The Third Subchapter of the BLIA Chicago Chapter held a membership fellowship at the Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple on the afternoon of July 28. Nearly thirty members gathered for a “Tea and Conversation” session. Under the guidance of Head Priest and advising monastic Venerable Yung Han, members enjoyed tea, shared their experiences of personal growth through the Dharma, and participated in a lamp-offering ceremony.
The event began with a collective singing of the “Welcome Song.” Third Subchapter President Bao-Xi Du welcomed everyone back to their “spiritual home,” encouraging members to visit the temple often to learn and grow in merit and wisdom.
The tea session was facilitated by volunteers Wei-Ming Sun, Mei-Ying Deng, Li-Yun Guo, and Ting-Fang He, who mindfully prepared fragrant tea for the participants. Members experienced the essence of “Tea and Zen as One Flavor” while tasting different brews. Chapter Secretary Hui Wang shared her insight from a story about “tea stains,” realizing that just as tea stains can be medicinal, “afflictions are bodhi”—meaning challenges can lead to enlightenment.
Venerable Yung Han reviewed the history of Fo Guang Shan, its four core objectives, and the BLIA work creeds. She shared how Venerable Master Hsing Yun used the royalties from his book, “Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha,” to fund the construction of the Main Shrine, and used earnings from translating works on the Universal Gate Chapter to build the Great Compassion Shrine.
During the sharing session, Superintendent Mai-Ping Chou recalled his first volunteering experience at a local food bank. Subchapter Secretary Bin Wang shared his experience of completing his first floral arrangement and learning woodworking skills while volunteering. Chapter President Ke-Ying Wang noted that despite a busy work schedule, visiting the temple on Sundays provides a much-needed sense of relaxation and spiritual recharging. Other members, including Mei-Ying Deng, Qi-Rong Huang, and Tie-Mei Liu, shared their personal transformations through Buddhism and expressed their commitment to future volunteering.
To foster teamwork, groups participated in a 3D puzzle challenge of the FGS Main Shrine, where young and old worked together creatively. The event also featured delicious tea snacks provided by directors Li-Yun Guo and Cai-Qin Chen, while Lin-Na Chen documented the joyful moments through her camera lens.
The gathering concluded with a lamp-offering ceremony led by Venerable Yung Han. The assembly recited “A Prayer for Wealth” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, expressing gratitude for the “wealth” of a healthy body, a compassionate heart, a wise mind, and broad-mindedness. Every participant left with a Dharma treasure, marking a successful end to the fellowship.