On March 8th, International Women's Day, our temple welcomed a special group of visitors—107 international friends from countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Poland, who embarked on a unique Women's Day journey at Xizu Temple. Among them was our dear friend Dominika.
When asked why she returned to Xizu Temple, Dominika shared:
"I’ve always believed that travel is essential. It broadens our horizons, inspires reflection, and fosters greater tolerance—teaching us not to judge others hastily or fear those different from us. Difference does not mean inferiority.
In reality, many cannot travel far due to various constraints. But I want to tell everyone: You don’t need to go far to embark on a remarkable cultural journey! (Xizu Temple is only 50 kilometers from Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo.)
Here, we can immerse ourselves in Chinese culture and traditions, admire exquisite architecture, savor authentic cuisine, and meet warm and friendly people. Moreover, the moving musical performances make this experience not just a cultural exploration but also a spiritual awakening."
What other visitors think after visiting
Friends from Madagascar, Poland, France, the UK, and North Africa expressed their reflections, each experiencing the temple’s Zen ambiance and serenity in their own way:
From Switzerland:
"We sincerely thank you for this incredible surprise on our birthday. It was a profoundly moving and beautiful experience, allowing us to witness the power of Zen music in spreading love and wisdom. We feel deeply honored, joyful, and inspired. Thank you!"
From France:
"Thank you for this wonderful time with my husband and children. Before coming, I simply wanted to experience a culture different from Switzerland’s. But the program—from the guided tour and meals to the unexpectedly breathtaking music and dance performances—left us utterly delighted. Truly amazing, thank you again!"
From Poland:
"I’m so grateful to be here today for the entire performance. Honestly, it was extraordinary. It filled me with energy, and I’m deeply touched to see so many people gathered here. There’s an indescribable magnetism—overflowing with love, peace, and goodwill—that everyone can feel. Thank you for this moving experience. The performance was absolutely stunning!"
From the UK:
"Our gathering here feels like magic. I had no expectations, as this was my first visit to a Buddhist temple. Upon arrival, I kept whispering ‘Wow!’, while my little daughter exclaimed it loudly—especially when the dancers appeared. The dedication and passion in every performance were unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend Xizu Temple because its essence can’t be imagined; it must be felt. We feel incredibly fortunate—thank you for hosting us."
From Algeria (North Africa):
"Today, we were thrilled to visit a Buddhist temple in Madagascar. This magical place, with its beautiful architecture, left us in awe. Thanks to Dominika and the monastics, we learned about its history and received an introduction to Buddhist traditions. Sharing a meal with the monastics and attending an extraordinary concert made us feel weightless, as if floating in another dimension. We extend our gratitude to the monastics for their warm hospitality and kindness—we hope to return soon!"
Following the temple tour, we hosted a Zen music performance by the Wule Symphony Orchestra. Please enjoy these live photos.
Finally, on this special day, all monastics of Xizu Temple extend our highest respect and blessings to women worldwide! May every woman discover her inner strength and courage to be herself. May all women shine in their respective fields—not just on Women’s Day, but every day!