Would you dare stand up in front of nearly 330 people, raise a sign, and cheer loudly? I probably wouldn't, but one father did! On October 5, 2024, during Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Hsi Lai Temple's Winter Love Joy Scholarship Program awards ceremony, this proud father stood up, held up a sign, and cheered for his child who was on stage receiving an award.
The event, organized by FGS Hsi Lai Temple in partnership with the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter, honored exceptional students from the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), as well as officers from the City of Industry Sheriff's Station, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Fe Springs Area, and firefighters from Los Angeles Fire Department Station 91. Nearly 150 awardees were recognized in the temple's Main Shrine, with approximately 635 guests in attendance, including teachers, families, and friends. The ceremony was conducted in both English and Spanish and was live-streamed to the Auditorium and Conference Room, with around 330 people present in the Main Shrine.
I saw this father proudly holding up his sign in the Main Shrine, and I was deeply moved. But at that moment, I was busy verifying guest titles and names, my hands—and my mind—completely occupied. I couldn't capture the moment with a photo, but silently prayed, “Please, let someone have caught this beautiful moment on camera!”
I hadn't even asked for the photo, but to my surprise, Echo Tsai, Vice President of the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter at the time, unexpectedly sent me the photo. When I saw it, I was overwhelmed with both joy and surprise! The father's face was glowing with pride, as if he might burst into tears at any moment—or was it me who was about to cry from being so deeply moved?I truly believe the Buddha heard my silent prayer and made my wishes come true!
I am incredibly grateful to Alex Kuo, a kind-hearted Fo Guang member of Hacienda Heights Subchapter, who captured this moment.
After the ceremony, I saw many families in the courtyard asking the Fo Guang members to take their photos. One mother and son asked me to take theirs and told me it was a day they would never forget. They were incredibly happy.
All the hard work put in by the Fo Guang members deserves a round of applause. I knew that even though many of them were utterly exhausted, the smiles on the students' faces made all their efforts worthwhile.
In his opening remarks, Venerable Hui Dong, the Abbot, highlighted the deep meaning of the word “Love” in the event's title. He emphasized that “Love” comes from inner peace and mutual respect, which is especially important in a world full of turmoil. I really loved that part of his speech.
And how could I forget the “Joy” of the day! The magic show had me completely amazed. In just 10 seconds, I was completely captivated—how did that dove appear out of nowhere? I was watching with wide eyes and clapping excitedly, so much so that the person next to me turned and chuckled, “This is for the kids, why are you so excited?” Haha!
October 5 was truly a day filled with love and joy! In this piece, I want to honor the heartfelt emotions I experienced and pay tribute to all the Fo Guang members who participated.
