News Gallery
On August 16, 2024, the Social Education & Outreach Department of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and the Cerritos Subchapter of the BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association) Los Angeles Chapter took part in the 19th Annual Senior Expo at the Cerritos College Performing Arts Center in Norwalk. Organized by U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, the event drew nearly 600 retirees and 40 community organizations. Hsi Lai Temple’s booth was warmly received by attendees.
The Senior Expo aimed to promote the well-being and healthy lifestyles of seniors, offering free services such as health screenings, retirement financial planning, elder rights consultations, housing rights information, and caregiver support. Invited by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, participated under the guidance of Venerable Hui Cheng, from Social Education & Outreach Department of Hsi Lai Temple, led by BLIA Los Angeles Chapter Deputy Elder Advisor Avelyn Busch, and the Cerritos Subchapter were supported by eight volunteers. They set up a booth with the theme "Spiritual Care," featuring activities like writing blessing messages for the Wishing Tree, sharing Fo Guang Dharma words, mindful Zentangle coloring, word search games, and paper-folding art.
BLIA member Hendra Taruli introduced the concept of “Spiritual Care Over Coffee,” showing how the simple act of brewing coffee can become a practice in mindfulness and inner peace. Volunteers engaged with attendees by sharing Fo Guang booklets, lucky knot bracelets, bookmarks, and coasters. Visitors eagerly lined up to spin the Dharma wheel and write blessing messages for their loved ones, which were then hung on the Wishing Tree. Members of the Cerritos Subchapter took this opportunity to promote the "Three Acts of Goodness" campaign and their reading club, aiming to introduce Buddhism to a wider audience.
Yulissa Chavez, the event’s regional representative, expressed her gratitude for Hsi Lai Temple's participation and looked forward to future collaborations. Several other community groups and organizations at the event also showed interest in the services and information provided by Hsi Lai Temple.
(Photos Provided by Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple)
