On the afternoon of February 25, Fo Guang Shan Chicago held a special commemorative event titled “Sharing Stories, Listening to Music: Remembering an Eternal Star” to honor the memory of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Under the leadership of Head Priest Venerable Yung Han, nearly 80 participants gathered—some traveling long distances—to share personal stories of their connection with the Master. Each theme was interspersed with excerpts from the Master’s “An Honest Confession,” video clips, and live musical performances.
Venerable Yung Han opened the ceremony by explaining that the Master’s life of “Cloud and Water” represented his lifelong commitment to spreading the Dharma and serving others. The storytelling session began with Chapter Vice President Hon-Chung Fung and former English Subchapter President Mark Kanter reciting a passage from “An Honest Confession” in both Chinese and English: “If you miss me, you can sing ‘Sounds of the Human World’.”
Young FGS scouts Zi-Xu Feng, Yun-Yi Feng, and An-Ming Kai recited “The Poem of Star and Cloud” while holding handmade stars, clouds, and hearts. Chapter Director Cai-Qin Chen and former President Bin Wang, along with his spouse Ting-Fang He, shared the theme of “Never Forgetting One’s Initial Aspiration,” recounting their family’s journey in receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts. Members Yun-Zhao He, Hong-Wei Lin, and Mei-Ying Deng shared how studying Buddhism and volunteering transformed them from fragile “strawberry youth” into strong trees capable of sheltering others.
The theme of “Coexistence and Coprosperity” was presented by English Subchapter President Steve Haverkos, who highlighted a decade of collaboration with local food banks to serve the underprivileged. His spouse, Edna Haverkos, shared the joy of the Chicago Fo Guang Youth Orchestra performing at senior homes, noting that the elderly residents’ smiles were the greatest reward for the youth.
Under the theme of “Joyful Fusion,” friend of Fo Guang Steve Volkening, along with Huai-De Qian and Chapter Vice President Yun Guo, discussed the Master’s vision for interfaith harmony and the “Five Harmonies.” Chapter President Ke-Ying Wang and Hon-Chung Fung shared the importance of two generations learning the Dharma together to cultivate right views.
Chapter Superintendent Mai-Ping Chou shared the profound impact of reading the “Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” while Director Li-Yun Guo recalled the emotion of finding “365 Days for Travelers” in a hotel room. First Subchapter Vice President Chun-Yong Li addressed past misunderstandings regarding the Master’s engagement with society, while senior members Han Chen, Xiang-Hua Zhang, Cai-Ling Chen, and Yao-Yao Gong recounted the temple’s growth since 2001. To conclude, Venerable Yung Han shared that the Master considered being a monk the greatest happiness of his life and vowed to return as one in his next life.
The two-hour event concluded with collective singing and laughter. President Ke-Ying Wang remarked that while the Master’s physical body has passed, his teachings and the 30 million words of his “Complete Works” will endure through his disciples. English Subchapter member Trudie Kanter added that the day was not just a memorial, but a reminder of the lasting impact one person’s dedication to compassion and wisdom can have on the world.