Saiba Varma
January 5, 2024

On the final day of the year, December 31, 2023, around 80 people attended the world peace meditation day event despite the drizzle. The event, which had both English and Chinese MCs, began with a short description of the main shrine of Hsi Fang temple. It was followed by a short stretching exercise led by Ms. Rebecca Chung, a Qi Gong and Tai Chi teacher with more than 30 years of experience. Attendees spent about ten minutes learning basic qi gong stretches and were asked to focus on their breathing. The stretching ended with a fun ‘laughing’ qi gong, which had the shrine reverberate with gentle laughter.

Participant: I pray for every human to be compassionate towards all. photo／Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple

Max (right) writing the new year resolution in his native language, Russian. photo／Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple

After this, Ven. Miaozang led the sangha in a 20-minute silent meditation. One of the event’s guests, Chaplain Carlton, representing the Baptist tradition, shared a short prayer for world peace with the sangha. He emphasized the importance of peace in the face of ongoing wars and the deaths of innocent children. Ven. Miaozang also offered a few words about world peace and how it must begin with ourselves. Then the sangha stood and we collectively recited the Prayer for World Peace by Ven. Master Hsing Yun, and the Dedication of Merit.

Chaplain Carlton (center, white shirt), representing the Baptist tradition, invited to share a short prayer for world peace with the sangha. photo／Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple

Following this, attendees were guided downstairs to the temple’s gates, where a vibrant dragon had been constructed using recycled materials. On the body of the dragon, there was space for attendees to write down their wishes, aspirations, or prayers for the new year in their native language, to honor and celebrate the diversity of our community. Finally, attendees joined for a delicious and hot vegetarian lunch of fried rice, spring rolls, and a pasta soup. On their way out, attendees received a small booklet by BLIA on “Coexistence and Coprosperity” and a vegetarian sushi roll.

The Auspicious Dragon is constructed using recycled materials. photo／Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple

The atmosphere was peaceful and spirited, as we all collectively reflected on the year that has passed and the year ahead. Given the ongoing wars and devastation in the world, the wish for world peace particularly poignant and meaningful.

Writing New Year wishes on the auspicious dragon. photo／Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple