FGS Xiang Yun Temple 佛光山香雲寺

09/01/2026

08/25/2026

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08/13/2026

Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple held the opening ceremonies for the ninth term of the Fo Guang Austin Academy’s English and Chinese programs on August 8 and 9. More than 130 Chinese and international participants attended, reflecting Xiang Yun Temple’s continued efforts to promote Humanistic Buddhism and lifelong learning.

The English Academy ceremony was led by Dean Venerable Jue Ji, who guided participants in chanting “Ode to the Triple Gem” and opened the program with a lamp-lighting ceremony. She introduced the courses offered this term as well as the writings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encouraging students to understand life through the Dharma and cultivate Buddhist practice. The ceremony also featured steel tongue drum and erhu performances. Venerable Jue Ji encouraged students to cherish the opportunity to learn together and deepen their fellowship and affection in the Dharma.

The Chinese Academy ceremony was presided over by Vice Dean Venerable Yong Jia, who expressed the hope that Xiang Yun Temple would become a “great academy,” where people can study Buddhism and cultivate wisdom through everyday life. This term’s curriculum includes Buddhist study groups, contemporary issues, tea ceremony and Dharma discussions, Buddhist devotional music and chanting, and mindful living meditation, integrating both the study and practice of the Dharma. Courses in tai chi, yoga, line dancing, kung fu, and music are also offered, while students are encouraged to participate in Dharma services, spiritual practice, and volunteer service. The ceremony concluded with a steel tongue drum performance of “Castle in the Sky” and an erhu performance, marking an auspicious beginning to the new semester.

佛光山香雲寺於8月8日至9日舉行佛光奧斯汀第九期英文及中文書院開學典禮，吸引130餘位中外人士參與，展現香雲寺推動人間佛教與終身學習的成果。

英文書院由院長覺繼法師帶領唱誦〈三寶頌〉、獻燈揭幕，介紹本期課程及星雲大師著作，引導學員從佛法認識人生、學習修持。典禮中並有空靈鼓及二胡演出，覺繼法師勉勵學員把握共學因緣，增進道情法愛。

中文書院由副院長永嘉法師主持，期許香雲寺成為「大書院」，讓大眾在生活中學佛增智。本期課程涵蓋佛學讀書會、當代議題、茶禮法談、梵樂讚頌及正念生活禪等，兼顧「解門」與「行門」，並設太極拳、瑜珈、排舞、功夫及音樂等課程，鼓勵學員參與法會、修持與義工服務。最後以空靈鼓〈天空之城〉及二胡演奏圓滿典禮，為新學期揭開序幕。

08/13/2026

On August 9, 2026, Venerable Jueji, Brad Jacobson, and Andrew Lucchesi traveled to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where they joined Buddhist military chaplain Venerable Zhen Guan. Together, they held Buddhist practice gatherings at the multi-purpose chapels in both the South and North Areas of the base, bringing peace and strength to military personnel facing the pressures of intensive training.

The gatherings began with a Buddha offering ceremony. Andrew led participants in the Six Qi Qigong practice, while Venerable Jueji guided meditation sessions featuring breath awareness, counting breaths, and mindfulness of breathing to help participants calm their bodies and minds. Brad shared a talk titled “Compassion,” exploring the innate nature of compassion and ways to cultivate it from a military perspective. He also performed English Buddhist songs accompanied by guitar.
During the Q&A session, military members actively asked questions about Buddhist monastic ordination, prayer beads, meditation practice, and other aspects of Buddhism. The questions were thoughtfully answered by the Dharma teachers. The gathering concluded with the Four-Line Verse of Fo Guang, bringing the practice session to a meaningful close.

This event was not only an exchange of Buddhist teachings but also the beginning of a relationship of trust and connection between Hsiang Yun Temple and Fort Hood. Recognizing the “impermanence” reflected in the frequent relocations of military personnel, the local outreach team at Hsiang Yun Temple plans to organize monthly Buddhist practice gatherings, along with Buddhist festivals and cultural activities, to continue accompanying service members and their families. Through the footsteps of military personnel around the world, the light of the Dharma will continue to spread.

