The tragedy of 9/11/01, in which the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked shocked people around the world. Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Buddhist Temple located in San Diego held a memorial service for the victims on the night of the eleventh. On Thursday the 13^th there was a Dharma service for English speaking members to pray for those who perished and suffered in this tragedy.  On Sunday the sixteenth, there was a one-day prayer vigil for the remembrance of the victims.

Under the guidance of  Wendy Lee, who is  president of Buddha’ s Light International Association (BLIA), the San Diego Chapter took responsibility for fielding any emergency calls, and to raise funds for disaster relief.  BLIA hosted two fund raising auctions on September 23rd and 30^th. Items for auction included: vegetarian food, women clothes, jewelry and antiques, all donated by BLIA members. 

Hsi Fang temple, BLIA, and the Chinese Community in San Diego hosted a memorial service for the victims on Tuesday September 18^th.

On Thursday September 20th, from 11 AM to 1 PM, Hsi Fang and BLIA participated in a nondenominational prayer service at 5716 Hardy Ave. for the 911 victims.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun who is the founder of Fo Guang Shan and  president of the BLIA, has established an emergency relief center in New York to help people who are in need.  Hsi Fang Temple, the branch of Hsi Lai Temple located at Hacienda Heights also dedicated a  memorial service for the victims on the night of the eleventh.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun has written a prayer for all members to follow.  One section states: “ Great and compassionate Buddha, please bless these survivors of the disaster, give them the confidence to live a new life, let them realize where there is life there is hope.  Give them the courage to move on, let them understand where there is survival there is strength. Please give them your blessing, so their injured body and mind would heal quickly.  Please give them strength, so their pained spirits may regain joyfulness.  Please let them realize they ought to stand up on their feet again and rebuild their lives which would be the greatest consolation for the deceased, and would also be an ultimate accomplishment.”