Taking Refuge at Xiang Yun Temple — A Baby in the Womb Blessed by the Buddha

Reported by Li Yuxue, Humanity Newspaper, Austin

On August 10, Xiang Yun Temple held its second Great Compassion Repentance Dharma Service of the year, along with a Taking Refuge Ceremony. Among the eleven new disciples taking refuge were an unborn baby and, quite uniquely, two dogs, represented by a couple who are long-time local Friends of Buddha’s Light.

Many of the participants had long been immersed in Buddhist teachings. Now, they formally embarked on the path toward enlightenment, each receiving a Dharma name such as “Yi Mu,” “Yi Tai,” “Yi Li,” “Yi Jie,” and “Yi Qun.” The group was diverse: Yi Ze’s entire family took refuge together, establishing a Buddhist family; Yi Tai had practiced meditation for over a decade; Yi Li transitioned from a Christian upbringing to Buddhism; Yi Jie actively joined temple activities and found inner peace; Yi Hui was an unborn child of a devoted incense-offering volunteer. The story of “Yi Chun” and “Yi Sheng,” the two dogs who took refuge, conveyed compassion and protection.

Venerable Jue Ji encouraged everyone to continue diligent practice. After the ceremony, she and the officers of the Buddha’s Light International Association gathered at Dripping Water House to share, answer questions, and introduce the association, bringing the warm, joyful event to a perfect close.

The most touching moment of the day came from the canine participants. The couple had adopted “Yi Chun” from Austin Pets Alive, not knowing she was pregnant. She later gave birth to nine puppies. Unable to care for all of them, they returned eight to the shelter, keeping only the smallest one, “Yi Sheng.” Because his mother had only eight teats, Yi Sheng often missed out on milk, but instead received extra care and love—proving that “loss can be a blessing.”

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