Commemorating Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Renunciation Anniversary: BLIA Members in North Carolina Reflect on Initial Aspirations and Vows
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[Reported by Yuchuan, North Carolina, USA] To commemorate the renunciation anniversary of the Fo Guang Shan Founding Master —Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan North Carolina held a “Blessings and Wisdom Cultivation” forum on March 15, 2026. The event was hosted by Venerable Miao Jou, superintendent of the temple, and featured sharing by Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) North Carolina Chapter President Gee Chia and board member Crissie Luo.
Presented in a warm conversational format, the forum highlighted how Fo Guang practitioners establish themselves through faith while living abroad, and how they carry forward the Humanistic Buddhism propagated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun through vows and action.
Crissie Luo shared that when she first arrived in the United States, she felt lost due to language barriers and cultural differences. It was only after she encountered Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina that she gradually found direction.
From the solemn atmosphere of the Jade Buddha Shrine to the profound resonance of the prayer texts, and even her first emotional meeting with Venerable Zhi San, which moved her to tears, she described the experience as “like a traveler finally finding home.”
Through participation in group practice, study sessions, and volunteer service, she discovered a source of spiritual support. Inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching that “compassion has no enemies,” she learned to embrace cultural diversity with openness and to transform difficulties through vows.
Luo expressed that Fo Guang Shan helped her rediscover her roots in life. She aspires to become “a person with light in the heart who brings warmth to others.” Witnessing the quiet dedication of fellow volunteers further strengthened her resolve to put down roots in North Carolina and to pass on the Fo Guang spirit to future generations.
Gee Chia’s reflected on her spiritual journey through Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s writing “Never Forget One's Initial Aspirations.” She explained that “initial aspirations” represents the very first thought that arises at each stage of life, as well as one’s deepest commitment. In Buddhist practice, such vows extend beyond a single lifetime.
Since taking refuge under Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1998, she has felt deeply supported by favorable conditions and spiritual mentors, gaining wisdom through serving others and strengthening her path of practice.
She recounted her journey from first serving as a board member in 2020, to vice president, founding chapter president, and now president of the North Carolina Chapter. While she admitted experiencing uncertainty at times, she emphasized that by holding firmly to her original aspiration and remaining willing to learn, conditions naturally matured.
She noted that the accomplishments of BLIA members stem from their willingness to serve joyfully and to grow together through mutual support.
Chia also highlighted that every BLIA event relies on the collective efforts of many volunteers. Her decision to take on the presidency, she said, comes from her deep care for these dedicated “bodhisattva volunteers.” She hopes to grow alongside them, ensuring that the Fo Guang community in North Carolina continues to flourish across generations and that Humanistic Buddhism shines ever more brightly in the region.
In her concluding remarks, Venerable Miao Jou encouraged attendees by quoting the Agama Sutras: “When hearing wholesome teachings, one should attend to them mindfully.” She reminded participants that listening to the Dharma is not merely hearing, but requires internalizing and putting it into practice.
She noted that the two speakers exemplify the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, demonstrating through their initial aspirations, vows, and actions the true spirit of Fo Guang practitioners, and offering a vivid model of how spiritual practice can be integrated into daily life.
The temple community also prepared traditional pickled vegetables, allowing participants to collectively honor and remember Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
