FGS News
2024 FGS Toronto Press Conference Promoting World Peace and Supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto May 31, 2024 The "2024 World Religion Prayers for Peace and Buddha’s Light Vegetarian Food Fair," jointly organized by the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, is scheduled for June 9th at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Mississauga. The event was officially unveiled at a press conference held on May 21st at the Buddha’s Light Center in Markham. The press conference was co-hosted by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, alongside Mabel Lam, President of BLIA Toronto, Vice President Kevin Cao, and Secretary General Katherine Lam. Venerable Chueh Fan expressed gratitude to the media for their attendance and highlighted the event’s mission to transcend religious, racial, and cultural barriers in today's world. This initiative aligns with the guidance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of BLIA, who emphasized the importance of meaningful activities, and it supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s blessing ceremony will be held outdoors to encourage greater public participation. Mabel Lam underscored that for over 20 years, Fo Guang Shan and BLIA have been dedicated to propagating Buddhist teachings through cultural activities, nurturing talents through education, benefiting societies through charitable programs, and purifying human hearts and minds through Buddhist practices. Each year, they organize the "World Religion Prayers for Peace and Buddha’s Light Vegetarian Food Fair," a vibrant event similar to a vegetarian expo, featuring unique delicacies from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. This year, the event will include additional family-friendly attractions such as an ice cream truck, face painting, inflatable castles, games, and educational booths in the temple's back garden, creating a joyful summer day for all. Proceeds from the sales will contribute $10,000 to the Mississauga Food Bank, with a check presentation ceremony scheduled for the event day. Kevin Cao explained that beyond offering innovative and delicious foods, this year's Vegetarian Food Fair emphasizes "carbon reduction and environmental protection." Attendees are encouraged to support these initiatives by registering for the pilgrimage bus. Additionally, on June 22nd, Fo Guang Shan and BLIA will host the "VEGRUN" charity run, with all donations benefiting ERINOAK Kids, Ontario's largest children's treatment center. Venerable Chueh Fan also announced that in celebration of Buddha's birthday, at the temple Buddha’s Cultural Museum presented a special "Multi-media Brushwork Art Exhibition,” artworks by renowned Toronto brushwork artist Henry Ho. Additionally, the Meditation Hall on the third floor is transformed into a 3D theatre. These two exciting projects will run until August, inviting community members to visit and immerse themselves in these unique experiences. At the conclusion, Mabel Lam shared that BLIA members in Canada have recently submitted a "Meatless Monday" proposal to Parliament, which is currently under review. She expressed hope that the media would help promote this initiative among Chinese community groups, showcasing the collective strength and unity of the Chinese community. Media representatives noted that the Buddha’s Light Vegetarian Food Fair in Toronto has already garnered a stellar reputation, with enthusiastic and friendly service provided by the volunteers leaving a lasting impression. They are confident that this annual grand event will continue to receive strong support from the general public.
BLIA at Asia-Pacific Women of Faith Network to Uplift Children and Youth
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 31, 2024 On May 2, 2024, together with 25 faith-based representatives, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Hong Kong Subchapter Dharma Sister Belinda Tantuco was invited to attend Asia-Pacific Women of Faith Network organized by UniHarmony Partners of Manila, and expounded on the topic "Interfaith Women’s Planning Meeting" with faith-based women leaders. Based on the practice of Humanistic Buddhism, Belinda Tantuco raised three social concerns which might be addressed when we have faith. First, BLIA advocates Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) to do good deeds, say good words and think good thoughts. We introduced TAG to the Department of Education as what we had had the subject of Good Manners and Right Conduct growing up. Moral values, proper manners and instilling character formation in our youth development can better social order. Second, BLIA teaches Five Precepts and Five Harmonies to build strong family, societal and environmental relationships. Third, BLIA sponsors youth education through the Guang Ming College scholarship to alleviate poverty and make education accessible. We have seen education flipped life. The Interfaith Women's Planning Meeting has focused on leadership and family value to improve life quality for children and youth. All who attended had expressed the spirit of altruism and had admired the true spirit of altruism in Venerable Master Hsing Yun as a Buddhist Bodhisattva. Every thought, each word and action have always shown deep concern, loving care and well-being of others.
