Hsi Lai Temple Holds Year of the Horse Press Conference; Police and Community Join Hands to Welcome the Lunar New Year
By Hsin Yu, The Life News Agency, Los Angeles, USA
On February 4, 2026, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held a Lunar New Year press conference at the Meeting Room, bringing together media representatives, law enforcement agencies, and members of the Buddha’s Light community. The event introduced the temple’s Year of the Horse New Year celebrations and traffic safety measures for the holiday season. A total of 21 media outlets, 28 journalists, 11 law enforcement officers, and approximately 40 Fo Guang members attended. The lively exchange reflected the strong long-term partnership between the temple, the community, the media, and public agencies.
In his remarks, Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Huidong quoted Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Year of the Horse calligraphy, “Harmony and Coexistence; Galloping Towards Success”. He emphasized that today’s society needs greater wisdom in respecting one another and embracing differences. Venerable Huidong explained that “coexistence” means more than simply living harmoniously; it means being willing to understand differences, accept diversity, and help one another succeed. Only by beginning with kindness between people, he said, can society move forward steadily, and individuals truly achieve success in life and career.
BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai introduced the temple’s Lunar New Year Lantern Festival schedule. She explained that various subchapters would return to the temple on six evenings—February 18–20 and February 24–26—to participate in the Peace Lantern Festival. Through lantern-lighting and prayer, participants would unite their aspirations and offer blessings for peace and good fortune in society. She noted that the Lantern Festival is not only a traditional holiday celebration but also a way to cultivate inner peace and share blessings with others.
In anticipation of large crowds during the holiday period, the temple also outlined transportation and shuttle arrangements. Venerable Huicheng stated that nearby shopping center parking lots would be utilized, and free shuttle buses would operate during designated hours to and from the temple. Visitors were encouraged to use the shuttle service and carpool whenever possible to reduce traffic congestion and help more families participate safely and conveniently in the New Year festivities.
Law enforcement representatives expressed their support for the event. Glenn Emery of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Industry Station, who was born in the Year of the Fire Horse, said that police agencies would fully support traffic control and public safety efforts. He also reminded the public to remain aware of their surroundings and stay vigilant during the holiday season. Melissa Hammond of the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs Area urged drivers to follow traffic laws and cooperate with officers on site to ensure smooth vehicle and pedestrian flow.
At the conclusion of the event, guests proceeded to Buddha Way for a group photo in front of the Fire Horse lantern display. They also tossed prayer ribbons beneath the wishing tree, offering prayers for a peaceful New Year, social harmony, and world peace. The press conference concluded in a warm yet dignified atmosphere, marking the official opening of Hsi Lai Temple’s Year of the Horse Lunar New Year celebrations.
Photo Captions (Photos 01–10 by Chang Chih-cheng)
