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On July 7, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter held the VEGRUN charity event at Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights. This event was combined with the promotion of the Vege Plan A campaign. Venerable Hui Dong, the Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, along with other monastics, community leaders, BLIA members, their families, and nearly 320 participants from various groups, including the Hsi Lai Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) School and the Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai Scouts, joined the walk. Their collective efforts not only raised awareness for plant-based living but also resulted in the planting of seven trees.
The 2024 "Move Towards a Veggie Lifestyle" VEGRUN for a Green World was co-hosted by the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), the Pure Green Foundation, and The Merit Times. This year’s theme was "Eat Veggies, Save the Earth – Let’s Act to Protect the Environment!" The event combined running and walking with promoting plant-based eating, tree planting, and charity activities. Every mile participants ran or walked helped promote these causes, making each step count.
In his opening speech, Venerable Hui Dong praised the global VEGRUN initiative and thanked the sponsors. He noted that for every 20 kilometers walked, a tree is donated, highlighting the participants' dedication to protecting the Earth through their actions.
San Gabriel Mayor John Wu and his family attended the "Revive Veggies, Revive the Earth" event. In his address, he expressed his pride in participating in activities aimed at rejuvenating the Earth through vegetarianism. Mayor Wu also presented a commendation to Hsi Lai Temple and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter.
BLIA Los Angeles President Alex Wu delivered a speech emphasizing the commitment of BLIA members to public welfare. He stressed that environmental protection is integral, alongside the importance of "mind protection" or spiritual environmentalism, advocating for the practice of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings.
Unlike the 2022 VEGRUN which centered around Hsi Lai Temple, this year’s event expanded into the community, attracting more families. Participants were encouraged to use the VEGRUN app to continue accumulating mileage until September 25th, aiming to “walk” more trees. The event also promoted the Vege Plan A, with 108 people pledging to reduce carbon emissions by eating a plant-based diet.
Other notable attendees included Venerable Yi Shan, superintendent of Hsi Lai Temple, San Gabriel City Council Member Tony Ding, University of the West President Minh-Hoa Ta, Hacienda Heights Chinese Association President David Fang and Vice President Kenny Chang, and Chinese artist Yu Lin.
Under the guidance of event coordinator and BLIA Los Angeles Elder Supervisor Richard Chen, participants started with a Yi Jin Jing warm-up before enthusiastically chanting “VEGRUN GO! GO! GO!” Venerable Hui Shiuan and Hsi Lai subchapter president Robert Wang led the way, with participants choosing between a leisurely stroll along a flat route or a longer forest trail based on their fitness levels.
Children played and happily skipped along, while elderly participants, equipped with walking sticks, kept up with smiles on their faces. The journey was brimming with sunshine, sweat, and laughter, concluding back at the starting point with a tea reception to reward everyone involved.
The closing ceremony was marked by applause and cheers. Venerable Hui Dong presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors Xidong Han, Shunyu Tsai, Lisa Yang, and Richard Chen. The oldest participant, 88-year-old BLIA Cerritos member Shulan Chang, received the “Fo Guang Spirit Award.” The largest participating family groups and Hsi Lai English Buddhist retreat student Chengkai Chen, who finished the course in 23 minutes, were also recognized.
(Photos by Chihcheng Chang)
