Edition #16
May - Jun 2024
BLIA in the Comminity
Welcome to the 16th Issue of Buddha's Light New York.
Lighting the Path of Peace
As summer's golden light bathed our city, FGS New York and BLIA wove compassion into action—turning skyscrapers into temples and subway rides into mindfulness practice.
FGS NY Hosts First Vesak Celebration in Times Square
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FGS NY Joins Vesak Celebration, Promotes Peace and Unity
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This Issue Shines With: ——Sacred Streets
Our historic Vesak celebration transformed Times Square into an open-air sanctuary, where a thousand hands bathed the Buddha beneath neon skies. ——Compassion Without Borders From UN interfaith prayers to life-saving blood drives, we served with joyful determination—proving no act of kindness is too small. ——Harmony in Action Cultural bridges bloomed through Hindu temple dialogues and symphonies blending Heart Sutra with Star Wars—music became our universal Dharma language. Join us in celebrating a season where every act— whether washing a Buddha statue or washing dishes at a food drive—became an offering. Here, wisdom wears sneakers, compassion rides the subway, and the Three Acts of Goodness light up Broadway brighter than neon.
Compassion in Motion
New York Fo Guang Scouts Camp: Promoting Environmental Awareness
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Fo Guang Shan NY Hosts Blood Drive, Promotes Compassion in Action
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Bridges of Understanding
Fo Guang Members Visit Hindu Temple for Cultural and Spiritual Exchange
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Ten New Buddhists Take Refuge on Father’s Day at Fo Guang Shan NY
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Executive Board
Publisher : Buddha’s Light International Association Editors : I-Kai Lee ， Helen Leong Design : Hebe Liu
President : Jenny Chen Vice Presidents : Kenneth Jin Frank Ko
National Day of Prayer:
FGS NY Offers Blessings for Peace
On May 2, in honor of the U.S. National Day of Prayer, FGS New York Temple holds a blessing ceremony at its Main Shrine Hall and participates in interfaith activities organized by the New York State government.
Invited as the Buddhist representative, the temple joins other major religions in offering prayers for peace. NYC officials present a certificate of appreciation to the temple for its long- standing community contributions. Venerable Chueh Lin and Venerable You Lin lead prayers and chant the Amitabha Sutra, dedicating merits to world peace. The event highlights Humanistic Buddhism's values of compassion, equality, and unity across faiths.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
FGS NY Hosts First Vesak Celebration in Times Square
On May 4, FGS New York Temple and BLIA New York host their first-ever “Vesak – Cloud and Water Bathing the Buddha” celebration in Times Square, drawing over a thousand attendees of diverse backgrounds. The event features a solemn bathing ceremony, interfaith blessings, and public chanting of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s A Prayer for World Peace. Giant screens display the “Three Acts of Goodness” message—Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts—symbolizing Humanistic Buddhism's outreach to the world. City officials praise the event as a cultural and spiritual milestone, while Fo Guang members, youth, and performers spread joy, compassion, and Buddhist values through music, prayer, and creative outreach.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
On May 13, representatives from FGS New York Temple and BLIA New York participate in the AAPI Heritage Month celebration hosted by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander at Manhattan’s City Hall. The event brings together over 100 Asian American leaders from various fields to celebrate cultural diversity and community impact. During a multifaith roundtable breakfast, discussions center on economic recovery and language inclusivity within AAPI communities. Fo Guang representatives highlight Humanistic Buddhism’s values, foster interfaith dialogue, and invite attendees to the temple’s upcoming Vesak celebration, strengthening connections across cultures and communities. FGS NY Joins AAPI Heritage Month to Promote Cultural Exchange
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
FGS NY Joins Vesak Celebration,
Promotes Peace and Unity
On May 18, FGS New York Temple joins the Buddhist Council of New York's Vesak Celebration at the Rubin Museum of Art, alongside leaders and followers from various Buddhist traditions. With the theme “Peace and Harmony in the Buddha’s Teachings,” the event features bathing the Buddha, chanting, interfaith prayers, and Dharma talks. Venerable You Lin leads the bathing ceremony, emphasizing inner purification through the Three Acts of Goodness. The gathering promotes interreligious dialogue and honors Buddhist values of compassion, peace, and cooperation, while the temple shares Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings through booklets and Dharma cards.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
On May 24, 2024, New York City Council Member Sandra Ung hosts a Memorial Day ceremony at the Korean War Monument in Kissena Park, Queens, honoring U.S. soldiers' sacrifices. Attendees include State Senator John Liu, District Attorney Melinda Katz, Korean War veterans, community groups, and students. FGS New York Temple leads prayers for fallen soldiers, dedicating merits for peace and blessings for the living. Ung highlights Memorial Day’s significance in honoring heroes who fought for freedom. The event features an orchestra performance, a flower-laying ceremony, and awards for student essays and poems. The 2007 monument lists 172 Queens soldiers lost in the Korean War, symbolized by a statue of a soldier advancing with a rifle. New York Kissena Park Memorial Day Commemoration: FGS NY Temple Offers Prayers and Dedication
Monastics led prayers for Korean War victims' rebirth in Pure Land and for the living to value peace.
