Two "Firsts": Los Angeles BLIA Members Joyfully Take the Stage at Taipei Dome

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple

A double achievement of "firsts"—the first faith organization to enter the Taipei Dome, and the very first chapter to lead the creative processional parade! The Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) 2026 General Conference convened on October 3, marking its historic debut at the Taipei Dome and drawing over 50,000 participants from 98 chapters across 41 countries worldwide. A delegation of 136 members from the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter joined the grand gathering, serving as the vanguard of the creative roll call—embodying both a history-making "first" and taking "first" place in the lineup.

The Los Angeles delegation was led by Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong, Head Superinendent Venerable Ru Song, Deputy Superintendent Venerable Zhi Xing, Volunteers’ Department Monastic Advisor Venerable Jue Miao, alongside BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai.

Conceived by Venerable Zhi Xing and brought to fruition through the collective creativity of LA members, the Los Angeles Chapter’s creative procession embraced the theme "Hollywood Enters the Dome." Members brought local Southern California flair to life by dressing as iconic Hollywood figures—including Superman, Elvis Presley, Batman, Captain America, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson, Audrey Hepburn, Snow White, and Barbie—setting an energetic tone at the opening of the General Conference's processional parade.

Wherever the Los Angeles creative contingent went, attendees eagerly asked for photos, to which members playfully quipped, "That will be a fee!"—sparking waves of laughter throughout the venue.

The General Conference proceedings included award presentations, certifications, and leadership handovers, concluding on a serene note with the Fo Guang Shan Tsung-Lin Buddhist College chanting the Buddhist praise, "All Ten Directions." As showers of golden streamers cascaded down, the arena erupted into rounds of jubilant cheers.

In the afternoon, the special musical presentation "Love and Hope: The Vast Stars and Cloud" debuted, honoring the 60th anniversary of the founding of Fo Guang Shan and the centenary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s birth through intergenerational song. The eponymous musical opened the program, taking the audience through the footprints of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s lifelong propagation of the Dharma through song and dance. Acclaimed Golden Melody King Ricky Hsiao, renowned vocalist Michelle Pan, and the Fo Guang Choir performed a succession of "Sounds of the Human World" melodies in tribute to the Venerable Master.

At the finale, Most Venerable Hsin Bao, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, took the stage to join the performers and audience in singing "The Song of Fo Guang Shan" and "BLIA Members Across the Four Seas." The resonant voices echoed across the stadium, drawing the musical feast to a memorable close—carrying deep remembrance for Venerable Master Hsing Yun and passing the torch forward as BLIA members continue their collective journey ahead.