2026年8月9日，覺繼法師、Brad Jacobson與Andrew Lucchesi前往德州基林的（Killeen）胡德堡（Fort Hood），與佛教軍牧振冠法師會合，於南、北營區多功能教堂各舉行一場佛教共修，為承受高壓訓練的軍中朋友帶來平靜與力量。

活動以禮佛揭幕，Andrew帶領六氣法氣功，覺繼法師引導禪坐、數息與觀呼吸，幫助大眾安定身心。Brad以「慈悲」為題，從軍人角度探討慈悲的本性與培養，並以吉他彈唱英文佛曲。問答中，軍人踴躍詢問出家剃度、念珠及禪修等佛教問題，法師一一解答，最後以佛光四句偈圓滿共修。

此次活動不僅是佛法交流，更是香雲寺與胡德堡建立信任、廣結善緣的開始。面對軍人頻繁調動的「無常」，香雲寺本土化小組將規劃每月舉辦共修，並配合佛教節慶及文化活動，持續陪伴官兵與軍眷，讓佛法之光隨軍人腳步傳向世界。

08/13/2026

On August 2, 2026, Xiang Yun Temple in Austin held its second annual Great Compassion Repentance Dharma Service. In the afternoon, a Refuge-Taking Ceremony was conducted, during which six Buddhist practitioners formally took refuge in the Triple Gem. Most of the participants were local residents whose native language is English. After years of learning Buddhism and serving at the temple, their causes and conditions had matured, leading them to officially take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Ren Lai (Nicholas Jacobson) and Ren Yin (Cansas Dowell), a married couple, have long supported English Buddhist group practices and participated in the temple’s music group. Through music and volunteer service, they have helped introduce more local residents to Buddhism.
Ren Ming (Kathryn Trapp) developed a connection with Buddhism through tea meditation and has actively participated in volunteer services such as welcoming guests and preparing meals. Through giving and serving others, she has experienced the joy of practicing Buddhist wisdom.

Ren Xi (Chuck Thomas) became connected with Buddhism through marriage. She had planted the seeds of Buddhist practice many years ago, and after joining English Buddhist gatherings, she further deepened her study and understanding of the Dharma.

Ren Rui (Nancy Seok Cheng Ng) first formed a connection with Xiang Yun Temple in 1997. After returning to the temple last year and participating in group practices again, she renewed her Buddhist journey. Her daughter, Ren Yuan (Elizabeth SuYi Lim ), was also inspired by her mother’s example and took refuge together with her, allowing mother and daughter to fulfill their Buddhist aspirations side by side.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Venerable Jue Ji, the temple’s supervising monk, encouraged everyone to continue progressing diligently on the Bodhisattva path, to support Xiang Yun Temple together, and to contribute their efforts to the propagation of Buddhism among local communities in the United States.

2026年8月2日，香雲寺舉行年度第二次大悲懺法會，午後並舉行皈依典禮，六位佛子發心皈依，其中多為以英文為母語的本土人士。六人歷經多年佛法薰習與寺院服務，因緣成熟，正式皈依三寶。

忍來( Nicholas Jacobson)、忍音(Cansas Dowell) 夫妻長期護持英文共修，並參與樂隊，以音樂與服務接引更多本土人士親近佛法。忍明(Kathryn Trapp) 因茶禪結緣，熱心參與接待、供餐等義工服務，在奉獻中體會佛法智慧與服務的法喜。忍喜(Chuck Thomas)因婚姻與佛法結緣，早年即種下學佛因緣，參加英文共修後更加深入學習。忍瑞(Nancy Seok Cheng Ng)早於1997年便與香雲寺結緣，去年重新回寺參與共修，女兒忍圓(Elizabeth SuYi Lim)亦在母親引領下共同皈依，母女攜手圓滿佛緣。

典禮最後，監寺覺繼法師勉勵大眾於菩提道上精進不退，共同護持香雲寺，為佛法在美國本土的弘揚貢獻心力。

08/13/2026

Xiang Yun Temple held a three-day “Opening the Door” meditation retreat from July 31 to August 2, attracting approximately 20 participants. Centered on the theme of mindful living, the retreat featured sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga, tea meditation, sutra copying, mindful work practice, and participation in Buddhist services. Through the practice of calming and insight meditation, participants were encouraged to slow down and cultivate greater awareness and concentration.
Venerable Jue Ji, the temple’s supervising monastic, explained the meaning and methods of meditation and shared ways to incorporate Humanistic Chan practice into everyday life.

Participants also learned the rituals of the Great Compassion Repentance Service and the significance of Buddhist chanting, experiencing the calming and grounding power of the Dharma.
Mindful work practice allowed participants to experience the principle that “work itself is spiritual practice,” while tea meditation and copying the Heart Sutra encouraged them to remain fully present and contemplate the wisdom of prajñā. Throughout the retreat, participants observed silence and practiced mindful eating, learning gratitude and appreciation through every meal.