The New York Young Lions Youth Orchestra played moving music while attendees laid flowers to honor fallen soldiers.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
New York Fo Guang Scouts Camp: Promoting Environmental Awareness The New York Fo Guang Scouts, along with their parents, participate in a three- day outdoor survival camp from May 25 to 27 at Mills Norrie State Park. Through activities such as eco-themed totem poles, an Iron Chef competition, and obstacle courses, the scouts learn about environmental protection and survival skills. The camp begins with the recitation of various scout oaths. Each age group contributes creative projects focused on nature conservation. Scouts demonstrate teamwork and survival skills in different challenges. The camp ends with an awards ceremony, and the scouts clean the campsite to ensure they leave no trace.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
BLIA Joins UN Civil Society Briefing for the First Time On May 31, Venerable You Lin, World Headquarters UN NGO Office Director from FGS New York and BLIA NY President Jenny Chen attend the UN Civil Society Briefing at UN Headquarters, marking BLIA’s first participation in this global platform. The meeting reflects on outcomes from the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, emphasizing collective action for sustainable development. Organized by the UN Department of Global Communications and ECOSOC, the event gathers around 150 participants from NGOs and government offices. Venerable You Lin highlights the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose, underscoring BLIA’s commitment to global dialogue and humanitarian values.
Attendee Cairo Embarras stated that they will continue to promote civil society.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
On June 8, FGS New York Temple and BLIA New York host the 2024 “Beyond Star Lights” music concert at Queens College, blending Buddhist chanting with Western classical and film music. Performed by over 30 musicians from the Metropolitan Opera and local ensembles, the concert features works from The Heart Sutra to Star Wars. Venerables highlight music as a modern form of Dharma outreach, honoring Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision. With nearly 500 attendees and state officials present, the event celebrates cultural harmony and the power of music to share Buddhist wisdom. Beyond Srar Lights Music Concert Unites East and West in New York
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
FO GUANG MEMBERS VISIT HINDU TEMPLE On June 16, over 50 Fo Guang members from three BLIA New York chapters visit the Akshardham Mahamandir in New Jersey—one of the world's largest Hindu temples—for a day of religious and cultural learning. Led by Venerable Chueh Lin, the group explores the temple’s intricate architecture and interfaith artistry, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences. The visit fosters appreciation for spiritual diversity and strengthens community bonds. Venerables remind participants to embody Fo Guang values with respect and gratitude. The event highlights the unity of faith, beauty, and Buddhist practice in daily life. FOR CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL EXCHANGE
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
TEN NEW BUDDHISTS TAKE REFUGE ON FATHER’S DAY AT FGS NY
On June 16, FGS New York Temple holds a Taking Refuge Ceremony for ten new devotees, coinciding with Father’s Day. Venerables teach the Three Jewels ceremony in both English and Chinese, while Venerable Chueh Lin emphasizes that all bodhisattva vows begin with gratitude and filial piety. Participants reflect on the meaning of compassion and parental love in Buddhist practice. New members, including families and youth, express joy in becoming disciples and gratitude to the temple. The event highlights the spirit of repaying kindness and integrating Dharma into family and daily life.
