Austin Xiang Yun Temple Launches “Bodhi Learning Garden”Nurturing Young Buddhists and Carrying Forward Humanistic Buddhism

By Life News Agency correspondent Yuan Lei, reporting from Austin

To put into practice Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of Buddhist education and youth development, the Chinese Academy at Austin Xiang Yun Temple launched “Bodhi Learning Garden”, a youth program, on August 29. Held every Saturday, the program has drawn 10 young participants, along with their parents. Guided by Venerable Jue Ji and Yong Jia and taught by Dharma Sister Zhi Ding, the classes introduce students to Buddhist teachings, Chinese language, and Chinese culture.

The October 10 session included Buddhist etiquette, Fo Guang chanting, classical Chinese poetry recitation, meditation, yoga, steel tongue drum playing, tea arts, and crafts. Through varied and engaging activities, the program nurtures compassion, gratitude, and teamwork, helping students bring Buddhist teachings into everyday life.

Parents actively support their children’s learning and help prepare class activities, while the monastics offer attentive care for the students’ studies and daily lives. Their involvement reflects the collective commitment of the temple, teachers, and families to supporting youth education. Through “Bodhi Learning Garden,” Xiang Yun Temple hopes to help Buddhist wisdom take root in the younger generation, promote Chinese culture, and carry forward the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.