The “Siddhartha Festival,” co-organized by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chicago and the BLIA Chicago Chapter, held its grand opening ceremony on May 26. In a historic move, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster signed the Congressional Record to permanently commemorate FGS’s efforts in overseas propagation. This festival, a result of three years of collective creation, has successfully integrated Buddhism into the local community, attracting over 200 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Illinois State Senator John Curran, Director-General Eric Huang of TECO in Chicago, and Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham.
“I firmly believe that the democracy and compassion advocated by Buddhism can drive world development,” Congressman Bill Foster recorded in the Congressional Record. He commended FGS and BLIA as “valued members of the community,” recognizing their years of charitable work, including food banks and community prayers.
A New Chicago Landmark Built by Volunteers Along the busy Illinois Route 53, a magnificent lantern display now stands as a new urban landmark. Eighty volunteers spent two months transforming five acres of land, handling everything from carpentry to electrical work. The opening ceremony featured a traditional lion dance, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony witnessed by monastics and dignitaries. BLIA Chicago President Mai-Ping Chou noted that the month-long celebration blends traditional culture with modern aesthetics, using lanterns to symbolize the fusion of Eastern and Western wisdom and equality.
The outdoor themed gardens offered profound insights: the “Bodhi Avenue” promoted the Veggie A-Plan to address global warming; “A World in a Flower” illustrated natural laws; and the “Seeds of Hope” section showcased Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “One-Stroke Calligraphy” dedicated to educating future generations.
Praise for Peace and Harmony State Senator John Curran expressed pride in hosting the festival in his district, praising its message of religious diversity and inclusion. He even joined in chanting the Heart Sutra in Chinese and pledged to assist FGS in serving the local Chinese community. Director-General Eric Huang admired the “collective creation” of the volunteers, noting that Humanistic Buddhism’s focus on culture, education, and charity complements the mission of fostering Taiwan-U.S. friendship.
Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham, initially scheduled for a one-hour visit, was so moved by the peaceful atmosphere and warm welcome that she stayed for the entire four-hour event. She immediately invited FGS to participate in the Woodridge 60th Anniversary Parade in September, looking forward to future partnerships.
Bathing the Buddha: Art and Devotion The indoor program featured performances by the youth Dharma instrument class, the Buddha’s Light Choir, and second-generation BLIA members. Highlights included a Tai Chi demonstration by youth member Yuan-Yuan Sun, string performances of Buddhist hymns, and a unique “Zen Dance” by ballerina Melissa Sallée. Guests of all races and ages participated in the “Bathing the Buddha” ritual, receiving blessed water from local youth to take home.
Collective Creation: Writing History Head Priest Venerable Jue Lin introduced FGS’s global mission of “propagating the Dharma through culture and fostering talents through education,” citing examples like the “Sons of Zulai” soccer team in Brazil. She emphasized that Humanistic Buddhism, as an NGO recognized by the United Nations, acts as a bridge between different religions.
The Siddhartha Festival continues through June 23, with the temple extending its hours until 9:30 PM. In addition to the outdoor lanterns, the temple offers English Zen dance, meditation, tea Zen, and sutra calligraphy every weekend, welcoming families to experience the joy of the Dharma.