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BLIA Joins Interfaith Prayer for African Children's Day at UN Event On June 18, Venerable You Lin, World Headquarters UN NGO Office Director from FGS New York Temple represents the Buddhist community at an interfaith prayer ceremony honoring the International Day of the African Child, held at the Salvation Army UN Office in NYC. Leaders from multiple religions offer prayers and light candles to promote children’s rights and peace. Venerable You Lin introduces BLIA and recites Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Children, calling for compassion and care for vulnerable youth. The event fosters unity, empathy, and global responsibility across faiths to build a brighter future for all children.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
On June 22, nearly 80 FGS NY and BLIA NY members participate in the VEGRUN global plant-based charity walk at Deer Park, chanting “VEGRUN, GO GO GO” as they walk for health and environmental awareness. The event begins with temple clean-up efforts and continues with a scenic group walk. Venerable You Lin and BLIA leaders highlight the connection between environmental action, mindfulness, and vegetarianism, while members express joy and gratitude for reconnecting through service and Dharma. The event reflects Fo Guang Shan’s ongoing commitment to eco-friendly, heart-centered living.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
FGS NY Hosts Blood Drive, Promotes Compassion in Action
On June 23, FGS New York Temple and BLIA NY Flushing Chapter partnered with the New York Blood Center for an 8-hour blood donation drive, drawing nearly 60 volunteers despite a city heat alert. Led by Venerable You Lin, members upheld the spirit of “saving lives through compassion”, emphasizing that one donation can bring hope to an entire family. Creative costumes and street outreach encouraged participation. With 44 successful donations, organizers highlighted the urgent need to increase donor rates and expressed gratitude for the collective effort to support humanitarian and Buddhist values through action.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
NEW YORK FO GUANG SCOUTS CELEBRATE YEAR-END WITH HONORS AND GRATITUDE
On June 23, FGS New York Temple held its annual scout year-end ceremony, gathering over 200 scouts, parents, and guests to celebrate a year of growth and achievement. Highlights included Congresswoman Grace Meng awarding scout Riley Chen the prestigious Eagle Scout badge, joined by Senator John Liu and Councilmember Sandra Ung in recognizing the troop’s impact. Scout leaders and members reflected on their experiences, while Fo Guang Shan monastics and BLIA NY President Chen Cheng-Hui emphasized compassion, gratitude, and the “Three Acts of Goodness.” The event concluded with award presentations, heartfelt thanks, and a shared commitment to continue cultivating virtue and service.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
FGS NEW YORK SONGHE EVERGREEN SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY – SENIOR BODHISATTVAS SHOWCASE THEIR LEARNING
On June 26, FGS New York Temple held the third-term graduation and exhibition for its Songhe Evergreen Seniors Program, where 22 senior students showcased their eight weeks of learning. Venerable Yulin praised the students as “treasures of Fo Guang Shan,” highlighting the program’s role in providing a space for lifelong growth and spiritual enrichment. Eight participants received perfect attendance awards, and teachers were honored with gifts of appreciation. The ceremony featured reflections on perseverance, gratitude for the Three Jewels, and a collective call to continue learning with joy and dedication, embodying the spirit of “learning for life.”
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
New York Governor Engages in Interfaith Dialogue to Foster a More Harmonious Society
On June 26, the NYS Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services hosted an interfaith dialogue at Lincoln Center, bringing together nearly 100 religious leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and representatives from BLIA New York Chapter. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of collaboration among faith communities and government to strengthen social services and build a more harmonious society. BLIA New York President Chen Chenghui shared how Humanistic Buddhism, through the principles of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Five Harmonies, promotes inner peace and social progress. The event was recorded by the governor’s interfaith committee to inform future policies supporting positive societal development.
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
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BUDDHA’S LIGHT NEW YORK
154-37 Barclay Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355 Tel: 718-939-8318, 718-939-9318 E-mail: nyinfo@ibps.org Website: fgsny.org
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