The 2009 Lunar New Year Celebration brought in the “Year of the Ox” at Buu Mon Buddhist Temple with fireworks, bells, ringing and drums beating. It was an evening to remember filled with chanting, speeches, and dancing. The temple was full of with the attendance of congregation members and visitors from all cultural backgrounds.
The evening started off with the sounding of the drums and ringing of bells followed by the entrance of resident monks and visiting monks. The monks in attendance were the Abbot of Buu Mon Buddhist Temple Most Venerable Huyen Viet, along with resident monks, Venerable Tri Quang, and Bhante Kassapa. The resident monks were joined by visiting monks, Venerable Ellakkala Anuruddha Thero and Venerable Siri Sivali Thero from the Houston Buddhist Vihara, long time friends of the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple.
Together the monks lead the congregation in chants and prayers praising the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Following the chanting Most Venerable Viet introduced visiting dignitaries Port Arthur City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons, Port Arthur Mayor Doris Prince and local publisher and radio personality Fernando Ramirez; all are longtime supporters of the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple and recognize the important contribution the temple makes to the community.
Most Venerable Viet spoke to the congregation, highlighting events of the past year and goals for the temple in the “Year of the Ox”. Rev. Viet thanked the members of Buu Mon Buddhist Temple for their support of the temple throughout the year.
Most Venerable Viet as well as resident monks and staff were pleased that the mayor of Port Arthur was able to attend the Lunar New Year’s celebration and address this year’s audience. Her attendance has become a tradition we at Buu Mon Buddhist Temple look forward to each year and were happy to see it continue this year. The Mayor Prince spoke of the need for all members of the community to follow the lead of our new United States President Barack Obama. We should come together in a spirit of fellowship and make a positive difference in the growth of the City of Port Arthur in the Year of the Ox.
Mayor Princes was followed by Bhante Kassapa speaking to the congregation with words of wisdom from the Dhamma. Bhante encouraged each individual to take responsibility for themselves, to make a commitment of compassion and goodness to themselves and the world. As Buddhist and as individuals of the world community we should be committed to living our life’s based on a foundation of caring and respect for one’s self and all people.
Sharing the master of ceremonies duties for the evening were Ms. Jennifer Thanh and Mr. Phan H. Phong, together they moved the evening’s events along smoothly. The evening celebration continued with our annual presentation of the 12 signs of the Vietnamese Zodiac by the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple’s Youth Group. The presentation was highlighted by Boydang Nguyen, leader of the Lion and Dragon Dancer Troupe, assisting in the presentation of a zodiac sign.
The Lotus Dance Troupe performed two original dances choreographed by Vanessa Le and Tengah Nguyen. From event to event it is a treat to see what new creative dance they will create for the Lotus Dancers to perform. The Lotus Dancers were divided into two groups and each performed as if they were professionals on tour. The dancers moved in unison interacting with long flowing scarf’s and colorful fans to the delight of the audience. The temple cannot thank them enough for the time and energy they and their leaders put in practicing and preparing for each performance.
The same can be said for the temple’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe. This Lunar New Year’s performance marked a transition in leadership and membership. Since the inception of the Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe Charles Le has taken an active role. Originally a dancer over the years eventually becoming the director and guiding force behind the development and professionalism of the group. This year Charles turned over leadership to Boydang Nguyen, a wise decision, demonstrated by this year’s Lunar New Year performance. Their performance was accreditation of the many years and hard work Charles has put in to training and molding the young men into excellent performer’s as well as solid citizens of the Buddhist community.
In addition, the group went through personnel changes with some experience members retiring and new members taking their place. Boydang, assisted by the experienced dancers, trained and groomed the new members into a well organized professional troupe. Watching the group perform at this year’s celebration you would not have known such a transition had taken place.
The group entered the temple with a fanfare of fireworks exploding, drums beating and a member of the group tumbling down the center aisle to the main altar. The Lion and Dragon Dancers entered the temple to an enthusiastic reception by the congregation. Three lions danced to beating drums and clashing cymbals. Those in attendance viewed the first performance of the traditional long tail dragon. It was controlled by dancers from underneath with poles attached to the long tail dragon above them. They maneuvered the long tail dragon like a large puppet. The puppet long tail dragon twisted and turned throughout the temple. It was a sight to see and one hard to describe, a performance you need to see for yourself to fully appreciate. The Lion and Dragon Dancers performance was excellent and the troupe continued Monday performing at various businesses and homes throughout the community.
The Lunar New Year’s celebration of the “Year of the Ox” was brought to a close with the monks blessing the strings. The strings are them offered to anyone who wishes to receive one. They are tied around the wrist by the monks as the monks bless the individual receiving a string.
The tradition is of tying the string symbolizes well being affirmed by the monks when they ceremonially blessed the string. When the string falls off the individual’s wrist they receive the blessing. Each person was encouraged to take a piece of fruit, which is a wish they have food on their table throughout the year, and a lucky red envelope which contained a statement from the Dhammapada, words of encouragement that you can reflect on throughout the “Year of the Ox”.
The monks and staff appreciate the continued support of the Buddhist community and the area residents. May the “Year of the Ox” bring everyone Peace, Happiness and Prosperity.
Danny Dubuisson
Community Relations
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple
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