FGS Hsi Fang Temple
January 30, 2024

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple monthly English lecture series, Thank Buddha It's Friday (TBIF) is entering its seventh year. On January 26th, with the title "Buddhism and Chinese Cultures: Exploring the Lunar New Year Celebration", the superintendent Venerable Miaozang, Venerable Miaoee, and Venerable Zhiching shared insights on the new year calligraphy blessings related to the Chinese zodiac by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, traditional customs, and four special exhibitions for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Nearly 35 attendees participated both in-person and online.

Nearly 35 attendees participated both in-person and online. photo/FGS Hsi Fang Temple

Venerable Miaoee explaining the origins and traditional customs of the Chinese New Year. She emphasized that the festival symbolizes the end of the winter, reunion, prosperity, and the hope for a better future. She further explained the meanings behind the firecrackers, red envelopes, festive foods, and the significance of visiting temples, lighting lamps, and praying before the Buddha. She shared on the symbolic meaning of lighting the peace lantern as "illuminating a dark room for a thousand years." She also highlighted that in Buddhism, time is viewed as endless, and the concept of "first incense" is not constrained by chronological order but rather by sincere hearts. Every individual's first lit incense is considered the "first annual incense," and everyone is welcomed to the temple to celebrate the new year.

Venerable Miaoee explaining the origins and traditional customs of the Chinese New Year. photo/FGS Hsi Fang Temple

Venerable Zhiching continued with explaining Venerable Master Hsing Yun's advocacy for propagate the Dharma through cultural activities. Venerable Master initiated a "Buddhist Antiquities Exhibition" at the age of 20 while studying at Jiaoshan Buddhist College, attracting a hundred thousand visitors. The purpose of the special exhibitions is to allow visitors to understand the cultural artifacts of Buddhism, appreciate the beauty of Buddhist art, and gain insights into the depth of Buddhism.

Venerable Zhiching continued with explaining Venerable Master Hsing Yun's advocacy for propagate the Dharma through cultural activities. photo/FGS Hsi Fang Temple

Venerable Miaozang shared the Venerable Master's new year blessings based on the characteristics of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. For those born in the Year of the Dragon, characterized by charm, intelligence, self-confidence, and strength. Venerable Master's blessing for this year "May you be free as cloud and water, auspicious and joyful", blessing everyone a sense of ease, peace and joy be with you wherever you are, whenever you need.

Venerable Miaozang shared the Venerable Master's new year blessings based on the characteristics of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. photo/FGS Hsi Fang Temple

Venerable Miaozang also encouraged everyone to understand the core values of Lunar New Year. It's not just a lively and joyful festival for family reunions; it marks the beginning of the year, a time for making resolutions, setting intentions, and persisting in diligent efforts.

Venerable Master's blessing for this year "May you be free as cloud and water, auspicious and joyful", blessing everyone a sense of ease, peace and joy be with you wherever you are, whenever you need. photo/FGS Hsi Fang Temple