Grand Launch of the Redmond Chinese American Legacies Digital Exhibition
Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple in Seattle Invited as an Honorary Guest to Deliver Remarks, Witnessing Cross-Generational Cultural Heritage Transmission
【LSCTT / Report by LC】
At 1:00 PM on January 17, 2026, the digital exhibition launch of “Redmond’s Historical Tapestry: Preserving Chinese American Legacies,” jointly organized by the Redmond Historical Society and the Little Masters Club, was successfully held at the Redmond Library. Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple (LSCTT), also known as the Seattle Lei Zang Temple, was featured as one of the key research subjects and was invited to attend as an honored guest. On behalf of the temple, Master Lianchi delivered remarks in English (see Appendix for the full text), bearing witness to a precious chapter of Chinese immigrant history interwoven with the local community.
From a Student Interview to a Cultural Milestone
The origin of this exhibition can be traced back to August 14, 2025, when a Chinese American history research team composed of high school students Meiling and Yixuan visited LSCTT for an in-depth interview (see Appendix for the news link). Arranged by the organizers, Master Lianchi personally received the students and introduced the temple’s journey since its founding in 1985, including its religious mission, community service, charitable relief efforts, and cultural education initiatives.
The interview was later compiled into a research report (see Appendix for the full text) and became an important part of this digital exhibition. What began as a school research project has since evolved into a public exhibition, marking the successful culmination of this historical exploration. The digital exhibition is fully accessible online and features photographs, images, videos, and detailed research reports for each topic. The exhibition can be viewed at: https://chinese-american-legacies.redmondhistoricalsociety.org
(A bilingual summary of the digital exhibition is included in the Appendix of this article.)
Warm and Lively Atmosphere Filled with Cultural Exchange
Before the event began, Master Lianchi arrived at the venue and was warmly welcomed by Ms. Li Chen, Director of the Little Masters Club, along with student researcher Meiling. More than one hundred community members and guests attended, creating a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.
Bilingual brochures introducing LSCTT were displayed beside the refreshment table, attracting many visitors to stop, read, and learn more. At the back of the venue, five large display panels highlighted key elements of the digital exhibition, with the rightmost panel featuring photographs and an overview of LSCTT. Booths were also set up along both sides of the space, offering cultural crafts, interactive activities, and consultation services, reflecting the organizers’ vision of bringing history closer to everyday life through hands-on engagement.
A delightful coincidence also took place: among the guests, Master Lianchi encountered Dharma Sister Qiu, a fellow practitioner working at Microsoft, who attended the event after noticing the temple mentioned on the event poster. She later joined the trivia session following the presentations and won a prize for correctly answering a question, adding yet another joyful moment to the day.
Opening Ceremony: Dignified and Diverse
The program began at 12:45 PM with warm-up music by the CHIME Band, followed by the official opening ceremony at 1:00 PM. The program included:
Following the councilmembers’ speeches, Manager Halee Turner expressed special gratitude to the King County Library System, the Redmond Police Department, and the Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle for their support and sponsorship. A police officer attended as a representative, and the church also set up a service booth, demonstrating the strength of cross-community collaboration.
After the ceremony, the CHIME Band further energized the atmosphere, blending Western music with the traditional sound of the Chinese suona (嗩吶) to create a unique cross-cultural experience. The event continued until 4:00 PM with cultural arts, crafts, and interactive activities, offering both historical depth and joyful engagement.
LSCTT: An Important Page in Local History
Founded in 1985, LSCTT is the first Chinese Buddhist temple established in Redmond. For four decades, guided by the teachings of its founder, Living Buddha Liansheng, the temple has been dedicated not only to spiritual cultivation but also to community service, including:
During her presentation, student researcher Meiling expressed special gratitude to the temple for its long-standing contributions to the community. Photographs of the temple’s activities were displayed on the screen, allowing the younger generation to witness the meaningful intersection of faith, culture, and immigrant life.
A Reunion of “Yuan Fen” After 28 Years
In his speech, Master Lianchi shared a touching story: on November 14, 1997, the temple donated a collection of books written by its founder, Living Buddha Liansheng, to the Redmond Library. Twenty-eight years later, standing once again in the same library to speak at this historic exhibition, he deeply felt the Chinese wisdom of “yuan fen” (a destined connection)—a bond that brings people, places, and hearts together across time. His remarks concluded amid warm and sustained applause from the audience.
Following the speech, Ms. Li Chen praised the meaningful message and presented a charming panda plush as a token of appreciation, symbolizing the warmth and friendship of Chinese culture. She also expressed that if the temple hosts related cultural or community events in the future, the Little Masters Club would be delighted to participate and collaborate in promoting mutual exchange.
