São Paulo City Council Celebrates "Chinese Immigrant Day"; Zu Lai Temple Receives Outstanding Contribution Award

by Jenny Lin, São Paulo

On August 14, the São Paulo City Council in Brazil held the 10th "Chinese Immigrant Day" (Dia do Imigrante Chinês) celebration. Over 250 guests were attended the event, and 50 outstanding Chinese individuals who have made significant contributions to the local Brazilian community were honored. Venerable Miao You, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Zu Lai Temple in Brazil, was honored with the "Outstanding Contribution Award" for the long-term dedication to promoting cultural exchange and charitable works, demonstrating the fruits of Fo Guang Shan’s deep cultivation in South America.

São Paulo City Councilor Edir Sales, representing the São Paulo City Council, presented awards and expressed respect to the honorees and organizations. For many years, Councilor Edir Sales has supported the development of the Chinese community and maintained positive interactions with overseas Chinese organizations, such as the Brazil-China Association. As early as 2017, Councilor Edir Sales promoted the passage of a bill in the São Paulo City Council to establish "Chinese Immigration Day," making it the first Chinese immigration memorial day in Latin America to be confirmed through legislation. In 2018, the Brazilian National Congress also officially passed a bill designating August 15 of each year as the national "Chinese Immigration Day."

Upholding the Fo Guang Shan objectives of "to propagate the Dharma through culture; to foster talent through education; to benefit society through charity; and to purify human minds through spiritual cultivation." the Zu Lai Temple in Brazil actively integrates into society through diverse avenues, sowing seeds of goodness and beauty. Receiving the "Outstanding Contribution Award" is not only an affirmation of the temple's achievements in promoting social harmony and cross-cultural exchange, but it also demonstrates the influence of Humanistic Buddhism in South America.

The event also featured the exhibition of donated historical artifacts from the Brazilian Chinese community. The display included the 108-volume The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun donated by Zu Lai Temple, as well as various items donated by other parties.