The San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple, inaugurated on December 26, 2004, upholds and promotes the genuine teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the incarnation of the primordial Buddha, and the World-Honored Shakyamuni Buddha, extending boundless compassion and kindness to all beings.
Guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Hua Zang Si Temple has actively participated in various charitable activities for many years, including organizing New Year entertainment events in nursing homes, assisting with hospital relocations, providing food relief to disaster-affected areas, and holding garage sales, with all proceeds donated to vulnerable groups. The temple expressed their hope that this spirit of helping others will continue to flourish: “In acts of kindness, seeds of virtue grow, a family that sows goodness finds happiness in full flow.”
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Hua Zang Si launched a month-long charity drive titled “Love Without Limits” in November, supporting animal rescue centers, homeless and low-income families, and local food banks. On the morning of December 15, a Dharma Assembly was held to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha, praying for world peace and the well-being of all people. The afternoon featured a 20th-anniversary performance and raffle, attended by nearly 300 people.
By December, Hua Zang Si had collected a total of 812 items, categorized into three main types: 241 animal supplies, including dog collars, walking harnesses, pet carriers, and disposable puppy pads; 211 baby and cookware items, including baby bottle drying racks, baby bodysuits, air fryers, and cookware sets; and a total of 2,265 pounds of food, including rice, pasta, and other food items. On December 11, nuns from Hua Zang Si Temple and volunteers from the Dharma-Protecting Fellowship of Hua Zang Si delivered these items to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), and the San Francisco Marin Food Bank.
As the first cage-free rescue organization in the U.S. and California’s first nonprofit dedicated to rescuing senior dogs, Muttville has rescued nearly 13,000 senior dogs over the past 17 years, providing support for about 100 senior dogs each month. The generous donations from Hua Zang Si were gratefully received, greatly aiding in the care and rehoming efforts for these senior dogs.
The San Francisco Marin Food Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger in San Francisco and Marin counties, distributed over 60 million pounds of food this year, thanks in part to Hua Zang Si’s year-end support. In these regions, one in five people faces food insecurity, and the temple’s contributions have significantly bolstered the food bank’s efforts. The donated food from the temple will be utilized in various community programs, including after-school programs, Boy and Girl Scouts, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need.
(The abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple awarded 10 years’ service awards to volunteers.)
The Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), a renowned family support center in the U.S, serves over 4,000 vulnerable families each year, particularly aiding mothers seeking assistance during pregnancy and parenting. The temple’s donations have significantly enhanced HPP’s ability to support mothers and children facing life challenges.
On the afternoon of December 15, the 20th-anniversary celebration was held in the main shrine of Hua Zang Si, featuring live performances of several classic philosophical songs with lyrics written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, cello performances of various songs, a mesmerizing Tibetan dance, and an exciting raffle with numerous prizes. The event provided a visual and auditory feast for nearly 300 attendees. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt group sing-along of “Buddha Holding My Hand,” bringing the 20th-anniversary festivities to a perfect close.
Looking ahead, Hua Zang Si will continue to serve as a beacon of love and care within the community. They hope more people will join in these acts of kindness, creating a warm, loving, and harmonious society together.
The above article is from the World Reporter, December 23, 2024.
Additional photos from event:
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