Spring Festival Cultural Harmony • A Surge of Compassion — Xiangyun Temple's Ethnic Experience Warms Austin

Humanistic News correspondent Lily, Austin

On February 22, 2026, Xiangyun Temple held its annual Lunar New Year celebration, drawing more than 2,000 participants from diverse ethnic and faith backgrounds. The Year of the Horse symbolizes courage and forward momentum, and also conveys the aspiration to continue moving toward goodness and light amid a turbulent world. For overseas Chinese communities, the Lunar New Year is not merely a festival, but a continuation of culture and shared memory. People of different ethnicities gathered at the temple to pray for peace, vividly demonstrating cross-cultural exchange and harmony.

A New Year Blessing Dharma Service was held in the morning, during which Venerable Jueji, the supervising monastic, encouraged attendees to ground themselves in right mindfulness and to benefit others through wholesome actions. Several community leaders were present to affirm the temple's contributions to cultural preservation and community cohesion, and to encourage greater youth participation in public and civic affairs.

The event featured calligraphy, painting, and cultural performances, while the food area offered a variety of festive vegetarian dishes filled with the flavors of home. Fo Guang youth members and volunteers worked together seamlessly, exemplifying a strong spirit of responsibility and service. Beyond its lively atmosphere, the celebration embodied a hopeful vision of harmonious coexistence among different cultures and faiths.

More News