The full moon brings reunions, and the bright moon illuminates the Mid-Autumn Festival. On October 4th, the Frankfurt Chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala titled “There’s a Way Forward, Brightness in Sight” at Metta Thai Restaurant. The event featured a distinguished gathering of distinguished guests, a diverse program, and a delicious vegetarian feast, bringing together overseas members of the Fo Guang Association and fellow overseas Chinese to celebrate the festive season. Guests
included Director of the Frankfurt Office, Luo Meishun, and his wife, Cheng Yishun; Deputy Director of the Office, Ye Huifang; Counselor of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, Lin Hongying; Economic Division Director, Hong Jingting and his wife; and former Economic Division Director, He Yuangui. They joined over a hundred Chinese and international members and Fo Guang friends in celebrating the occasion.
President Wang Yuheng, quoting the words of Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, encouraged the audience: “The road of life is sometimes smooth, sometimes difficult. As long as we hold the light in our hearts and move forward courageously, we will reach the fulfillment of hope.” Luo Meishun echoed the theme, stating that as long as we hold the bright moon in our hearts, maintain unfading faith and perseverance, brightness will eventually be in sight. He commended Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt and its Frankfurt Association for their long-standing commitment to promoting Humanistic Buddhism and uniting the overseas Chinese community, becoming a spiritual and cultural haven for the community.
The program opened with the Fo Guang Choir’s performances of “Wonderful Paths of Mountains and Rivers,” “Under That Silver Moonlight,” and the German song “Ich weiß nicht, was soll es bedeuten.” This was followed by a captivating Guzheng performance of “Spring River Moonlit Night” and “Market.
” Hong Jingting’s passionate Guzheng solo performance of “Fuxi’s Divine Heavenly Enjoyment” moved the audience to their core. The performances showcased diverse talents, including Zen storytelling, song and dance, Tai Chi, piano solos, and poetry recitation. Cheng Yiyi’s performance of “The Moon Represents My Heart” was heartwarming and moving. A particularly eye-catching performance was the “Chinese Costumes of Various Dynasties” catwalk, led by fashion designer Jin Mei from the Department of Art at Northumbria University in the UK. This performance, accompanied by narration, presented a cultural feast spanning time and space, earning the audience’s applause.
At the end of the event, Venerable Jueyan, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan in Frankfurt, delivered a lecture, emphasizing that the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes not only the outward appearance of a full moon and family reunion, but also inner fulfillment and harmony. He encouraged everyone to gather together to create a brighter future.
The dinner featured 12 vegetarian dishes and handmade mooncakes crafted by Fo Guang Shan staff, drawing unanimous praise from attendees. Sunny, a first-time attendee, praised the program and the diverse talents of Fo Guang Shan members. Indian friend Li Yizhu praised the hospitality of Fo Guang Shan members and the warm and joyful atmosphere.
Under the bright moonlight that illuminated Frankfurt, Fo Guang Shan members and guests shared a beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival night, expressing their thoughts and blessings, adding a touch of light and hope to the joy of reunion.
