https://www.merit-times.com/NewsPage.aspx?unid=878587
Ching Pan
February 16, 2024
Eugene Chiang (second from the right) from Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple uses LEGO bricks to relocate Hsi Lai temple from Los Angeles to San Diego, 100 miles away! photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Hsi Fang Temple volunteer, Eugene Chiang using LEGO to move the FGS Hsi Lai Temple from Los Angeles to San Diego, 100 miles away! Following his Hsi Fang Temple LEGO works being exhibited for two consecutive years at the Lunar New Year exhibition and receiving rave reviews for being invited to participate in “Brick Fest Live.” Eugene Chiang’s latest creation—Hsi Lai Temple—will debut at the Hsi Fang Temple’s 2024 Lunar New Year special exhibition, where the two temples meet in San Diego, shining with Buddha’s light.
Eugene Chiang’s latest creation – Hsi Lai Temple – will be showcased at the 2024 Chinese New Year Special Exhibition at Hsi Fang Temple. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Incense burner in front of the main shrine of Hsi Lai Temple. The model features dragon heads on both sides and a stacked incense burner top, faithfully replicating the physical structure. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Venerable Miaozang, the superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple, commended Eugene Chiang for not only creating LEGO works for the temple but also for utilizing his expertise as a software engineer to develop sales statistics software for the temple’s Buddhist Cultural Center. His patience and meticulous dedication can be considered that of a Bodhisattva.
“I hope to use LEGO as a ‘skillful means’ to ignite people’s interest in Humanistic Buddhism,” Eugene Chiang emphasized. His LEGO display at Hsi Fang Temple’s Lunar New Year exhibition in previous years has connected with many people, bringing him boundless joy. In the process of creating Hsi Lai Temple, he visited the temple twice, not only to better understand the FGS Philosophy but also to learn about the features of Hsi Lai Temple, such as the eighteen arhats at the “Arhat Garden” site and the four Heavenly Kings at the “Avalokitesvara Garden” site. This year’s exhibition is themed around the Lunar New Year of 2024, the Year of the Dragon, with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year’s greeting— “May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful.”
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: “Auspicious Dragon Bestowing Blessings” themed lamp. When Eugene Chiang crafts the model, the physical dragon hadn’t been installed yet, so he relies on his imagination to create a lifelike representation. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Wishing tree. The miniature figures under the model are also depicted in the act of throwing wishing ribbons. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Arhat Garden. The model showcases different postures of the Arhats, including crossed legs, dangling legs, relaxed sitting, and miniature figures throwing coins to ring the bell. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Eugene Chiang said that Hsi Lai Temple, which covers an actual area of 15 acres, is filled with a lot of features and details. The “temple construction project” of the past year has been full of challenges. He has built LEGO works covering a total area of 16 square feet and is expected to undergo another two years of expansion. The completed total area will be 56 square feet, making it his largest LEGO work.
“Let us celebrate the Lunar New Year with LEGO characters at Hsi Lai Temple!” Eugene exclaimed. He designed the itinerary, which includes a leisurely stroll along the “Way to Buddhahood” (Courtyard) to participate in the “Auspicious Dragon Offering” ceremony, marveling at the glowing “Peace Lanterns”, making wishes under the Wishing Tree, followed by tea tasting and book shopping at the Water Drop Teahouse (Tea Room) and bookstore.
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Avalokitesvara Garden. The model’s Four Heavenly Kings each hold different Dharma instruments. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Auditorium. Buddha statue, clouds, lotus flowers, and Dharma wheels are all meticulously recreated in LEGO. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Visitors can then explore the Art Gallery, indulge in the unique Taiwanese snack “Wheel Cakes” exclusive to Hsi Lai Temple, and proceed to the “Arhat Garden” to toss coins and ring the bell, ushering in good omens for the New Year. In the “Arhat Garden” site, the postures of the Arhats vary, while the Four Heavenly Kings in the “Avalokitesvara Garden” site hold different Dharma instruments, both features meticulously executed. The architecture on both sides can be unfolded, with the upper levels housing the Auditorium and Conference Room, and the lower levels featuring the Assembly Hall and Meeting Room. Inside, there are Buddha statues, bells, seats, microphones, audio equipment, tea sets, and other details. When tired, visitors can even ride the truly functional elevators that move up and down.
LEGO model details: (Top left) Drum, (Top right) Sound equipment in the Auditorium, (Bottom left) Desktop microphone in the Conference Room, (Bottom right) Functional elevator that moves up and down. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
LEGO model details: (Top) Purchase Taiwanese snacks exclusive in Hsi Lai Temple, the “wheel cakes”! (Bottom) Water Drop Teahouse (Tea Room) and bookstore. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
When Eugene Chiang visited Hsi Lai Temple, he unexpectedly encountered the volunteer guiding Venerable Miaohuang. Having read about Eugene Chiang’s LEGO works in The Merit Times newspaper, Venerable Miaohuang highly praised his dedication to propagating the Dharma through art, saying, “Thank you, Eugene Chiang, for creating Hsi Lai Temple LEGO. I admire Hsi Fang Temple’s Lunar New Year special exhibition featuring this LEGO highlight, and I eagerly anticipate the Hsi Lai Temple LEGO ‘coming home’ to be exhibited at Hsi Lai Temple.”
LEGO model details, as if entering a miniature world! photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: Clouds & Water dragon at Hsi Fang Temple. photo／Hsi Fang Temple
Side-by-side comparison of the physical entity and the LEGO model: In the model, volunteers stand at the entrance of Hsi Fang Temple, wearing the temple’s purple Polo T-shirts, welcoming visitors. photo／Hsi Fang Temple