2025-08-09 BLIA Members Group Sharing: Miami Chinese Community Learning About Humanistic Buddhism
- dMei
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
On August 9, the BLIA Miami Chapter organized a “Journey of Knowledge,” with more than 300 members and community participants traveling together in five buses (and some by car) to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando to enjoy a classic Peking Opera performance by the Taipei New Theatre Troupe.
The repertoire included the well-known Farewell My Concubine, the humorous and witty Little Cowherd, and the action-filled The Roc Spreads Its Wings. With exquisite singing, acting, martial artistry, and splendid costumes, the performance guided the audience into the treasure world of Chinese art, accompanied by continuous applause and exclamations of amazement.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said that culture is the best vehicle for the Dharma. Through art, not only can hearts be nourished, but society can also be uplifted. The Peking Opera performance allowed the public to appreciate traditional art while subtly experiencing the beauty and depth of Buddhism. It truly embodied the idea of “teaching through entertainment,” bringing the Dharma into people’s everyday lives. This event fully reflected Fo Guang Shan’s ideal of “promoting Buddhism through culture.”
The first stop of the trip was a visit to Guang Ming Temple in Orlando. For many participants entering a Fo Guang Shan monastery for the first time, the solemn atmosphere and the warm guided tour by the monastics left a deep impression. Notably, a number of local non-Chinese-speaking friends of Fo Guang Shan also joined enthusiastically. They expressed that using cultural activities as a bridge breaks language and religious barriers, allowing people to encounter the Dharma in a relaxed and welcoming way.
Even more heartwarming was that many families brought their children along, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. Parents shared that they hoped this educational journey would let their children experience Buddhism and Chinese culture from a young age—not only appreciating the beauty of traditional arts, but also naturally learning Buddhism’s spirit of compassion and harmony. One mother shared:
“It was my child’s first time watching Peking Opera. Although he didn’t understand everything, he was deeply fascinated by the costumes and movements of the performers. For us, this wasn’t just a family trip—it was a lesson in culture and spirituality.”
Another father added:
“The visit to Guang Ming Temple gave my children their first true experience of a Fo Guang Shan monastery—learning to place their palms together before the Buddha and calm their minds. This was a rare and valuable educational opportunity. I hope Fo Guang Shan will hold more events like this in the future, and we will definitely join again as a family.”
The Miami Chapter thoughtfully arranged transportation, tickets, and on-site guidance, ensuring participants felt cared for from departure to return. Many attendees not only praised the artistic value of the opera but also expressed strong appreciation for Fo Guang Shan’s diverse ways of sharing the Dharma. In their feedback, they clearly stated their eagerness to participate in similar cultural events again. The warmth and enthusiasm of BLIA members deeply touched every participant.
This “Journey of Knowledge” was not only a cultural feast, but also a cross-generational spiritual exchange. Through Peking Opera, monastery visits, and family participation, everyone experienced Fo Guang Shan’s vision of “promoting Buddhism through culture,” writing a touching new chapter in the transmission of Chinese culture and Buddhism in modern society.
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