On January 5th, to celebrate the anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Miami Fo Guang Shan held the Dharma Treasures Festival, preparing and distributing over 1,200 servings of Laba Congee to share the joy of the Buddha’s awakening with devotees and the local community. Nearly a hundred devotees returned to the temple for collective cultivation, enjoying the Laba Congee prepared by dedicated volunteers while reflecting on its profound significance.
The tradition of Laba Congee traces back to the time when the Buddha, weakened from extreme ascetic practices, was nourished back to health by a shepherd girl who offered him milk porridge. After regaining his strength, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Since then, Laba Congee has become an important way for Buddhists to commemorate this sacred day, serving as a reminder to cultivate the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom.
Volunteers at Miami Fo Guang Shan began preparing ingredients days in advance, and on the event day, they worked tirelessly from early morning to cook and distribute the congee. With sincere dedication, they hoped to share each bowl of Laba Congee with those in need. After the Dharma assembly, representatives from various chapters shared their experiences in Buddhist studies. Boca Chapter President Sun Shuling and Secretary Zhang Anqi reflected on how participating in Buddhist exams deepened their understanding of the Dharma, encouraging attendees to seize the opportunity to explore the treasury of Buddhist teachings and cultivate wisdom.
Vice President of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter, Tong Lin, shared insights gained from volunteering in incense lamp offerings, drawing inspiration from the sutras recited during collective cultivation. A local member, Adrian, spoke about applying Buddhist principles to family life to create a harmonious home. Boca Chapter member Zhang Kexin, who was recently hospitalized due to an injury, expressed deep warmth and gratitude upon receiving Laba Congee from fellow practitioners, experiencing firsthand the compassion of the Buddha and the dedication of the temple’s volunteers and monastics.
On January 6th, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami Director Chou Chi-Yu and newly appointed Deputy Consul Huang Pin-Kuei visited Miami Fo Guang Shan while on official business in Tamarac. They were warmly received by Abbot Venerable Ruyuan, Venerable Nengkang, Miami Association Supervisors Zhao Guanglong and Mei Hanzheng, current President Deng Yanhua, Vice President Qiu Biyun, and Secretary Chen Rui. The temple specially prepared Laba Congee, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year calligraphy, and calendars for the consulate staff, allowing them to enjoy a taste of home.
Director Chou expressed gratitude for the contributions of Miami Fo Guang members in community service and commended the strong relationship established between the temple and the city government. He acknowledged Fo Guang Shan as a spiritual home for overseas Chinese and an essential platform for cultural and educational exchange. Deputy Consul Huang, who was assigned to Miami just last July, shared that this was her first overseas posting. A native of Kaohsiung, she felt a deep sense of homecoming upon visiting the temple. Hearing about the Dharma propagation efforts abroad and the various charitable and educational initiatives to support the Chinese community and foster cross-cultural connections deeply moved her.
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