FGS News
Grand Launch of Labor Day Bathing Buddha Event by the Philippine Fo Guang Shan at Lake Hotel in Tagatay, Manila
The Philippine Fo Guang Shan May 23, 2024 The Philippine Fo Guang Shan kicked off the Labor Day Bathing Buddha event on May 1st at Lake Hotel in Tagatay, Manila. Led by Venerable Ru Liang from the Mabuhay Temple, 43 members, including Venerable Zhi Pu and other leaders, participated in the event, arriving together at the summer sanctuary of Manila. Besides the bathing ritual, they also promoted the Three Acts of Goodness campaign and set up a temple on the hotel's upper floor. Hotel manager Rocel Princess Nolasco, manager Nestor, and staff joined enthusiastically, expressing gratitude for the special visit from the Mabuhay Temple. They joyfully celebrated Buddha's birthday, wearing Three Acts of Goodness bracelets to support the movement. This bathing Buddha event is not only an opportunity for believers to practice together but also a fusion of Fo Guang Shan with the community, showcasing the power of faith and social responsibility. Over a hundred people, including hotel staff and guests, participated in the event today, allowing everyone present to feel the power of collective creation, collaboration, and vitality. The next day, on May 2nd, Experiencing Taiwan, a youth entrepreneurial shop in Manila, had its grand opening. Venerable Ru Liang led the members to attend, along with special guests including Yang Li Qiong, supervisor of the Philippine Buddha’s Light Association. On the opening day, Venerable Ru Liang blessed and purified the new shop, symbolizing a prosperous start. What's even more exciting is that they held a Bathing Buddha ceremony on the first day, attracting numerous believers and visitors. This not only marks the opening of a new shop but also signifies the auspicious beginning of mutual accomplishment and shared joy through collective practice. Around twenty people participated in the event onsite.
Manila's Fo Guang Yuan: Devotees Gather for Bathing Ceremony, Undeterred by Challenges
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 22, 2024 In past years, Manila's Fo Guang Yuan held its annual May bathing ceremony in Chinatown's Ong Pin, bringing blessings to devotees and visitors alike. Despite recent setbacks due to relocation and pandemic restrictions, the event resumed on May 2nd, encouraged by guidance from Venerable Ru Liang. Led by Abbess Ven. Miao Jing, nearly 50 attendees, including volunteers, representatives from various branches, and faculty members from Guang Ming College, participated in the grand occasion. The event commenced with a brief yet solemn prayer ceremony, invoking blessings for the nation's prosperity, health, and happiness. Following this, each participant took turns to bathe the Buddha, receiving Heart Sutra pendants symbolizing virtues of kindness, inner peace, and reverence for the Dharma. Deputy Director Yang Li Qiong of the World Headquarters of the Buddha's Light International Association graced the occasion, expressing her support and delight at seeing many longtime devotees joining the festivities. For many, Fo Guang Yuan serves as an early spiritual haven, especially after completing household chores in the afternoon. This gathering evokes a sense of warmth and familial bonds, with longtime volunteers such as Yu Ping, Lily, and Yaya embodying the spirit of a spiritual home for devotees.
Bathing Buddha Ceremony Unites Faith in Ong Pin Street's Chinese Community
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 21, 2024 The fervor of faith in the Chinese community: the continuous holding of the bathing Buddha ceremony in Ong Pin Street Manila, Philippines. The faith activities of the Filipino Chinese community once again reached a climax, and Ong Pin Street became a feast of faith and enthusiasm. From the early gathering place for Chinese people to today's religious center, this street witnesses the development and spiritual pursuit of the Chinese community. Today, May 3, under the leadership of Venerable Ruliang from the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Venerable Zhi Min, Venerable Zhi Rong, and a group of volunteers enthusiastically joined together to bring blessings and prayers to the believers. The bathing Buddha ceremony was held in the alleys of Ong Pin (王彬) Street. Nearly a hundred people participated in this event. This event not only attracted the enthusiastic participation of believer families but also drew the employees of companies and shops to join in the bathing of the Buddha. Under the leadership of Venerable Ru Liang, each bathing Buddha ceremony was filled with an atmosphere of blessings and prayers, integrating the faith and culture of the Chinese community. Venerable Zhi Min, on behalf of the monastery, even presented tokens of affinity to all participants, making this event even more meaningful. Surprisingly, not only did employees of shops participate, but even Filipino vegetable vendors from roadside stalls specially invited participants to bathe Buddha at their stalls. The momentum of the bathing Buddha ceremony extended from shops to vegetable stalls and even into homes. One of the noteworthy participants was the Chinese newspapers, including the W World News Daily, Inc. and United News Ph. They also participated in this event to express their respect and support for faith. The staff of these newspapers also participated in the bathing Buddha ceremony, praying together with other believers, and jointly hoping for the peace and harmony of the community. Furthermore, Glasses Company specially opened its doors early to welcome believers, praying for the entire commercial street to be even safer. Despite the scorching sun, believers still maintained their enthusiasm, jointly bringing blessings and hope to the community. The power of this faith will continue to shine on Ong Pin Street, illuminating every step forward.
