03/30/2021

2021 Taking Refuge Ceremony

In 2021, Fo Guang Shan’s global ceremony of taking Refuge in the Triple Gem took place online. Eight devotees (including two 11 year-old and 7 year-old siblings) from Austin Xiang Yun Tem-ple participated in this ceremony.

To have a solemn and grand ceremony, Venerable Jue Ji specially arranged all to participate online with the main Shrine of Xiang Yun Temple as the backdrop, accompanied by Dharma instruments.

Venerable Hui Chuan disclosed how remarkable it is to take refuge in Buddha, visualizing the Buddha Dharma as a ray of sunshine warming the body, raindrops cleansing the soul.

Venerable Chi Rong demonstrated the proper way of dressing the Haiching (Buddhist robe) and explained the meaning of empowerment. Abbot Venerable Hsing Bao then led the repentance, making vows and taking refuge section of the ceremony.

Abbot Hsing Bao congratulated all participants who formally became Buddhists, due to their merits, and wished them well on the Buddhist cultivation path. While chanting "Namo Guan-yin Bodhisattva” participants joined palms to receive the empowerment and a rosary from the venerable.

Elaine Hsu, president of BLIA Austin, on behalf of BLIA offered congratulations and gifted eve-ryone a box of exquisite cake. After the ceremony, Sister Yang Hongxia said "I have been look-ing forward to the day of taking refuge. Now my wish has been fulfilled and I am very joyful.” David Silvia said that this is really an awesome experience! A group picture with the temple monastics in front of the Buddha records the unforgettable event.