The final day of the retreat coincided with a Taking Refuge Ceremony, during which several participants took refuge in the Three Jewels and formally began their journey of Buddhist practice.

Participants shared that the three-day retreat helped them rediscover their inner selves and regain a sense of peace and stillness. They expressed hopes of bringing mindfulness and compassion into their families, workplaces, and everyday lives.
The retreat was also made possible through the dedicated support of volunteers from the temple’s English-speaking chapter. Through programs such as this, Xiang Yun Temple hopes to introduce more people to Buddhist teachings through meditation and encourage the practice of the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism in daily life.

香雲寺於7月31日至8月2日舉辦「Opening the Door（打開心門）」三日禪修營，吸引約20位學員參與。活動以「正念生活」為主軸，安排坐禪、行禪、瑜伽、茶禪、抄經、出坡作務及法會參與等課程，引導學員透過止觀修習放慢步調，培養覺察力與專注力。

監寺覺繼法師講解禪修意義與方法，並分享人間生活禪的實踐；學員也學習《大悲懺》儀軌與梵唄意涵，感受佛法安定身心的力量。出坡作務讓學員體會「工作即修行」，茶禪與《心經》抄寫則引導專注當下、體悟般若智慧。禪修期間，全程禁語並實踐正念飲食，從用餐中學習感恩與惜福。

活動最後一天適逢皈依典禮，部分學員皈依三寶，正式踏入學佛之門。學員分享，三天禪修讓自己重新認識內心，找回寧靜，期許將正念與慈悲落實於家庭、工作與生活。此次活動亦獲英文分會義工全力護持，期望讓更多人透過禪修接觸佛法，實踐人間佛教精神。

08/13/2026

Guided by the Humanistic Buddhism advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Venerable Jue Ji, Abbot of
Xiang Yun Temple, and Ms. Li Chou, President of the BLIA Austin Chapter, visited Fort Hood, the largest U.S.
Army installation in Texas, on July 27, 2026, at the invitation of the U.S. Army. The visit officially established a
partnership between Xiang Yun Temple and the U.S. Army, marking the beginning of a new chapter in
Buddhist spiritual care and cultural exchange.

The delegation was welcomed by the Army Chaplain Corps, who introduced the base facilities and the
chapel where future Buddhist practice and spiritual care programs will be held, laying a solid foundation for
future collaboration.

Beginning in the coming months, Xiang Yun Temple will offer monthly programs at the base, including sutra
chanting, meditation, Dharma talks, and spiritual care services to help military personnel cultivate
mindfulness, reduce stress, and achieve greater inner peace. In addition, quarterly cultural programs
featuring tea meditation, Chinese calligraphy, Buddhist festivals, and traditional Chinese cultural
experiences will be organized to promote a deeper understanding of Buddhism and Chinese culture.

The temple's outreach will extend beyond active-duty service members to include soldiers preparing for
overseas deployment and their families, providing religious support, spiritual guidance, and compassionate
care during times of challenge and transition.

Xiang Yun Temple looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Army Chaplain Corps. Through
compassion, respect, and inclusiveness, the temple hopes to serve more military personnel and their
families, bringing peace, hope, and the wisdom of Humanistic Buddhism into the military community.

秉持星雲大師倡導的人間佛教精神，香雲寺監寺覺繼法師與奧斯汀佛光協會會長周荔，於2026年7月27日應邀參訪德州最大陸軍基地 Fort Hood，正式與美國陸軍建立合作夥伴關係，開啟佛教心靈關懷與文化交流新里程。

此次由軍牧團隊接待，參訪基地設施及未來舉辦佛教共修活動的教堂，為合作奠定基礎。未來香雲寺將每月舉辦誦經、禪修、佛法開示及心靈關懷等共修活動，協助官兵培養正念、安定身心；每季並規劃茶禪、書法、佛教節慶及中華文化體驗等交流活動，增進對佛教與中華文化的認識。

軍中弘法除關懷現役官兵，也陪伴即將部署海外的軍人及軍眷，提供宗教支持與心靈陪伴。香雲寺期盼與軍牧團隊持續攜手，以慈悲、尊重與包容服務更多官兵及眷屬，將和平與希望廣植軍中。

08/13/2026

To nurture Buddhists with right faith and propagate the Buddha's precepts, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Dallas Temple hosted the "2026 Fo Guang Shan Texas Temple Taking Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony" on July 26. The event was co-organized by Xiang Yun Temple and Chung Mei Temple, with FGS Deputy Abbot Venerable Hui Kai respectfully invited to preside over the ceremony. As it is a rare opportunity for such a ceremony to be held in the Texas area, it attracted nearly 200 attendees, among whom nearly 100 resolved to receive the precepts, officially becoming disciples of the Triple Gem.

