[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 119 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO VENERABLE ELDER SI CHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with much sadness that I rise today 
to honor the passing of the Venerable Elder Si Chen, a passionate 
spiritual leader and teacher. I offer my sincerest condolences to his 
family and friends who will remember him as a tireless advocate for 
kindness, freedom and justice.
  Elder Si Chen was born in 1932 in Panxian, China and came to the 
United States in 1971 to spread Buddha-Dharma. He became the abbot of 
the Mahayana Buddhist Temple of New York in 1974. Three years later, 
Elder Si Chen founded the Burmese-Chinese Buddhist Association at 
Wonderful Enlightenment Temple in Chinatown, New York, New York, which 
continues to welcome everyone.
  In 2000, he purchased 199 acres of land in Thompson Ridge, New York 
and established the Guardian of Nation Temple to create a space for 
Buddhist-American multicultural exchanges and spread Mahayana Buddhism. 
He brought together the Buddhist community of New York through classes, 
summer camps, monastic retreats and spiritual trips to China, Thailand, 
Myanmar and India.
  Today, members of New York's Buddhist and Asian American community 
are inspired and grateful for his service, wisdom and leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Venerable 
Elder Si Chen for a life of extraordinary leadership and advocacy in 
New York City and globally.

                          ____________________