_tmp202405201528410153301.webp)
Guang Ming College held Balintataw at Dayaw Culminating Event and Buddha Bathing Ceremony
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 20, 2024 Hosted by the first-year students of Guang Ming College (GMC) under Ms. Heidi Emelo’s advisory, the Three Acts of Goodness Children Community culminating event, titled “Balintataw at Dayaw (meaning imagination and culture in Tagalog) through Arts, Culture and Sports,” aiming to foster community engagement among Tagaytay City’s barangays around GMC Tagaytay campus. With the theme “Strengthening Community through Arts, Culture and Sports”. The event was held at GMC Arena on April 27, 2024. The program commenced with an opening ceremony attended by 300 participants, parents, faculty and students. Venerable Abbess Miao Jing, together with Venerable Zhi Qin of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, remarked joyfully that GMC has offered a learning platform where students from diverse backgrounds become trustful members of the neighborhoods. At the newly inaugurated GMC campus, it was a meaningful celebration to feel the excitement of the parents as they saw their children learnt new things. The first-year GMC students were responsible to teach community children classes on their scheduled National Service Training Program. These classes enrolled over 200 community children in story-telling, ballet, hip-hop, and basketball. The ballet and hip-hop performances were staged. Two Basketball games were also held. GMC conducted a Buddha Bathing Ceremony and vegetarian food fair. This event had created a solidified connection between the community and the school. The Buddha bathing ceremony successfully commenced as many people took time to vow with sincerity as they poured water on Buddha’s shoulders and back. Parents and kids from barangays who participated in the events were pleased with how Guang Ming College embodies the spirit of compassion and establishes a connection in many ways possible. People, celebrating their first Buddha’s Birthday, enjoyed participating in the bathing ceremony while vowing to speak good words, do good deeds, and cultivate good thoughts. At three years old, little ballerina Lunafrey Ramirez joined GMC Ballet class. Her parents were strongly touched by GMC spirit of giving back and said, “GMC is the first to offer ballet class. Our daughter smiles a lot when she dances.” Kent Dimaranan, who came with his mother to learn to play basketball, said, “Thank you for the chance to become a strong athlete.” His mother further said, “GMC is a safe and friendly place. My son learns proper techniques and good characters from his student-coaches.” The event ended with an awarding ceremony and a community dance, presented by GMC Academic Director Professor Katte Sabatte and Buddha’s Light International Association Advisor Kelly Li. Local Barangay Mendez representative Ms. Edith Perey has appreciated GMC commitment to reach out to teach arts and sports, while practicing Three Acts of Goodness. John Mark Recibe who was a student-teacher for hip-hop said, “Venerable Master Hsing Yun had inspired me to share what I have to the others. I want to see the children meet new friends, learn performing dance, and be kind to each other.”
The Director of the Ilocos Norte City Department of Education presented a token of gratitude, a trophy, to the Philippine Fo Guang Shan Foundation on behalf of the education bureau
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 20, 2024 On April 12th, Atty. Donato Balderas, Jr., the superintendent of the Ilocos Norte City Department of Education, represented the department by personally traveling for several hours to the Philippine Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple to present a token of gratitude, a trophy, to the Philippine Fo Guang Shan Foundation. This gesture was to express appreciation for Fo Guang Shan's longstanding support and collaboration in the field of education. As the newly appointed superintendent, he expressed his desire to deepen his understanding of Fo Guang Shan and conveyed gratitude for its efforts in promoting education, including important initiatives such as the Three Acts of Goodness Project, Three Act of Goodness Painting, TAG Human Connections, and the Guang Ming College. The superintendent also mentioned his experience visiting the monastery and Ven. Master Hsing Yun Art Gallery, reflecting on the significance of the collaboration between the Philippine Department of Education and Fo Guang Shan in the Three Acts of Goodness Project, emphasizing its importance in changing lives and fostering good partnerships. Venerable Yung Guang, the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, encouraged the superintendent to engage more with Fo Guang Shan, pointing out that education is fundamental in shaping individuals, and emphasizing that only by firmly establishing roots can one grow tall and strong.