A Bridge Across Generations
The organizers emphasized that this exhibition, driven by the curiosity and passion of local high school students, not only reflects on the past but also inspires the future. The Little Masters Club is committed to nurturing young researchers, and the participation of Meiling, Yixuan, and other students stands as a strong example of passing on the torch of history.
LSCTT likewise hopes that through this platform, more people will come to understand the journeys and spiritual values of Chinese immigrants in Redmond.
Completion and Outlook
From the initial interview in August 2025 to the launch of the digital exhibition in January 2026, this journey has demonstrated the positive interaction among academia, community, and religious institutions. LSCTT feels deeply honored to be part of this research initiative and looks forward to continued collaboration with local organizations, so that compassion, culture, and history may continue to flourish in Redmond.
May understanding, friendship, and goodwill continue to flow throughout this city.
Appendices
I. Full Text of Master Lianchi’s Speech
Dear friends of the Redmond Historical Society, Little Masters Club, and honored guests,
Good afternoon!
On behalf of Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple, also known as Lei Tsang Temple, we are truly honored to participate in this project. This exhibition reminds us that history is not only about the past, but about the kindness and contributions of many communities walking together.
We sincerely thank the student researcher Meiling for sharing our temple’s story and for highlighting our community and charity work. Your passion shows that the next generation is becoming the bridge between cultures and histories.
Last night, as I was reviewing our temple’s history, I came across a meaningful moment from November 14, 1997—more than 28 years ago—when our temple donated a collection of books written by our founder, Grandmaster Sheng-Yen Lu, to the Redmond Library. Today, as I stand here in this very same library to speak, I deeply feel the Chinese wisdom of yuan fen (緣分)—a beautiful, destined connection that brings people, places, and hearts together across time.
May this project continue to inspire understanding, compassion, and friendship in Redmond. Thank you all.
II. Information on Organizers and Honored Guests
III. Research Findings and Links to the Digital Exhibition
1.線上數位展覽: 雷德蒙市的歷史織錦：保存華裔美國人的故事 ; Redmond's Historical Tapestry: Preserving Chinese American Legacies
