History
In 1991, Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, along with Venerable Hsin Ping and other monks, including Tzu Chuang and Tzu Hui, visited Florida with a compassionate vow driven by the desire to prevent the decline of the sacred teachings and alleviate the suffering of sentient beings. They decided to establish a temple to plant the seeds of Bodhi in this region. In December of that year, they purchased a two-story building in Kissimmee, Central Florida, each floor covering 3,000 square feet, with renovations beginning in March of the following year.
Initially, the local community, unfamiliar with and misunderstanding Buddhism, expressed opposition to the temple’s establishment. However, after several communications with residents, a court hearing, and with the active support of local believers, the temple was officially approved during the third public hearing in June 1992. In September of the same year, a consecration and inauguration ceremony was held, with the mayor of Kissimmee attending the grand event and sending a congratulatory letter.
Milestone
Since its founding, the temple has hosted various activities, lectures, and skill classes annually and regularly donates books to schools and libraries. The temple also supported underprivileged students, donated food to the homeless, and visited homes for children with disabilities.
In 2002, Mr. and Mrs. Yeh Yi-Ren donated a five-acre property at 6555 Hoffner Ave. to accommodate the growing number of devotees. After more than two years of planning and meeting approval requirements, a construction permit was obtained. In January 2004, Venerable Master Hsin Ding, the Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony. Construction began later that year and was completed in March 2007, with all necessary permits secured.
Environment
The temple spans an area of 29,000 square feet and consists of two buildings that blend modern and traditional Chinese architectural styles. The front section is a three-story building that includes a main hall, a meditation hall, a tea room, a large kitchen, a dining hall, an audio-visual center, a library, an exhibition hall, conference rooms, classrooms, and dormitories.
The rear section houses the "Memorial Hall," which serves as a place for Chinese Americans in the southeastern United States and residents to honor and commemorate their ancestors.