Members of the "Sounds of the Human World" Book Club honor the memory of Venerable Master Hsing Yun through song.

Three Acts of Goodness (3AG) students and devotees gather at the "108 Stories of Life" exhibition area to make vows and draw the Master's words of wisdom.

The assembly recites "A Prayer for Venerable Master Hsing Yun" in both Chinese and English and chants the "Ode to the Buddha's Light," expressing gratitude for the Master's lifelong dedication to Buddhism and looking forward to his return to this world.

During the Light-Passing Ceremony, accompanied by the song "My Vow," the Venerable passes the flame as the assembly lights their lamps one by one in a continuous relay.

 

The Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple held a “Commemorative Service for the Anniversary of FGS Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Parinirvana,” with 45 devotees in attendance. Participants gathered to honor the Master’s great compassionate vows and to deepen their understanding of his teachings.

The service included the chanting of the Diamond Sutra, the bilingual recitation of “A Prayer for our Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” and the “Ode to Fo Guang.” A video from BLIA TV’s Dharma in the Human World series, titled “The Inexhaustible Lamp,” was also screened. In the video, the Master encouraged everyone to vow to become an inexhaustible lamp: just as one light can illuminate oneself and others, wherever there is darkness, our light is needed.

Accompanied by the choir’s a cappella rendition of “My Vow,” Head Priest Venerable Yung Han led the assembly in a candle-lighting ceremony. The lit candles were passed from person to person, symbolizing the transmission of the lamp. As each light was kindled, participants offered their lamps before the Buddha. They also visited the “Life’s Oracle” section to draw a Dharma wisdom card, seeking the Master’s guidance for their future aspirations. Venerable Yung Han then led the group in singing several Sounds of the Human World songs, including “Ode to the Teacher,” “Song of the Propagator,” “Song of Yunhu,” “Lighting the Lamp,” and the “Fo Guang Four-Line Verse,” using music to commemorate the Master’s compassion.

BLIA members Li-Qun Xue and his spouse Yue-Duan Tan remarked that honoring the Master through song created a harmonious and warm atmosphere. Thomas, a Western guest visiting the temple for the first time with his family, shared that although he did not understand the Chinese lyrics, the melodies of Sounds of the Human World were as melodious and moving as Christian hymns, providing a sense of warm strength.

Before the conclusion, Venerable Yung Han provided a Dharma talk, stating that every Bodhisattva should extend the light within their hearts into an inexhaustible lamp. She urged everyone to follow in the Master’s footsteps, practice diligently, and become Fo Guang members with right knowledge and right view.