On the morning of April 13, Fo Guang Shan Chicago held the “Triple Gem Refugee and Five Precepts Ceremony,” presided over by Venerable Hui Ze from Hsi Lai Temple. Ten participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds made their vows to take refuge in the Triple Gem, officially becoming disciples of the Buddha. The ceremony, conducted in both Chinese and English, was a solemn and auspicious occasion that demonstrated the cross-cultural appeal of the Dharma, drawing professionals from fields such as medicine.
Prior to the ceremony, Head Priest Venerable Yung Han explained the significance and protocols of taking refuge. She shared: “Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is the first step in practicing Buddhism. By keeping the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha in our hearts, we are immediately bathed in the Buddha’s light, planting seeds of merit and goodness.” The participants recited the Heart Sutra and performed repentance and vows. Venerable Hui Ze then performed the purification ritual with holy water, encouraging everyone to practice the “Three Acts of Goodness”—doing good deeds, saying good words, and thinking good thoughts. He blessed the assembly with the words: “There is always a path forward; light is on the horizon.”
Among those taking refuge, Steve Volkening, a member of the BLIA Chicago English Subchapter who grew up in the Christian faith, shared that after 14 years of exploration, Buddhism answered his questions about life, leading to his decision to take refuge. Paul Kanter remarked that the Dharma helped him overcome interpersonal challenges and that he found a true sense of belonging at the temple. Sisters Joey from Vietnam vowed to practice diligently, while Dr. Meng Shen expressed gratitude for encountering the true Dharma and pledged to uphold the precepts. Venerable Yung Han congratulated the new disciples, personally presenting them with refuge certificates and prayer beads, and encouraged them to maintain mindfulness. The ceremony concluded with a group photo before the Buddha.