Multicultural Education Field Study — Magellan International School Visits Xiangyun Temple

Reported by Ezra M Mitsak, Austin

February 23, 2026

On February 23, 2026, the temple welcomed 31 sixth-grade students from Magellan International School in Austin for a Buddhist field trip that combined culture and education.

The event began with a kung fu experience, allowing students to appreciate the harmony of movement and stillness in traditional Chinese culture through physical activity. The group then entered the Main Shrine Hall to watch a video introducing the life of the Buddha. A guided tour followed, explaining the significance of the three Buddha statues—Medicine Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha—as well as the Diamond Sutra, the compassionate spirit of Guanyin Bodhisattva, Master Hsing Yun’s contributions in promoting Humanistic Buddhism, and the global development of Fo Guang Shan.

The visit continued with an outdoor tour of the red lanterns, the central courtyard, the meditation hall, and the Guanyin Pavilion. Students also learned about the Noble Eightfold Path through a pebble arrangement shaped like the Chinese character for “eight,” transforming Buddhist teachings into tangible concepts.

The program concluded with tea and conversation between teachers, students, and Venerable Jue Ji at the Water Drop Teahouse, ending the visit on a warm and memorable note. A group photo was taken on the steps at the mountain gate. The temple presented commemorative gifts, expressing hope that the experience would deepen students’ understanding of and respect for Buddhist culture, leaving them with cherished learning memories.

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