Over three hundred neighbors in Hacienda Heights flocked into Hsi Lai Temple on the sunny and warm Saturday afternoon on January 9 for the temple’s annual Neighborhood Party. They were invited to an evening of cultural workshops, a light-offering ceremony, performances, and a sumptuous vegetarian dinner – a celebration of the New Year. Families, couples, and individuals browsed through an offering of arts and crafts workshops such as Chinese calligraphy, lantern-making, tea ceremony, and Chinese drums. In addition, there were meditation instructions, temple tours, and Buddhist artifacts and unique exhibits in the art gallery.

Abbot Venerable Hui Chi welcomed the temple’s friends and neighbors in the Main Shrine, thanking them for their support and participation in the many events conducted by the temple during the past year. A light-offering ceremony allowed the participants to make a wish for the New Year as monastics chanted tradition Buddhist mantras for blessing. Cultural performances followed which included a Chinese folk dance, a parade of Chinese minority tribe costumes, a magic show, and Chinese drum pieces. The evening ended with a warm note as the guests enjoyed a sumptuous vegetarian dinner in the Dining Hall with wonderful prize draws. Among the invited guests were the president and members of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association and the president of the community of High Tor, the temple’s immediate neighbor.

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