Hsi Lai Subchapter’s Heartfelt Day of Bonding in Lotusland｜西來分會心心相「蓮」參訪蓮園

【By Ching Pan】On August 17, the Hsi Lai Subchapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), Los Angeles Chapter organized a “Heartfelt Day of Bonding in Lotusland” event. A group of 27 English-speaking members and friends visited the Ganna Walska Lotusland in Santa Barbara. The visit provided an opportunity to deeply appreciate the significance of the lotus in Buddhist teachings and the concept of interconnectedness among plants, fostering a sense of coexistence and mutual prosperity.

President Robert Wang explained that in Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes the transcendence from trouble to purity. Though rooted in the mud, it blossoms on the water’s surface, embodying the profound meaning of “emerging from the mud without being tainted.” Additionally, the lotus has the unique characteristic of “flower and fruit in one,” with its fruit developing alongside its blossom. This signifies the simultaneous and interconnected nature of cause and effect. We can always draw upon our inner wisdom to awaken the power of the Dharma, progressively moving towards self-perfection without waiting for a distant future. He hopes that through understanding the spirit of the lotus, everyone can deepen their practice and cultivate their own path.

In the morning, the group departed from Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights and other locations, traveling together to the home of Vice President Lynette King in Santa Barbara. Lynette had decorated her home and outdoor space with sunny, warm-toned flowers like sunflowers and greeted everyone with a “Welcome Hsi Lai Subchapter Family” sign. Participants praised the warm atmosphere of Lynette’s home, where they greeted each other with hugs and shared in preparing the meal. Dining in the garden, they enjoyed the beauty of falling petals amidst continuous laughter and conversation.

The Ganna Walska Lotusland, spanning 37 acres, is renowned as one of the world’s top ten gardens. It is divided into distinct sections, showcasing over 3,000 plant species, including many rare and endangered ones. Guided by a knowledgeable tour docent, the group spent two hours strolling through the garden, experiencing the sunlight filtering through towering trees, the fragrance of flowers, the gentle breeze, and the sounds of birds. The tour docent emphasized the “interconnectedness” among plants and the garden’s practice of using organic compost to maintain ecological balance while avoiding pesticides. Attendees noted that this aligns with the “coexistence and mutual prosperity” philosophy advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan Monastery.

The group was captivated by the sight of blooming lotuses and water lilies. The stunning beauty of the garden left everyone in awe, with many expressing their admiration with phrases like, “Breathtakingly beautiful.” The visit not only offered a deeper appreciation for nature’s artistry but also reinforced the values of harmony and sustainability that resonate deeply with the principles of Fo Guang Shan Monastery.

西來分會心心相「蓮」參訪蓮園

【潘青霞 報導】國際佛光會洛杉磯協會西來分會於8月17日舉辦「心心相『蓮』交流日」(Heartfelt Day of Bonding in Lotusland) 活動，共27位英語本土會員及佛光之友，參訪位於聖塔芭芭拉的甘娜·沃爾斯卡蓮園 (Ganna Walska Lotusland)。深入體會蓮花在佛法中的深遠意義，眾植物間的同體共生之道，讓心心更相「蓮」，共生共榮。

會長汪寧國表示，蓮花在佛教中象徵著從煩惱中昇華至清淨，儘管扎根於污泥，卻能綻放於水面，體現了「出污泥而不染」的深刻寓意。此外，蓮花具有「花果同體」的特性，與其他植物不同，蓮花在盛開時花果俱全，果實與花朵一同生長，象徵著因果同時、因果相連。我們隨時都能依循內心的智慧，激發出妙法的力量，無需等待遙遠的未來，便能逐步邁向完善自我。他也希望透過對蓮花精神的體悟，大家能心心相「蓮」，精進修行。

眾人於早晨從西來寺及各地出發，以共乘方式前往居住在當地的副會長Lynette King家中。Lynette以向日葵等橘黃暖色系花卉布置了家裡和戶外，並以「歡迎西來分會的家人們」的標語迎接眾人。大家稱讚Lynette家的溫馨氛圍，見面擁抱寒暄，並分工準備餐點。在庭院用餐時，落英繽紛，伴隨著歡聲笑語不斷。

甘娜·沃爾斯卡蓮園 (Ganna Walska Lotusland) 占地37英畝，被譽為世界十大最佳花園之一。園內劃分為多個特色區域，收藏了超過3000種植物，其中包含瀕臨絕種的品種。眾人在導覽員的帶領下，花了兩個小時漫步其中，感受從高聳樹木枝葉間灑落的陽光，與花香、微風、鳥鳴相伴。導覽員特別強調植物之間的「同體共生」關係，以及蓮園使用有機堆肥來維持生態平衡、避免使用殺蟲劑的做法。眾人表示這與佛光山開山祖師星雲大師提倡的「共生共榮」理念相契合。看到盛開的蓮花與睡蓮時，大家更是驚嘆：「美不勝收。」