3/21/2024

American High School Students Visit Hsi Lai Temple: Meditation Course Plants Seeds of Bodhi

On March 22, 2024, Los Altos High School, part of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Los Angeles County, visited Hsi Lai Temple. Led by Ven. Hui Cheng, over 40 students and teachers from the National Chinese Honor Society and the Asian Cultural Club participated in a meditation session. The school organized these visits annually as part of its educational program.

Last year, the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District and Hsi Lai Temple jointly held a multicultural exchange event, attracting more than 60 professionals from various fields in the local education sector. Ms. Katharina Chung, deeply moved and inspired by the educational philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, brought 40 Los Altos High School students to the temple, hoping that through this half-day study tour, they could learn about Buddhism and Chinese culture. The students arrived at the temple in the morning and were guided by tour docents Mr. Robert Wang and Mr. Thomas Ngo.

In the afternoon, Ven. Hui Cheng taught a meditation class, covering the basic concepts of meditation, including standing meditation, sitting meditation, and walking meditation. During the sharing session, Ven. Hui Cheng emphasized that meditation is not limited to the cushion but can extend to every moment of life. He encouraged students to apply the wisdom and understanding gained from meditation to their daily lives. Living meditation means being mindful in every aspect of life and thinking carefully before making decisions.

"Young people should volunteer with a selfless spirit. Through serving the public, they can reduce their ego and find true happiness and joy." At the end of the class, Ven. Hui Cheng not only introduced various activities held at the temple but also encouraged the students to volunteer at the temple in the future. He concluded by sharing this year's Chinese New Year calligraphy by Venerable Master Hsing Yun: "May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful."

(Photos by Jonathan Thang)