Fo Guang Shan's gift of the book "Clouds and Water " inspires TAG Schools in the Philippines to explore Venerable Master Hsing Yun's educational philosophy
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 20, 2024 Under the leadership of Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang, the Philippine Fo Guang Shan currently operates three hundred Good Education Schools. Earlier this year, TAG Schools in the Negros Occidental region expressed a desire for a deeper understanding and promotion of the background of Fo Guang Shan's founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Fo Guang Shan actively advocates for educational ideals and development, hoping that all teachers and students in TAG Schools can gain a profound understanding of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, comprehend why he is so devoted and actively supportive of educational development, and understand the impact of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Three Act of Goodness philosophy on society as a whole. Abbess venerable Miao Jing and Superintendent venerable Chueh Lin specially planned to gift each TAG School with a copy of "Clouds and Water ". Representing Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Zhi Rong from Yuan Tong Temple presented these books, which were received by representatives of the TAG Schools from the education bureaus of various cities in Negros Occidental. This initiative took place from early April to April 29th, benefiting 12 cities and 175 schools in the Negros Occidental region, with a total of 187 copies of "Clouds and Water " distributed. Dr. Josette, the Good Education School Coordinator for the Sagay Education Bureau, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fo Guang Shan for promoting the Three Acts of Goodness Education Campus Project. Since participating in the project, the lives of teachers and students in elementary and secondary schools throughout the city of Sagay have changed. Schools in San Carlos City were delighted to receive the book "Clouds and Water ." Joven expressed that the Good Education Project has changed local students, and they should delve deeper into the Humanistic Buddhist philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who has changed their lives, and reflect on how to learn attitudes and growth in life from a great figure.
Siddhartha Musical Triumphs at the Cebu Guang Ming College Theater, Igniting a Buddhist Artistic Wave
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 17, 2024 The Cebu Guang Ming College Theater came alive on the evening of April 18th, as a stirring musical about Prince Siddhartha filled the venue with emotions and joy. Dignitaries, including the Philippines' Fo Guang Shan Head Abbess Ven. Yung Guang, Ven. Miao Guang and Abbess Ven. Miao Jing, graced the occasion, adding prestige to the event. The preview in the evening was warmly welcomed by friends and family, with nearly a hundred people gathering to witness this masterfully crafted performance. The actors' exceptional skills and heartfelt performances kept the audience laughing and applauding continuously, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere. The success of this musical is not only a significant milestone in the history of Buddhism in the Philippines but also marks the first attempt to carry Filipino Buddhist cultural artistry to South Africa. The blessings and applause from the audience seemed to be the best testimony to the performance and the greatest encouragement to everyone involved. In the serene surroundings of the Cebu Chu Un Temple, the nights are always filled with melodious songs, where a group of art enthusiasts often gather to practice, discuss, and create, igniting brilliant sparks of artistry in this peaceful land. In this performance, Benjie's portrayal of the role of Buddha has a history of 17 years, his unwavering meditation skills are admirable. Director Junrey's meticulous scripting and guidance have made the entire performance even more captivating and moving. It's worth mentioning that the success and support of this endeavor stem from everyone's love and dedication to art, as well as their respect and inheritance of Buddhist culture. The success of this musical not only enriches the cultural life of the Cebu Guang Ming College but also injects new vitality into Filipino Buddhist artistry, believing it will continue to stir up a wave of Buddhist artistry, influencing and touching the hearts of more people.
Actors of the Siddhartha Musical Participated in a Buddhist Thought Course to Boost Their Performance Confidence
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 16, 2024 In preparation for their trip to South Africa, 25 members of the Siddhartha Musical, including actors and staff, attended a full-day course on April 22 at the Mabuhay Temple of the Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines. The course covered topics such as Buddhist thought, meditation, and Buddhist rituals, aiming to enhance their confidence and professionalism. Led by the Siddhartha Musical's guidance Venerable, venerable Chueh Lin, the course included specially arranged team-building activities to help the actors maintain a calm mindset during performances. With the Siddhartha Musical having been established for 17 years, such arrangements were deemed particularly important to bolster the confidence of the actors. During the course, the actors expressed their gratitude to the masters and shared their experiences of interaction with them. For instance, Francis Isidro, who portrays King Suddhodana, thanked Venerable Chueh Lin for her encouragement and mentioned how meditation and Buddhist rituals gradually improve their performance standards. Additionally, Ivy expressed her gratitude for her acquaintance with the head abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who always provides them with encouragement, confidence, and hope. The course also included teachings from Abbess Venerable Miao Jing and Venerable Miao Jing. Venerable Zhi Min emphasized how Buddhist rituals can awaken the actors' self-awareness and enlightenment, while Venerable Miaojing strengthened their understanding of Buddhist philosophical concepts by introducing them to familiar figures such as Head Quarter Abbot Ven. Hsin Bau and Venerable Tzu Jung Furthermore, actor Manchie shared his experiences of interacting with Venerable Yi Kong, who shares her understanding of Buddhism with them, allowing them to experience the wisdom of Buddhism. Venerable You Dao used meditation during the course to help the actors stabilize their emotions and relax, better equipping them to handle the pressures of performing. In conclusion, Abbess Venerable Yung Guang encouraged the actors to seize opportunities, and they expressed gratitude for the harmony and cooperation with the song "Miss You! My Master." After the course, the residents also generously provided each person with daily necessities for their trip to South Africa, showing their care for the actors' accommodation and other needs during the journey.
