey attended the event. 

There were also many first-time participants, such as Fo Guang member Hong Li. She mentioned that she was a TAG student and that participating in the parade allowed her to exercise, make good connections, and she felt very happy about it.

During the parade, Fo Guang members waved the American flag, the Buddhist flag, as well as balloons and banners displaying the Three Acts of Goodness slogan, promoting the concept of Three Acts of Goodness: Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts.

Fo Guang members waved the American flag, the Buddhist flag, as well as balloons and banners. photo／The Life News Agency

The South Plainfield Borough government introduced the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order and the concept of Three Acts of Goodness through broadcasting, and mentioned last year's dragon dance parade.