Time flies,once again Than Hsiang Temple hosted the Mid-Autumn Festival. This year's celebration was a bit different from previous ones as it was combined with a birthday celebration, making it more joyous.

Around ten in the morning, members of the Than Hsiang Youth Group and the Sunday Dharma Class arrived at Than Hsiang Temple to start their preparations. Some were preparing food and gifts, others were setting up decorations or rehearsing their performances. The whole temple was filled with bustling sounds of laughter and activities.

Although it rained throughout the afternoon, the crowd’s enthusiasm was not dampened. By evening, the Da Bei Dian was thronged with people.

At exactly 7:30 p.m., the Mid-Autumn Festival cum Birthday Celebration commenced. The attendees began reciting the Buddha’s name led by the chanting group. After that, Venerable  Zhen Xin delivered a Dharma talk regarding the symbolism of the moon. Hopefully through the Dharma talk, mutual understanding, praise, and gratitude will be cultivated within every family. Shifu also extended blessings to everyone present, that is to have a loving and fulfilling family life.

The next event was the birthday celebration for those born between July and September. According to Buddhist teachings, one's birthday is a day to reflect on the hardships endured by our mothers. In addition to wishing the birthday celebrants good health and happiness, Shifu Zhen Xin reminded everyone to take this opportunity to express gratitude to their parents for giving birth and raising them.

During the birthday celebration, the students from the Sunday Dharma Class led everyone in singing the “Buddhist Birthday Song,” meanwhile the Choir performed a heartfelt rendition of "Gratitude with Tears". The birthday ceremony concluded with the blessings of Shifu Zhen Xin.

The next event was the entertainment by the students from the Sunday Dharma Class. They performed a sign language dance called "The Moon is Full, Let's Reunite". Then a lively dance performance titled "Mid-Autumn" by the " little Bodhisattvas" from Than Hsiang Kindergarten.

After all the entertainment, it was time for the highly anticipated lantern procession. Due to the light drizzle, the usual route around the temple was not feasible, so the procession took place in the covered corridors of the temple. Under the guidance of "actors" such as Chang'e, the Jade Rabbit, the Seven Fairies, and Wu Gang's guards, the participants walked two full rounds carrying their lanterns. After the procession, there were light refreshments and games. The organizers prepared four game stations, which offered many prizes for participants who completed their goals. The games also served as a fun way to strengthen family bonds. The Mid-Autumn Festival cum Birthday Celebration concluded on a joyful note with everyone leaving in high spirits.

Every year Than Hsiang Temple organizes this meaningful event with the aim of providing an opportunity to the public to learn Dharma. Through this, everyone can practice Buddhism such as cultivating good virtues and developing wisdom which will enable one to have a more fulfilling and happy life.

Thanks to the selfless contributions of all volunteers , the Mid-Autumn Festival was successfully held. We look forward to have such a gathering again next year.

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Spread the Buddha's teachings to guide more people to study Buddhism.

Continue diligently in the path studying the Buddha's teachings and listening to the Dharma.

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