Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town – Annual June Gathering

Buddhist Town’s annual event started with an unprecedented outdoor meditation session by the lake on June 3. Ven. Dharma Master Zhengda led nearly 300 attendees. The beautiful setting was prepared by Fa Chan Temple following the traditional Chinese Chan-hall layout. Right before the session was to begin, a light rain suddenly fell, sweeping and gently purifying the ground. A rainbow appeared in the southern sky, casting a golden glow and suffusing the area with a feeling of otherworldliness. People from across the world enjoyed the meditation immensely. We’ll prepare this event early next year so everyone will have a chance to fully enjoy the joy of Chan.



June 4 – Exhibitions, Wiser Tournament & Celebrations

Final preparations began early around the big tent, as participants set up exhibition stands and marked out the Wiser fields. One after another, participating teams from around the world put up panels covered with beautiful renderings. A cheerful and bustling joy of reunion filled the air! By around 8:30 a.m., Wiser teams from eight countries and regions arrived and started spirited matches. We invited Mr. Holland, our former mayor and current Buddhist Town advisor, to present awards. He was amazed by our international teams and the intriguing team strategies employed in the games! As the festival fair and exhibitions reached full swing, members of Buddhist Town Community Association (BTCA) from all Phase 1 organizations—including Ven. Juehui Fashi of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (WBAH), Dharma Master Zhengda of Fa Chan Temple, and Ven. Songjie Rinpoche of Macang Yuan—arrived and were warmly greeted by the gathering crowd and guests. BTCA presented a copy of the Complete Canon of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Teachings to Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), to aid in spreading the true Dharma, and to welcome practitioners of Sri Lanka Theravada teachings to join the Buddhist Town. Rev. Chandima of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Culture & Education Foundation presented miniature golden stupas to WBAH and members of the BTCA. Present at the event were Councilmember Mr. Gregg, lead architect Mr. Steeno, and former mayor and Buddhist Town advisor Mr. Holland, together with representatives and sangha members from around the world. All enjoyed warm conversations, exchange of ideas, and group photos!



Panel Discussions, Mayor’s visit and Offerings of Light

Afternoon programs started with panel discussions in both English and Chinese. Phase I teams introduced their projects and activities around the world, followed by Rev. Chandima and Rinpoche Zhaxi Zhuoma of Holy Vajrasana Temple, each of whom reported their future plans at the Buddhist Town. BTCA shared updates on online learning and service programs, such as the KAC youth program, United Services, and T-CAT English materials, and welcomed further global participation. The third panel focused on community services and disatister relief efforts to which our members have been devoting themselves. Special thanks to Hong Kong’s Nian Ci Foundation, which shared successful experiences in community service, and to Taiwan’s Virtuous Dharma Society, which reported on their relief missions in Myanmar. Mayor Allison Lee arrived in the afternoon and addressed the gathering, expressing her enthusiastic support for the Project. She praised the beautiful vision presented by the Buddhist Town, and expressed amazement at the displayed designs. Who could have imagined what a “Buddhist Town” would look like? We feel deep gratitude to our Buddha Master for bestowing such a wondrous world upon us and all sentient beings.

The day’s event came to a joyous conclusion as participants gathered around the lotus lantern, praying and singing together, and releasing the lotus wishing lamps in the lake. Watching the lamps floating slowly toward the center of the lake beneath the setting sun, people exclaimed in joy at the beauty, "Who could have imagined this!" people proclaimed. May the world be free from wars. May we be free from fear. And may we spread light and beauty to every corner of the world!

With Gratitude

All these activities were made possible through collective efforts of people from around the world. This is our home, our eternal home. We honor the volunteers, helpers, and all who contributed to making this possible. With their help, we will bring our shared vision to life, bit by bit!