** 數位展覽入口: https://chinese-american-legacies.redmondhistoricalsociety.org
** 第七章 社群與信仰 (部分西雷): https://chinese-american-legacies.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/community
** 團隊誌謝 (部分西雷): https://chinese-american-legacies.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/acknowledgements
2.雷藏寺新聞: 西雅圖雷藏寺接待Redmond市華人歷史研究團隊 ( 2025年8月)
https://tbsseattle.org/site/infodetails?ref=LNW_F19A6K7Y
3.主辦單位的官網活動宣傳:
https://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/events/celebrating-chinese-american-legacies-in-redmond
附錄四、數位展覽之中英文摘要
這份由研究結果呈現的數位展覽內容摘要區分為：引言、移民歷史、早期居民、商業貢獻、科技產業、藝術文化、社區與信仰，以及團隊誌謝。
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研究報告
雷德蒙德的歷史織錦——保存華裔美國人的遺產
Redmond's Historical Tapestry: Preserving Chinese American Legacies
第一章：數位展覽簡介 (Introduction)
本計畫由雷德蒙德歷史協會與小大師俱樂部於 2025 年初啟動 。透過當地高中志工的深度研究與訪談，挖掘出華裔美國人在雷德蒙德從早期孤立的少數群體到如今蓬勃發展的歷史篇章 。
* 計畫使命：喚起對代表性不足議題的關注，促進社區聯繫，並為未來研究者蒐集資源 。
* 研究範疇：涵蓋移民政策、早期居民故事、華裔企業、科技業貢獻、藝術文化及宗教社群 。
第二章：移民背景與法規挑戰 (Immigration)
華裔移民最初受淘金熱及鐵路建設吸引來到美西 。
-- 鐵路與勞動力：
* 1863 年起，多達 2 萬名華工參與了首條橫貫大陸鐵路的艱苦建設 。
* 1889 年，華工透過 Wa Chong 公司受雇建設通往雷德蒙德的鐵路 。
-- 法律限制與歧視：
* 1882 年《排華法案》：美國首個針對特定族裔的限制移民法 。
* 1886 年西雅圖暴動：暴徒企圖驅逐華裔居民，雷德蒙德居民 William H. White 當年以聯邦檢察官身份協助鎮壓並起訴暴徒 。
* 外籍土地法與種族限制性條約：1921 年華盛頓州禁止非白人移民擁有土地，直到 1967 年才撤銷 。
第三章：早期雷德蒙德居民 (Early Residents)
-- 首位居民記錄：1910 年人口普查顯示，Ah Ming 與 Sick Kee 在 Campbell Mill 林業營地擔任廚師，是目前已知最早居住在雷德蒙德的華裔 。
-- You Hong Woo (1907-1986)：
* 1922 年移民，二戰後為了追求平靜生活，於 1948 年在雷德蒙德 Union Hill 購買土地並親手建造家園 。
* 他是當地著名的「色彩豐富的人物」，以傳統中醫草藥養生，並以獨特方式放牧 。
第四章：經濟貢獻與餐飲文化 (Businesses)
華裔企業從早期的家庭式餐館演變為現代化的多元商業。
-- 中醫藥的推廣：從早期居民 You Hong Woo 自用草藥，到 1985 年華盛頓州正式監管針灸，現今雷德蒙德擁有多家針灸與身心健康診所 。
-- 餐飲演進：
* 1953 年起超市出現罐裝中餐；1972 年雷德蒙德首家正式中餐廳 Kwuntung Country 開業 。
* 現代知名品牌包括 Dough Zone (2016) 與 許留山 (2019) 均在雷德蒙德設點 。
-- 個人服務業：如髮型師 Jenny Ng 等專業人士，受益於當地亞裔人口增加而取得商業成功 。
第五章：科技產業的影響力 (Tech Industry)
雷德蒙德在 1960 年代後的增長與科技公司的進駐密切相關，吸引了全球華裔人才。
-- 微軟 (Microsoft)：
* 1985 年遷入。2024 年多樣性報告顯示，公司有 35.9% 的亞裔員工 。
* CHIME (微軟華人員工網絡)：成立於 1992 年，是西雅圖地區最大的華人社群組織之一 。
-- 新興產業：MLOptics (2019 年進駐) 在 AR/VR 光學測量領域領先全球，展現華資企業在尖端科技的地位 。
-- 專利與領導力：如 ChuNi Kao 等工程師，其在醫療科技領域擁有多項專利 。
第六章：藝術、文化與文學 (Arts & Culture)
-- 視覺藝術：
* Cheryll Leo-Gwin：設計了 Flagpole Plaza 的「兄弟情之橋」壁畫 。
* Jing Jing Wang：受託創作反映 LGBTQIA+ 包容性的路面藝術 (Asphalt Art) 。
-- 音樂表演：CHIME Band 成立於 2004 年，融合東西方樂器，長期致力於社區文化交流 。
-- 文學與詩歌：兩任雷德蒙德桂冠詩人 Shin Yu Pai (2015-17) 與 Ching-In Chen (2023-25) 均透過作品連結華裔歷史與當地社區 。
第七章：社群與信仰 anchors (Community & Faith)
