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On June 16, Father’s Day, Hsi Lai Temple hosted the graduation ceremony and achievement exhibition for the 25th term of its Senior Activity Program. Held in the Auditorium, nearly 40 senior students, including two centenarians, showcased their "Golden Age Learning" spirit to around 200 attendees, including teachers, friends, and family. They highlighted their accomplishments in the "Fivefold Education" and shared their vision of "actively implementing Humanistic Buddhism and creating a Pure Land on Earth."
Before the ceremony, handcrafted exhibits outside the Auditorium drew a large crowd. Attendees admired artworks such as Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva portraits, 3D origami, lucky cat red envelopes, and intricate pull-out cards and gift boxes.
Xuejian Qian, the Executive Director of the Senior Activity Program, opened the event with a welcome speech, expressing gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan, and the public for their support since the program's inception in 2016. Venerable Hui Dong, the abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, praised the collaboration behind the scenes and noted how the seniors' artworks reflected their inner joy and compassion. He wished everyone complete blessings and wisdom, and collective enlightenment.
Li Jie Yeh, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, affectionately referred to the seniors as "big brothers and sisters," sparking laughter. He expressed deep admiration for their boundless potential.
Walnut City Council member Allen Wu emphasized that Humanistic Buddhism benefits society by soothing people's minds, a necessary force for all age groups.
Distinguished guests included Juliette Zhuo, CEO of Primetime TV in Los Angeles, and Vice Presidents of the Buddha's Light International Association Los Angeles Chapter: Steven Chow, Connie Yip, and Echo Tsai.
Venerable Yi Shan, the superintendent of Hsi Lai Temple, awarded certificates to students and counselors with perfect attendance. Venerable Yi Chao, the guiding venerable of the Senior Activity Program, presented gifts to the teaching staff, while Venerable Hui Dong distributed gifts to all counselors.
"Mother Dong," Hanfang Li, Venerable Hui Dong's mother, expressed gratitude for the program's care for seniors, embodying the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism’s Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. She felt accepted and joyful. Mian Lan Yang, a student since the 12th term, shared her connection with Hsi Lai Temple and her aspiration for a long, fulfilling life. Another student, Te Cheng Li, praised the program's diverse courses, which embody the Fivefold Education—cultivating moral development, intellectual growth, physical fitness, social interaction, and the realization of a beautiful life.
The seniors performed 12 group and individual acts, including choir songs like "Buddha’s Light Verse," "Aspire for Bodhi," "Shurangama Mantra," Taiwanese versions of "Wholeheartedly," "Praise of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva," flute performances, and sing-alongs like "Fo Guang People Everywhere." Solo performances included the "Medicine Buddha Mantra" and Japanese and Taiwanese versions of "Farewell," along with physical exercises like Yi Jin Jing and aerobics. Students from Hsi Lai School demonstrated martial arts, while counselors performed the short play "The Rabbit and the Fish," illustrating mutual respect and harmonious coexistence. The audience's applause and laughter were continuous, with many taking photos and videos, clapping, singing along, cheering, exercising, and giving thumbs up. Attendee Ching Pan remarked that this was the best and busiest achievement exhibition she had ever attended.
After the collective recitation of the "Volunteer Declaration of the Senior Activity Program," Venerable Yi Chao concluded with a speech. He praised the teaching staff and counselors for their Bodhisattva spirit and commended the seniors for their persistent learning during the pandemic. He also highlighted the seniors' strengths and talents, bringing smiles to their faces.
The ceremony concluded with a group performance of "Light a Lamp," led by Venerable Hui Dong, offering roses to the fathers present, marking a perfect end to the event. The students look forward to continuing their "Golden Age Learning" journey at the next term’s opening ceremony on June 25.
(Photos by Jonathan Thang)
