San Diego Buddhist Community Day was held successfully for the first time from 2 pm to 5 pm on September 29 at Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple. The attendees were representatives from more than 20 different San Diego Buddhism organizations such as Deer Park Monastery, Buddhist Temple of San Diego, Zen Center of San Diego etc. Many representatives had come to United States from their native lands of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, China and European countries. Approximate 120 attendees with 40 Sanghas participated and enjoyed this big event.

Venerable Man Guei began the meeting by welcoming everyone. She expressed the hope that this event would bring more understanding and cooperation among the Buddhist communities in San Diego and would become an annual event.  She gave a brief introduction about Hsi Fang Temple. Venerable Man Guei also expressed her feeling about the September 11 tragedy event. She believed that the compassion and peace doctrines from Buddhism combining with the concept of “co-existence and oneness” from Venerable Master Hsing Yun are the ways to stop terrorism.

Venerable Man Guei concluded her opening speech by asking all attendees to participate in a moment of prayer for the victims, relatives and friends of September 11 tragedy.

Venerable Yi Jih gave a brief introduction about the objective and scope of translation center. She also talked about the meditation activity at Hsi Fang temple.

Approximate fifteen speakers from Europe and such countries as a Japan, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, US, and China introduced their organizations and activities such as chanting service and meditation practice etc. The highlights of their speech came from their response to the September 11 tragedy. They all expressed the hope that the US will not reciprocate violence with violence. This expression and the experience of all speakers touched the hearts of the audience.

Speaking last, Wendy Lee, president of BLIA, San Diego, explained the status of BLIA organization. She said that the objective of BLIA was to practice humanistic Buddhism under the guidance of the founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She also expressed her sincere hope that all of the San Diego Buddhist community can participate in the Buddha’s birthday celebration in 2002. She concluded her speech by reading the four verses of the BLIA.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Venerable Man Guei presented the attendees with books by Venerable Master Hsing Yun or other small gifts. A group picture was taken to honor the occasion.

A reception took place immediately after the event at temple’s teahouse. The attendees took this opportunity to get to know each other. All expressed their appreciation and hope that They can participate in future gatherings.

BLIA San Diego is responsible for this event and BLIA First chapter San Diego undertook all coordination, contacts, planning and execution with guidance and assistance from Venerable Man Guei and Wendy Lee.

Based upon the success of this event, more future community activities among all Buddhists’ groups will be planned.