-- 服務機構： 仁人服務社 (CISC) ，西雅圖地區的華人服務中心，於 2000 年代擴展至東區，為移民提供語言輔助、長者支持及青少年發展服務 。
-- 宗教中心：
* 西雅圖證道堂 (ECC)： 西雅圖地區的華人教會，2002 年成立東區分堂，現址於 2012 年啟用，每週吸引約 1,300 人參加多語言禮拜 。
* 西雅圖雷藏寺 (Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple)：1985 年由蓮生活佛盧勝彥師尊創立，是雷德蒙德首座中式佛寺。儘管早期曾面臨社區阻力，現已成為全球真佛宗信仰中心，並透過盧勝彥佈施基金會對外捐助超過 1,400 萬美元。
附錄：研究團隊與誌謝 (Acknowledgements)
本計畫由 Meiling H. 擔任青年領袖，並由雷德蒙德歷史協會的 Halee T. 擔任導師 。
-- 研究團隊成員：Isabella Y. (藝術)、Elissa S., Tiger Y., Youyou Z. (商業)、Yixuan L. (社區)、Wendy Q., Shelia Z. (早期居民)、Serena C., Lingyuan Y. (科技)、Jason D., Fiona W. (移民) 。
-- 領導與支持：Li Chen (小大師俱樂部) 與 Jianguo Chen (計畫發起人) 。
附錄五、研究報告: 西雅圖雷藏寺
西雅圖雷藏寺（Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple／Lei Zang Temple）
作者： Meiling Hou
西雅圖雷藏寺（又稱西雅圖靈仙精舍）位於美國華盛頓州雷德蒙市（Redmond）17012 NE 40th Ct，創建於1985年，今年正值建寺四十週年。
創辦人蓮生活佛盧勝彥師尊（原名盧勝彥）出生並成長於臺灣，38歲時移居西雅圖。他曾取得地質測量學士學位，服役至少校軍階，也曾在地方基督教會擔任主日學教師。然而在26歲時，他經歷了一次不可思議的靈性啟發，開啟了「天眼」。此後多年，他潛心研習道教、顯教佛法與密教金剛乘，在多位高僧大德的指導下精進修行。他以道家法門、靈覺直觀與占卜，幫助身處困境的人們，透過風水改運，講解因果報應之理，引導大眾學佛修行。也就在此時，許多弟子開始追隨他。
1982年，在周遊世界之後，蓮生活佛盧師尊選擇定居西雅圖，弘揚真佛密法。最初有八戶弟子家庭隨他移民，他們在雷德蒙向當地地主購得一塊土地，沿著一條袋形街道興建八棟住宅，並將中央最大的一塊土地預留作為建寺之用，這便是西雅圖雷藏寺的起點。
1980年代的西雅圖華人移民仍屬少數，佛教徒更為罕見。最初，盧師尊與家人居住於巴拉（Ballard）地區，後在觀世音菩薩的指引下來到雷德蒙，機緣巧合發現了現今雷藏寺的所在地。他認定此地風水極佳，是一塊「真龍寶地」：後方有如龍首般的山丘（後來成為微軟公司所在地）為依靠，前方有如明鏡般的薩馬米什湖（Lake Sammamish），左右有護持山勢，湖中映照著秀麗的「案山」，實為清淨莊嚴、適合建設弘法道場之地。
寺院於1983年5月8日動工。八戶弟子家庭成立宗教組織，並獲得華盛頓州政府核准建寺，設計圖送交雷德蒙市規劃委員會審核。然而，在此階段卻遭遇最大阻力。由於雷藏寺將是雷德蒙歷史上第一座華人佛寺，而美國又以基督教文化為主，許多居民在公聽會上表達疑慮與反對，包括夜間燈光影響安寧、阻擋景觀、鐘鼓聲造成噪音、房價下跌、交通壅塞及消防安全等問題。三年間歷經十二場公聽會與無數次溝通說明，最終計畫才獲得通過，但寺院規模也被迫大幅縮減。
1985年9月14日，世界第一座雷藏寺正式於華盛頓州雷德蒙落成啟用，全球弟子人數已逾三萬。1986年3月19日，盧師尊正式剃度出家。此後信眾快速成長，至2000年全球弟子已達五百萬人。每逢週末，有數百位信眾在雷德蒙寺參加同修與法會，年度大型法會更吸引數萬名來自世界各地的弟子。信眾涵蓋第一代弟子、如今已四、五十歲的子女，以及第三代的青少年族群。現今全球已有超過一百座雷藏寺、四百多個分堂及無數修行團體。華州第二座雷藏寺「彩虹雷藏寺」亦於1991年在North Bend市成立。各寺院在財務與行政上各自獨立，但在精神上彼此扶持。
西雅圖雷藏寺不僅致力宗教活動，也積極參與社區服務與慈善公益。早年即捐助美國傷殘退伍軍人協會、西雅圖消防局、健安療養院（Kin On）、仁人服務社（CISC）、逸仙中文學校及華盛頓大學東亞圖書館，並為紐約911事件罹難者舉辦追思法會。自1997年起，寺方每年參與「為米而走」（Walk for Rice）為ACRS食物銀行募款，並透過冬令救濟計畫捐贈 衣物給瑟古德馬歇爾小學及「面對無家者」（Facing Homelessness）機構，也舉辦多場健康講座、教育活動、文化展覽與園遊會回饋社區。
2008年，蓮生活佛盧師尊創立「盧勝彥布施基金會」（SYL Foundation），秉持慈悲實踐為佛法核心的理念，主要服務華盛頓州金郡、皮爾斯郡與史諾霍米須郡的低收入移民與難民社群。基金會的補助不分宗教、族裔、年齡、國籍、性別、身心狀況或政治立場，設立健康與教育補助、蓮花獎學金、司法正義基金及緊急救助基金等。僅2024年8月，西雅圖雷藏寺即捐贈20萬美元支持醫療與教育計畫；自2008年以來，累計捐助超過1,400萬美元，協助移民與難民獲得平等的醫療、教育與法律資源，並資助來自36國共101名學生完成高等教育。
盧師尊亦是一位浪漫而勤奮的詩人、作家與藝術家，至今已著作306本書，涵蓋詩歌、散文、佛學心得等，堆疊高度達4.2公尺（約13呎9吋），為常人畢生難以達到的創作成就。
**備註：**本研究報告係依據2025年8月12日Meiling與Yixuan對蓮麒上師之訪談、西雅圖雷藏寺官方網站資料，以及蓮麒上師提供之書面文獻整理而成。
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