Bathing the Buddha to Purify the Mind • Walking Together in Gratitude — Xiang Yun Temple Successfully Hosts Buddha’s Birthday and Memorial Weekend Celebration

By Reporter Zhou Li, reported from Austin

Amid the warmth and blossoms of May, Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple held a two-day “2026 Buddha’s Birthday Bathing Ceremony and Memorial Weekend Gratitude Celebration,” attracting more than 400 devotees and community members. The event combined Buddha bathing rituals, life education, gratitude and remembrance activities, and youth performances, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and Dharma joy.

On May 23, two inspirational speakers, Ronda and JoAnn, shared their life stories about losing their legs in accidents and rebuilding their lives through faith and perseverance, deeply moving the audience. The Xiang Yun Temple Community Choir also delivered a heartfelt performance.

During the Buddha Bathing Ceremony on May 24, Venerable Jue Ji, the supervising monastic of the temple, encouraged everyone to cleanse their hearts with compassion and gratitude and to bring kindness into their daily lives. U.S. Navy Commander Kevin Pearcy and U.S. Army Buddhist chaplain Prasert Ammartek also spoke about the spirit of Memorial Day, honoring service members and families who sacrificed for peace.

In addition, the Buddha’s Light Youth Group (YAD2), together with jazz musicians Paul Klemperer and Dan Walton, presented a collaborative performance that highlighted youth creativity and intergenerational cooperation. The event concluded with a “Buddha’s Light Baby Blessing Ceremony,” offering prayers for children’s peace and good health while passing on the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness to the next generation.

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