FO GUANG SHAN TEMPLE
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Buddha's Light International Association
Our Mission
Propagate the Dharma through cultural endeavors
Foster talent through education
Benefit society through charitable programs
Purify human minds through Buddhist practice
Under the leadership of Founding President Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Buddhism has gradually reached out of temples to enter society, further transcending nations to spread the Dharma around the world. On February 3, 1991, Fo Kuang Buddhist Association, a Buddhist civic organization formed by Buddhist followers was established in Taiwan, symbolic of the changing times and received recognition from all circles in society. On May 16, 1992, Buddha’s Light International Association World Headquarters was inaugurated in Los Angeles, the United States of America. The first BLIA General Conference was also held with Fo Guang members from the five continents of Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, coming together for the significant occasion to set a milestone for Buddhist history. Venerable Master Hsing Yun wrote the gatha: “A mind with the compassionate vow to deliver sentient beings, a body like a boat unbound on the Dharma ocean. Should you ask what the Venerable Master has achieved in this lifetime? Peace and happiness shine upon the five continents;” with this he established the goal for Dharma propagation for BLIA. The Venerable Master’s keynote speech for the first General Conference was entitled “Joy and Harmony;” it was his hope that BLIA would spread the seeds of joy and the concept of harmony around the world.
BLIA belongs to Buddhist followers around the world and cordially welcomes all who accept its principle and spirit. Currently, BLIA organizations have been established in over a hundred countries and regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Nigeria etc.
Link to international BLIA: https://www.blia.org/
Link to BLIA NGO: http://www.bliango.org/
BLIA NC Chapter
Venerable Master Hsing Yun established the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) in 1992, a Buddhist organization primarily for lay followers. It operates under the four guiding principles of Fo Guang Shan: "To propagate the Dharma through culture, to foster talents through education, to benefit society through charity, and to purify human minds through spiritual cultivation." The BLIA North Carolina Chapter was founded on August 22 of the same year in North Carolina. Under the guidance of successive venerables and the joint efforts of its leaders and members, the chapter focuses on promoting Humanistic Buddhism and serving society.
BLIA North Carolina chapter has been dedicated to public welfare initiatives, including participating in local environmental protection activities, promoting vegetarianism, donating supplies to schools and disadvantaged groups, as well as organizing blood drives, emergency assistance programs, and other charitable actions that embody a spirit of selfless devotion. At the same time, BLIA North Carolina chapter hosts cultural and educational activities such as Buddhist and life lectures and book clubs, inspiring members to deepen and broaden their spiritual awareness while uplifting social values.
Inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s great aspiration — “May the Buddha’s Light shine universally on the Three Thousand Realms; may the Dharma stream flow across all Five Continents”— BLIA North Carolina Chapter not only strives for local growth, but also endeavors to sow the seeds of joy, compassion, and altruism in the world, contributing to social harmony and the purification of the human heart.
Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Carolina Chapter
Address: 2529 Prince Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606
Tel: (919) 816-9866
Email: nc@blia.org
Buddha’s Light International Association,
Young Adult Division, North Carolina ( BLIA-YAD, NC)
Established in 2008, the Young Adult Division (YAD) of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), North Carolina, serves as a dynamic platform for young people aged 13 to 35 who are single and interested in cultivating a meaningful life through Humanistic Buddhism.
Our Objectives:
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To guide young individuals in establishing a clear life direction through the principles of Humanistic Buddhism.
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To foster leadership skills through hands-on experience in organizing and managing group activities.
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To expand social connections and interpersonal development through active participation in community and temple events.
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To cultivate a strong foundation in Buddhist teachings through education.
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To encourage service and engagement with the wider community, thereby enriching life with purpose and compassion.
BLIA YAD members take part in a wide range of activities that reflect the Four Objectives of Fo Guang Shan:
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To propagate the Dharma through culture;
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To foster talent through education;
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To benefit society through charity;
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To purify human minds through spiritual cultivation.
Over the past year, our group has organized and participated in a variety of enriching events, including a teen cooking seminar, an ice-skating fundraiser, Dharma classes, a book club, an open house, hiking trips, and movie nights. We also actively supported community initiatives such as the TACAS Lunar New Year celebration, local food bank volunteering, and emergency fundraising efforts.
Through fellowship, service, and spiritual growth, BLIA YAD North Carolina continues to offer a space where young people can thrive as leaders, Buddhists, and compassionate members of society.
BLIA DC Chapter
The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Washington, DC Chapter was established in 2004 to actively promote the concept of “Humanistic Buddhism as advocated by Fo Guang Shan’s founding master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Its members primarily reside in the Greater Washington area, including Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The chapter regularly hosts life education lectures, Buddhist study forums, and meditation classes, while also actively participating in community charity efforts. Through the activities of Washington, DC chapter aspires to help residents of the Greater Washington area encounter pure Buddhist teachings and put into practice Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of the integration of Buddhism and daily life as one.
Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Washington, DC Chapter
Address: 328 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Tel: (240) 243-6955
Hours: Tue–Fri 11am–4pm, Sat–Sun 10m–5pm
Web: http://bliadc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bliadc
Email: dc@blia.org