ostering Peace Through Art: Fo Guang Shan Chicago Hosts Lantern Painting Workshop to Warm Up for Buddha’s Birthday
Following the enthusiastic response to the lantern-painting activity during its Lunar New Year Community Open House earlier this year, the Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple hosted another lantern-painting workshop on the afternoon of April 26. The event served as a warm-up for the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday celebration in May, drawing nearly twenty community members and devotees of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. Through artistic creation, participants connected with one another, using their painted lanterns to express inner joy and wishes for world peace.
The activity kicked off under the guidance of Venerable Miao Wei, who shared that painting a lantern is not only a form of artistic creation but also a practice of mindfulness. She encouraged everyone to use colors and imagery to bring their inner peace and good intentions to life on their canvases. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious as participants fully immersed themselves in their creations, chatting and sharing ideas.
The artwork produced was rich and varied. Some depicted the beauty of nature through landscapes, trees, and flowers to express a deep appreciation for the environment; others wrote classical poems and auspicious phrases to share blessings and positive energy; still others drew butterflies and various animals to showcase the ideals of respecting life, compassion, and equality. Additionally, many participants inscribed the “Three Acts of Goodness” advocated by Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun—Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts—as a personal reflection and commitment to their daily lives.
The completed lanterns will be hung along the outdoor pathway of the temple during the “Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day Celebration” on May 24, creating a beautiful sea of lights for the community to enjoy. The organizers noted that the event not only provides a platform for artistic engagement but also aims to promote community dialogue and harvest collective goodwill through collaborative creation, adding light and warmth to the upcoming Buddha’s Birthday festivities.