Fo Guang Austin Buddhist College Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for the Seventh Term

Reported by Xiu, Renjian News Report, Austin

The opening ceremony for the seventh term of Fo Guang Austin Buddhist College was held on the morning of June 28, 2025, at Xiang Yun Temple, with over seventy local and international devotees attending. The ceremony was hosted bilingually by Sister Li Zhou, who used traffic as a metaphor for life’s challenges, emphasizing that the Dharma is like a guiding light and explaining that education is one of Fo Guang Shan’s core missions, with the college serving as an important platform for Humanistic Buddhism in practice.

In her address, Venerable Jue Ji noted that it was a rare and precious opportunity to resume classes this year after the college’s suspension in 2018 due to the pandemic. She encouraged everyone to move beyond “seeking the Buddha” toward “studying the Buddha and practicing the Buddha’s teachings,” implementing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of “propagating the Dharma through education.” Venerable Yong Jia introduced the course content, explaining that the college equally emphasizes both “understanding” and “practice” to enhance cultivation and deepen Dharma knowledge.

The ceremony featured an introduction of the teaching faculty, the presentation of teaching certificates, and an overview of the upcoming curriculum. Students from community education programs also presented performances, including handpan (ethereal drum), tai chi, and youth martial arts, showcasing their learning achievements. The ceremony concluded with everyone singing the “Triple Gem Song,” offering lights, and reciting the Fo Guang Four-Line Verse, bringing the event to a perfect close.

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