At the special invitation of Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chicago participated in the city’s 60th-anniversary grand parade. To introduce Buddhism to their Western neighbors, more than 50 BLIA members, dressed in uniform and chanting enthusiastically, became the focus of the parade as they sang “Fo Guang Members All Over the Four Seas.”
Propagating the Dharma Through Local Integration “Even heavy rain cannot extinguish the passion of Fo Guang members for spreading the Dharma,” remarked Head Priest Venerable Jue Lin. She explained to the participants that during the Buddha’s time, the Dharma was promoted locally along the Ganges River. Similarly, FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun organized float parades in Yilan, Taiwan, as early as 1958, seeking ways to reach out and let the public recognize authentic Buddhism. This parade served as a perfect opportunity for volunteers to engage with Americans, promoting the “Veggie A-Plan” and the “Three Acts of Goodness.”
Interfaith Harmony and Cultural Encounter “Hello Buddha!” (佛陀，你好！) – throughout the parade, residents waved and cheered at the Fo Guang float. Superintendent Venerable You Heng led the group through intermittent rain, wearing specially designed “Three Acts of Goodness” vests and waving both the American flag and the BLIA chapter flag. The group sang Chinese and English songs such as “We Are One,” embodying a spirit of harmony and tolerance, especially when crossing paths with Christian and Catholic groups.
A 60-Year Milestone: Showcasing City Spirit The parade highlighted 60 years of local history and culture, featuring scout troops, a 150-member high school marching band, giant fire trucks, and even a small glider gliding down the street. Clark the Cub from the Chicago Cubs zipped around on a scooter while equestrian teams and clowns added to the festivities. Young FGS members ran through the rain to distribute activity calendars and fortune cookies, sharing their vitality and warmth with every resident.
Commitment Despite the Elements Chapter President Mai-Ping Chou praised the collective effort and leadership that inspired every member’s potential. Event Coordinator Ke-Ying Wang shared that despite his busy professional schedule, he felt it was important to lead by example in connecting with the Western public. The float, designed by Fang-Yuan Xie, focused on the themes of the “Three Acts of Goodness” and the “Veggie A-Plan,” standing as a testament to the members’ perseverance after days of preparation in thunderstorms.
The parade was further enriched by English-speaking volunteers. Tiffany Murphy, an African American member, served as the emcee on the float, while her daughter and other youth members quickly distributed all the temple’s informational flyers. Nine-year-old Tian-Yao He led the procession, symbolizing the legacy and future of localized Buddhist faith.