Led by Superintendent Venerable Jue Ji, along with Venerable Yong Jia and Venerable Yi Song, a group of over 20 individuals from Austin's Xiang Yun Temple traveled to attend the event. The group included new preceptees, those renewing their precepts, dedicated volunteers, and observers. Before the ceremony, the preceptees assisted one another in putting on their Haiqing (black robes) and Manyi (brown precept robes), welcoming the solemn ceremony with utmost reverence and demonstrating a spirit of diligent cultivation and devotion to upholding the precepts.

In the afternoon, Venerable Hui Kai delivered a lecture titled "Sustainable Management of Life: A Seamless Transition from This Life to the Next." With a lively and humorous approach, he expounded on life and death education, pointing out that birth and death are natural processes of life's continuation. He encouraged the audience to apply the wisdom of the Dharma to let go of fear and regret, learn to live at ease, and peacefully face the completion of life. Participating devotees expressed that the trip not only strengthened their spiritual faith through receiving the precepts but also provided them with profound inspiration and immense benefit from the Dharma talk.

為培養正信佛教徒、弘揚佛陀戒法，佛光山達拉斯講堂於7月26日舉辦「2026年德州道場甘露灌頂三皈五戒典禮」，由香雲寺與中美寺協辦，並恭請佛光山副住持慧開法師主持戒會。德州地區難得舉辦三皈五戒典禮，吸引近200人參與，其中近100人發心受戒，正式成為三寶弟子。

奧斯汀香雲寺由監寺覺繼法師率永嘉法師、依松法師及20多位新受、復戒戒子、發心義工及觀禮者前往與會。典禮前，戒子們互相協助穿搭海青與縵衣，以恭敬心迎接莊嚴戒會，展現精進修持與護持戒法的精神。

下午，慧開法師主講「生命的永續經營——從今生到來世的無縫接軌」，以生動幽默的方式闡述生死教育，指出生死是生命自然延續的歷程，鼓勵大眾以佛法智慧放下恐懼與遺憾，學習自在生活、安心面對生命圓滿。與會信眾表示，此行不僅受戒增長道心，也從開示中獲得深刻啟發，受益良多。

08/13/2026

On July 16, Venerable Jue Ji, superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple, led four Fo Guang University interns on a visit to iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Texas). Through an introduction to the organization, a tour of its facilities, and classroom observation, the group learned about iACT’s achievements in promoting interfaith dialogue, cultural integration, and community service.
Simone Flowers, executive director of iACT, explained that the organization helps refugees, immigrants, and underprivileged families integrate into the local community through education, community services, and interfaith collaboration. The visiting group also observed an English-language class and learned how instructors design course materials according to students’ proficiency levels and use interactive teaching methods to strengthen their language skills and help them adapt to their new environment. Students from different cultural backgrounds encouraged and learned from one another, demonstrating a spirit of inclusion and mutual support.

Promotional materials featuring messages such as “Hope” and “I Belong” were displayed at the site, conveying the values of hope, belonging, and community unity. At the conclusion of the visit, the group took a commemorative photo in front of the iACT banner.

The exchange gave the participants a deeper understanding of how interfaith cooperation not only promotes mutual understanding but also brings people together to care for the community and put the values of respect, diversity, and inclusion into practice.

佛光山香雲寺監寺覺繼法師7月16日率領佛光大學四位實習學生參訪 iACT（Interfaith Action of Central Texas），透過組織介紹、空間導覽及課程觀摩，了解其推動跨信仰交流、文化融合與社區服務的成果。

iACT執行長 Simone Flowers 介紹，組織透過教育、社區服務及跨信仰合作，協助難民、移民及弱勢家庭融入當地生活。參訪團並觀摩英語課程，了解教師依學員程度設計教材，運用互動教學提升語言能力，幫助學員適應新環境。課堂中不同文化背景的學員彼此鼓勵、共同學習，展現包容互助精神。

現場展示印有「Hope」、「I Belong」等標語的文宣，傳達希望、歸屬與社區團結的理念。最後眾人在 iACT 旗幟前合影留念。此次交流讓大家深刻體會，跨信仰合作不僅促進彼此理解，更能攜手關懷社區，實踐尊重、多元與共融的價值。