Director General Chou, accompanied by Senior Expatriate Affairs Secretary Maria Liu, was invited to attend the Buddha's Birthday Celebration held by the Buddhist Fo Guang Shan and the Guang Ming Temple on May 7th in Central Orlando. Over a thousand guests, including Mayor of Orange County, Jerry Demings, as well as religious leaders and worshippers, attended this event to celebrate Buddha's Birthday.
Venerable Master Yung Han began the event by commemorating Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Buddhist Fo Guang Shan, who dedicated his life to promoting the principles of Humanistic Buddhism. Ven. Master Yung Han emphasized that the spirit of Ven. Master Hsing Yun will always be with us.
Director General Chou also delivered a speech at the event, praising Ven. Master Yung Han for his leadership at the Guang Ming Temple in the Greater Orlando area. He highlighted that the temple has been deeply devoted to the region for 30 years and has become an important hub for religion, culture, education, and charity, truly embodying the principles of Humanistic Buddhism advocated by Ven. Master Hsing Yun. Director General Chou expressed his respect and gratitude to the Buddhist Fo Guang Shan and the Guang Ming Temple for their selfless contributions and devotion. He presented Ven. Master Yung Han with a celebratory note after the speech.
Following the solemn rite of bathing the Buddha in sacred water, Director General Chou and County Mayor Demings were guided by Ven. Master Yung Han to tour the event venue, which featured cultural performances, a vegetarian food fair, and various other wonderful activities. The food stands offered a tempting array of Taiwanese snacks prepared by members of Fo Guang Shan, which proved to be both irresistible and delicious.
Director General Chou gave a speech.
Director General presented Ven. Master Yung Han with a celebratory.
Ven. Master Yung Han, accompanied by Director General Chou, Mayor Demings (2nd from the right), and Superintendent Liu of the Fo Guang Shan‘s Florida Branch (1st from the left), leading the launch of the cultural performance shows.
Director General Chou having a meal with dignitaries after the event.