Xiang Yun Temple Austin: 8th Academy Graduation Ceremony

By Xi-xiu, Humanistic News Correspondent, Austin Texas

Xiang Yun Temple in Austin held its 8th English and Chinese Academy graduation ceremonies on June 20-21, 2026, attracting more than one hundred devotees over the two days. The event was organized by Academic Dean Beatrice Ho, with Academy President Venerable Jue Ji and Vice President Venerable Yong Jia leading attendees in a review of learning achievements and presenting awards to outstanding students.

Both ceremonies featured special sessions explaining the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. Through Dharma talks, explanations of the precepts, and demonstrations of Buddhist etiquette, students were guided to understand Buddhist cultivation and its application in daily life. At the English Academy ceremony, Venerable Jue Ji explained the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, emphasizing that the precepts are a means of cultivating self-awareness and responsibility. At the Chinese Academy ceremony, Venerable Yong Jia provided an accessible explanation of the importance of the precepts in purifying body, speech, and mind. Demonstrations of how to wear the haiqing (traditional Buddhist robe) and manyi (ceremonial robe) further enhanced participants' understanding of Buddhist etiquette.

The top three students in the English Academy were Derrick Lewis, Megan Willoughby, and Andrew Lucchesi. The top three students in the Chinese Academy were Tuy Cheng Shi, Yang Haiping, and Li Qun. Certificates of achievement were presented by the monastics to encourage continued diligence in learning and practice.

The ceremony also introduced the curriculum for the 9th session, including line dancing, steel drum, youth meditation, Sanskrit chanting, Bodhi Academy, kung fu, music, and other diverse programs. Xiang Yun Temple upholds Venerable Master Hsing Yun's vision of "transforming temples into academies," continuing to promote the Dharma through education and cultural outreach so that Humanistic Buddhism may be woven into everyday life, elevating well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

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