New Year’s Chanting Welcomes Pilgrims — Three Vietnamese Temples Visit Xiangyun Temple

By Merit Times Correspondent Puhui | Austin

On March 1, Xiangyun Temple welcomed the largest number of visitors since the Lunar New Year. Nearly 400 pilgrims from three Vietnamese temples in Houston arrived in groups throughout the day. The temple arranged more than ten Vietnamese-speaking volunteers to assist with reception and guided tours, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for both hosts and visitors.

In the morning, sixty devotees from Phu Duc Temple paid homage to the Buddha and chanted sutras under the leadership of Venerable De Cheng. The solemn chanting created a serene and focused atmosphere. Venerable Jue Ji, representing the temple’s monastic community, offered New Year blessings and encouraged everyone to diligently cultivate in the Year of the Horse.

At noon, Ngoc An Meditation Center visited Xiangyun Temple for the first time. Under the guidance of the monastics, the group participated in circumambulating the Dharma Wheel, listening to Dharma teachings, lighting lamps, and making prayers. They also received “peace rice” as a symbolic blessing, leaving everyone joyful and uplifted.

In the afternoon, Phuoc Duc Temple arrived with four tour buses carrying 220 devotees, accompanied by eight monastics, creating an impressive scene. Venerable Ming Shan greeted everyone in fluent Chinese with New Year wishes, bringing a lively and friendly spirit to the gathering.

Throughout the day, the temple grounds were filled with visitors while volunteers worked in an orderly and harmonious manner, embodying the festive spirit of “harmonious coexistence.” As the pilgrims prepared to depart, everyone lined up to sing “Buddha’s Light Shines on You”, offering heartfelt blessings and wishing all a successful and auspicious year ahead

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