We invite everyone to come share in the many multicultural activities hosted by Hsi Lai Temple throughout the year. The intention behind the many cultural activities is to provide the conditions in which Buddhist principals can be experienced in a very direct way in daily life The wide variety of cultural activities at Hsi Lai respects that each and every one of us has different affinities for art, music, food, and cultural activities. As we explore what resonates with us on an individual level, we also feel connected and experience the warmth of a community who also seeks to embody principles of compassion and generosity. It is through these shared experiences where we can all cultivate the practice of mindfulness in our daily lives.
Fo Guang Day
Come join us in celebrating what makes Fo Guang Shan (FGS) one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the world!
Together we will celebrate the people who have helped make the Buddha’s Light shine throughout the land, and the special characteristics that make Humanistic Buddhism so special.
Join us for presentations, cultural performances, sutra transcriptions, and a feast of delicacies as we celebrate the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun (founder of Fo Guang Shan), and all the people who have worked tirelessly to make our temple one of the beacons of Buddhism in the West.
Children’s Blessing Ceremony
Let us celebrate the joy of new life together! Buddhism places a high priority on community, and this is the perfect time to introduce your children to the Sangha (the Hsi Lai Temple community of monastics and laypersons). Please join us for a special ceremony wishing auspiciousness and good fortune on your child, along with a blessing welcoming your child into our faith community. After the ceremony, enjoy special activities for children including face painting and a special “Baby’s Future Occupation” game which is a hallmark activity welcoming new babies into the world in traditional Chinese culture. We look forward to creating a spiritual home with you and your children.
Dharma Day Celebration
The Dharma, which are the teachings of the Buddha, are one facet of the Triple Gem (The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha) – a core aspect of Buddhism. Through this event, we celebrate the Buddha’s teachings and their impact on our lives.
This day also commemorates the awakening of an Indian prince and what changed him into the Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha).
Please join us for a celebration of Buddhist wisdom taught by our original teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, as well as other teachers who have been inspired by him. Enjoy special presentations, lectures, and theatrical performances focusing on new understandings, real-world applications, and deeper explorations of the teachings of compassion, service, and spiritual practice which have blossomed in the world.
Students of our Buddhism classes are encouraged to apply for time to present what they have learned and gained from Buddhist teachings.
An Evening Under the Moon
The Mid-Autumn Festival, held in the month of September, is a community event that inspires mindfulness and reflection as friends and family gather together. In keeping with Chinese cultural tradition, treats such as rice ball desserts and yummy mooncakes are offered to the community. Often, the youth make paper lanterns to adorn the festivities of the event or perform musical performances for the community. As everyone contributes in some way to the event, both generosity and gratefulness can be observed in action.
Under the bright full moon of the Mid-Autumn festival, we often reflect on our own bright intrinsic Buddha nature - an inherent purity and perfection of the mind. Similar to how sometimes the light of the moon is hidden behind clouds, our own difficulties and hardships can sometimes obscure our intrinsic nature. It is through right practice and mindfulness, that we can dispel any dark clouds from our own minds and reveal the full splendor of our Buddha nature. We welcome all to share in this reflection while spending time with family and friends.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Hsi Lai invites everyone to join in the celebration as we welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year with joy and excitement! Every year, Hsi Lai Temple hosts one of the biggest Chinese New Year Celebrations in the nation. With over 100,000 people in attendance, Hsi Lai puts on several multicultural performances which remind us all of our shared universal human experience in wishing for prosperity, health, and happiness. Featured multicultural dances such as the traditional Chinese lion dance and the Mexican Aztec dance, bring people of different cultures together in a moment of understanding and community as both cultures bring in the new year with energy and enthusiasm.
The event’s joyous and festive atmosphere is felt by both old and young alike when the monk mascots come out to welcome families to the Temple. For those wanting to wish particularly auspicious conditions in the new year to come, Hsi Lai’s Golden Wishing Tree is always ready to receive any wishes for all aspects of life. Of course, the cheerful atmosphere is brought to fever pitch as dozens of food vendors surround Hsi Lai with delicious Chinese food and desserts. All in all, the memories to be formed by families will be cherished and full of joy.
4th of July Parade
America’s birthday celebration is a symbol of freedom and joy, and the wish for all to have a life of well-being, peace, and happiness. Laughter, smiles, and waves are abundant and expected at every celebratory 4th of July Parade nationwide.
For years, the sidewalks along Stimson Avenue, in Hacienda Heights, have been lining up with people---sporting red, white, & blue attire---excitedly awaiting the arrival of the parade, which includes one very unique musical float usually hosting the Chinese zodiac animal of the year, and led by smiling, American-flag-waving Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple monastics and members. Being part of a diverse, cohesive community is truly refreshing!
Within the American flag, the white represents purity and innocence, the red signifies valor and bravery, and the blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. All these attributes are found within many faiths, including the Buddha’s teachings. Preparation for this momentous occasion is a group-bonding effort, and volunteers are always welcome and needed!
The weekend before the parade, the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA) and the Kiwanis Club always invite the public out to celebrate Jim Davis’ Beautification Day by sweeping and cleaning the sidewalks along the parade route. Numerous Hsi Lai volunteers join the Boy and Girl Scouts, school and church groups, other organizations, and individuals, to take part in this annual community spruce-up. Bring your favorite broom, rake, dustpan, work gloves and water bottle. Garbage bags and safety vests will be provided.