Interfaith Leaders Gather at Hsi Lai Temple to Welcome the New Year, Offering Music and Prayers for Peace
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
January 15, 2026
On Jan. 1, 2026, Hsi Lai Temple of Fo Guang Shan hosted a “World Peace Prayer Concert” in its Main Shrine, bringing together representatives of six faith traditions, elected officials, and community leaders. Nearly 450 people attended the New Year’s Day gathering, which combined a performance by the Buddha’s Light Youth Symphony Orchestra (BLYSO) with interfaith prayers to jointly wish for peace in the world.
In his opening remarks, Venerable Hui Dong, abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, said that gathering on New Year’s Day to pray for world peace was especially meaningful. While challenges differ from year to year, he noted, collective prayer and right mindfulness can foster inclusiveness and compassion, drawing more people to take part. He encouraged attendees never to give up and wished everyone inner peace, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead.
Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said the event brought together hearts and light, and she thanked religious leaders, parents, and the youth orchestra for offering hope. Reflecting on the trials faced by the community in 2025, she cited the recent wildfires and praised Hsi Lai Temple for promptly providing shelter and supplies, as well as for continuing to work with partner organizations to support affected families. She expressed hope that 2026 would be a year of unity and progress.
California State Sen. Bob Archuleta (30th District) said he was honored to serve Hacienda Heights and thanked Supervisor Solis for years of collaboration in strengthening the community. He shared that during the past Christmas season, Hsi Lai Temple swiftly mobilized and distributed large quantities of toys to children in need, demonstrating the temple’s close partnership with the community. He emphasized that peace and harmony are shared values across religions and encouraged young people to take responsibility for the future.
San Gabriel City Councilmember John Wu said service to society should transcend religion, ethnicity, and skin color. In an era of increasing polarization, he said, religion should serve as a bridge for understanding and respect. He thanked Hsi Lai Temple for its longstanding role in bringing stability and peace to the community.
Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles quoted a message from the Pope, noting that kindness has the power to “disarm.” He urged religious communities to avoid weaponizing language or justifying violence in the name of faith, and called for prayer and interfaith encounters to deepen dialogue and put peace into practice.
Bhante Dr. Piyananda of the Theravada Buddhist Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live and learn in the United States, and thanked Fo Guang Shan for carrying forward Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s commitment to promoting peace through education and charity. He reminded young people that peace begins within; only by starting with oneself can one influence the world.
Rev. Dr. Jolene Cadenbach of the Arcadia Community Church encouraged participants to extend “reconciliation” to more people, noting that forgiveness allows peace to spread from families to communities and the wider world. She offered the reminder, “When you pray, use your feet,” urging action to follow prayer.
Imam Fawaz Elmasri of the Arcadia Mosque greeted attendees with a message of peace, emphasizing that peace is not merely a slogan but a collective effort requiring everyone’s commitment. Citing the Qur’an, he spoke of the path toward light and peace, calling for justice and good deeds to foster harmony and coexistence.
Pravrajika Saradeshaprana of the Vedanta Society of Southern California said conflict often arises from attachment, desire, and fear. Spiritual practice, she said, can transform self-centeredness into generous service, anger into compassion, and help transcend fear. She concluded with the blessing “Om Shanti,” wishing peace for all beings.
Representing Mahayana Buddhism, Venerable Hui Dong led the assembly in chanting “Homage to Our Teacher Sakyamuni Buddha” three times, reciting the Heart Sutra, and reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Prayer for World Peace,” followed by a dedication of merit. Through music and prayer, participants pledged to cultivate peace within their own hearts and carry goodwill into daily life, becoming a stabilizing force for their communities and for peace in the world.
Other guests included Adriana Quinones, vice president of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Board of Education; Andrea Gordon, board member of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association; Echo Tsai, president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association; and Avelyn Busch, vice president of the chapter.
