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The Hsi Lai Subchapter of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter, made up of English-speaking members from diverse cultural backgrounds, hosted a “We Are One” reunion event on September 15, 2024, just before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Approximately 130 participants, including Hsi Lai Subchapter members, their families, parents and children from the Hsi Lai Temple Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) School, and Hsi Lai Girl Scouts, gathered at Hsi Lai Temple to engage in traditional Chinese activities such as making handmade rice balls (湯圓 tangyuan) and crafting lanterns. The event was a vibrant celebration of cultural integration, highlighting the harmony between local and multicultural traditions.
The subchapter welcomed everyone with a sign that read, “Welcome Hsi Lai Subchapter Family.” Helen Chan, one of the members, created a video showcasing the subchapter’s various activities and volunteer efforts, set to music from several English BLIA songs, including Connecting Hearts. The attendees watched the video together, reflecting on many meaningful moments.
Venerable Zhi Xing, the Guiding Venerable of the Hsi Lai Subchapter, warmly greeted everyone and spoke about the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, explaining the cultural roots of mooncakes and rice balls in Hong Kong, where their round shapes symbolize harmony and reunion. In Buddhism, the full moon represents a pure mind, untainted by distractions. Venerable Zhi Xing shared a famous Chan story Pointing to the Moon, encouraging attendees to find a spiritual practice that resonates with them and helps them discover their true nature.
Subchapter President Robert Wang expressed his gratitude to Vice President Lynette King for meticulously planning the event and leading the collective effort of members in creating and rehearsing for the rice ball-making activity over the past two weeks.
The outdoor rice ball-making session was filled with laughter, drawing the attention of curious temple visitors. While some participants made traditional round rice balls, others got creative, shaping theirs into squares, hearts, donuts, and even a caterpillar! The rice balls were served hot, paired with Indonesian black sugar and fragrant pandan-infused sweet soup, and enjoyed by all. Host Hendra Taruli reminded participants of the spirit of the Four Givings practiced during the event and expressed gratitude for the causes and conditions that brought everyone together. Venerable Zhi Xing then led everyone in chanting the “Buddha’s Light Verse,” after which the group shared smiles and enjoyed the fruits of their labor.
In addition to the delicious rice balls, two tea stations were set up for participants to sip tea, eat mooncakes, and chat. Children enjoyed making colorful lanterns, proudly displaying their creations to the applause of the adults. The event also included a prize raffle, with winners taking home various items, including English works by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. Each time a winner was announced, cheers and applause filled the air.
The event concluded with everyone gathering in the Main Shrine to read Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s A Prayer for the Offering of Light, offering lights and prayers for family, friends, and world peace. The group then took a commemorative photo together, promising to reunite again soon.
Nickolas Predescu, attending a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration for the first time, remarked that he felt the warmth and joy in the air and was uplifted by the smiles around him. Chris Biasi, who recently moved from New York to study at the University of the West, expressed how meaningful the gathering was and his hope to contribute to similar events in the future. Pan Pan and her husband, Jason Kang, also shared their appreciation for the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the day, saying they felt honored to be invited.
(Photos by Jonathan Thang)