Humanistic Buddhism Promotion in Cebu, Philippines
Venerable Miao Jing May 15, 2024 As part of the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism in the Philippines, Venerable Miao Guang, the Deputy Chancellor of the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Institute of Humanistic Buddhism Taiwan came to Cebu for a momentous event that highlights three different activities. A lecture on death and dying; a generous book donation of the works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun; and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (IHB) through the Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines and the University of San Carlos (USC) through the Department of Philosophy. The event took place in the University of San Carlos Talamban Campus on April 20, 2024 at the SAFAD Theater. The hybrid event was live-streamed online to account to the total attendance of almost 400 participants. The USC Fr. President Francisco Estepa,PhD SVD gave the commitment to fostering a well rounded understanding and hosting the lecture of respected Buddhist Scholar, Ven. Miao Guang. The Buddhist tradition offers a rich philosophical and spiritual tradition to framework the contemplating death not with dread but with acceptance and wisdom. This lecture is a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of impermanence and its role in shaping a meaningful life, explore Buddhist philosophy on suffering and how to alleviate it, and learn practices for cultivating compassion and equanimity in the face of mortality. In her lecture entitled A Matter of Life and Death from the Buddhist Perspective she asked the students to consider the prospect of death as an opportunity to live a good life. She probed questions like, what are we in this life for? Are we scared of death? What legacy do we leave behind? Her lecture is relevant because she presented on the Buddhist views of suffering, non-attachment, and re-birth in a manner that was personal and not technical that made it easily relatable to the general audience. Such is the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to bring to light the core teachings of the Buddha in a manner that is understandable, applicable, and meaningful. The Book donation, meanwhile, was a collection of the works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun as well as the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts. It was received by the Chair of the Department of Philosophy, Dr. Ruby Suazo and the Director of Libraries. All the books will be sent to the Learning Resource Center where all the students will have access to the wisdom of Humanistic Buddhism. Finally, the MOU shall prompt faculty exchanges, in the form of lectures, forums, and round table discussions as well as researches by faculty and graduate students who wish to learn more about humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Abbess Miao Jing of FGS Mabuhay Temple and Venerable You Hui of FGS Chu Un Temple are active in international religious dialogues, exchanges and partnerships. The collaborative effort is based on open-mindedness, interactive relations and mutual respect transcending boundaries to achieve harmony, peace and love-kindness. The metaphor of a colorful garden with green plants has described the concept of co-existence and oneness in humankind. It was a fruitful event with deep reflections about life delivered eloquently by the speaker. It marked a good start for future collaborations between the IHB and USC.
Members of the Siddhartha Musical cast Take Refuge and Receive Precepts
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 15, 2024 On April 22nd, at the Manila Mabuhay Temple of Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines, a Three Refuges and Five Precepts ceremony was held, attended by all 24 staff and actors of the Siddhartha Musical. The Philippines being a predominantly Catholic country, this ceremony was not only an exchange between Buddhists and artists but also a convergence of hearts and beliefs. Actor Benjie shared his feelings after accepting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts during the ceremony. He expressed joy in this fresh start, stating that portraying the role of the Buddha gave him special insights, deepening his understanding of life and faith. Director Junrey shared his journey of developing an interest in Buddhism through the Siddhartha Musical. He mentioned that years of association with Fo Guang Shan enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, especially being profoundly influenced by the teachings of Fo Guang Shan's founding master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, which purified and elevated his spirit. Abbess Venerable Miao Jing encouraged everyone to strive for the Three Acts of Goodness after receiving the Five Precepts— Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thought. This, she emphasized, is a demonstration of responsibility towards oneself and others, and a vivid interpretation of Buddhist values. Venerable Yung Guang, the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines, inspired contemplation on life and value through a philosophical fable. Each person is likened to different materials, each possessing unique value and utility. Some are like diamonds, inherently valuable, yet without proper utilization, their brilliance remains unseen; others are like stones, seemingly ordinary but able to wield tremendous influence in certain circumstances. Therefore, having the aspiration and taking practical action are the keys to endowing life with true value. "The holding of this ceremony is not only an affirmation of Buddhist faith but also a beautiful revelation of artistic creation and personal growth. Let us together respect life, cherish every moment, and let our spirits shine brighter in the light of faith," concluded Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang.
