01/16/2021

Laba Congee Sharing

To celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, Xiang Yun Temple held the Laba Congee sharing activity, as every year in the past. This year, despite the raging pandemic, the activity was not at all affected. When BLIA-Austin sent the notice to BLIA members and Dharma friends, the response was overwhelming, and exceeded all previous records.

Under the guidance of Venerable Yi-Song, Elaine Hsu, president of BLIA-Austin, led a team of volunteers in preparing the congee one day prior to distribution day. Jin Chiu, BLIA-Austin’s supervisor, was in charge of cooking the congee itself. The dining hall was buzzing with energy as volunteers readied the congee for distribution. BLIA volunteers also enthusiastically helped to distribute Laba Congee to members and friends nearby their houses.

A total of eight pots (300 bowls) of Laba Congee were distributed. The exquisite Laba Congee container especially explains the meaning of Laba Congee, imparting wisdom while the recipients enjoyed the congee. Due to the social separation during the pandemic, temple members joyfully greeted each other at the temple; the Laba Congee event definitely reconnects friendships.