2026-02-01 – Fo Guang Shan Miami Holds 2025 Year-End Light Offering Completion Dharma Service and Volunteer Service

On February 1, Fo Guang Shan Miami held its "Light Offering Completion Service" (Yuan Deng). Despite temperatures plummeting to the 30s—breaking cold weather records for Florida—nearly 70 devotees braved the low temperatures to return to the temple and participate in the service. Venerable Jue Yan led the assembly in chanting the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. The temple resonated with the sacred name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, creating a warm and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

During the service, the Venerable praised the assembly for their dedicated support, stating that through this connection with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the meritorious virtues of this year’s Light Offerings have been successfully completed. She encouraged everyone to emulate the compassionate vows of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva—practicing inner mindfulness and external altruism in daily life—to become a living embodiment of a Bodhisattva.

In the afternoon, the temple held its year-end "Chu-Po" (communal labor) activity. Under the guidance of the Venerable, more than 30 volunteers gathered before the Buddha to recite the Medicine Buddha Dhāraṇī and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s "A Prayer for Volunteers." Following the prayers, volunteers divided into groups for cleaning and organization: the Ritual Attendants group was responsible for the Main Shrine; the West Palm Beach Chapter cleaned the Dining Hall and wiped windows; the Boca Chapter organized the Gift Shop and Library; and the Fort Lauderdale Chapter took charge of cleaning the Kitchen. Working together with their own tools, everyone joined forces to beautify the monastery. After three hours of hard work, the association provided exquisite desserts to reward every dedicated volunteer.

Notably, before the midday meal, at the sincere invitation of two association members, Venerable Jue Yan led the assembly in a purification and blessing ceremony for their new cars, praying for safety and auspiciousness on the road.