Commemoration of the Buddha’s Birthday at MCRD: Cleansing Our Mind as We Bathe the Buddha
D. Braun May 31, 2024 On May 12th, Venerable Miaozang, Superintendent of Hsi Fang Temple, together with BLIA members, Denny and Cindy, led the Sunday Service with the commemoration of the Buddha’s Birthday at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego. The venerable started the service by sharing the life of the Buddha, detailing the major events of the journey to the enlightenment, entailing the practice of the Four Noble Truths, and indicating the significance of commemorating the Buddha’s birthday by bathing the baby Buddha (Siddhartha) until today. Almost all of the approximately 60 recruits participated in this event. With each scoop of water, everyone vowed “Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts.” Everyone’s reaction was extremely positive and joyful. Three of the recruits were interviewed about their experiences. The first MCRD recruit expressed “great, joyful, and at peace. I felt connected with the Buddha!” The second recruit reported that he experienced a calming effect, and increasingly felt himself to be a part of the wider Buddhist community. The third recruit shared he experienced a good feeling in the air, warm and safe. This event proved to be one of the most remembered and noteworthy services as we celebrated the Buddha’s birthday for the second year. Attendees were deeply moved by the opportunity to get “up close and personal” with the Buddha, and they were joyful as a result. 01-05: Commemoration of the Buddha’s Birthday at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot (MCRD). With each scoop of water, recruits vowed “Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts.”
_tmp202405311420360142211.webp)
Appreciating the collective vision in wisdom during Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium and Presidents Forum
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 31, 2024 At the annual Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium (FGSIUC) Meeting and President Forum last March 2024, the GMC delegation was led by Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines and Dr. President Michael Lim Tan of the youngest consortium member, Guang Ming College (GMC) Philippines, accompanied by Academic Affairs Director Prof. Katherine Sabate, Student Affairs and International Mobility Director Prof. Maru Percela, Prof. Shena Pacano and Prof. Heidi Emelo. The week-long forum was attended by 110 Buddhist education leaders and scholars of 44 worldwide universities from 12 nations and regions, expounding on the theme "remembering the application of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's compassion and wisdom." Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang expressed that the special topic on artificial intelligence (AI) is timely and powerful as worldwide expertise on Buddhism and Buddhist University assembled to identify the current management climate and discuss future prospective using Buddha's wisdom. Dr. President Michael Lim Tan of the youngest consortium member, Guang Ming College (GMC) Philippines, announced that GMC would celebrate the 10th Founding Anniversary in 2024 to pay tribute to the Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun for the noble vision to offer scholarship in hope that GMC scholars should be the "leaping carp over the dragon gate". GMC was inaugurated by FGS Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau last June 2023. Since then, GMC had completed the restoration of the former construction office into a Multifunctional Facilities and the installation of a container dormitory for basketball players. Dr. Lim Tan further reported on two start-up courses of music theater and human services. Prof. Sabate applauded that the 46 Memorandum of Understanding on academic linkages were being signed and led by Dr. Chancellor Kirby Yung of FGSIUC to strengthen affairs and resolve concerns of Buddhist founded universities. She remarked that such effort should prompt advancement across and interdisciplinary studies. Humanistic Buddhism as a religion and research is a rising work in performing arts and sports. Prof. Percela was inspired by the Opening Speech given by Most Venerable Hsin Bau to apply prajna-wisdom in teaching and learning as in cultivating to transcend from ordinary. As the founding faculty of GMC, she followed Venerable Master Hsing Yun's vow to focus on nurturing talents through education. In his keynote speech, Dr. Ovid Tzeng the former Minister of Education and academician of Academia Sinica emphasized that the future role of university shall "move forward toward the goal of creating a higher education for a humanized ecologically and economically balanced future industrial societies" in which human learns to know, to do, to resolve, further to be free and become the universal one. The GMC delegates also joined the parade to offer Dharma Treasures Entering the Underground Palace of Buddha Museum on FGS Devotee's Day. Prof. Haidi and Prof. Shena were grateful for the opportunity to be part of the applied wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to capsule today's items which would only be revealed one hundred years later from the underground palace.
Hsi Lai Temple Buddhist Wedding - Fo Guang Youth Faith Heritage
Fo Guang ShanHsi Lai Temple May 30, 2024 On May 4, at the Hsi Lai Temple Auditorium, a heartwarming Buddhist Wedding was held for Vincent Liu, the advisor of Buddha’s Light International Association-Young Adult Division-Los Angeles 1 Subdivision (BLIA-YAD LA1), and Ricole Wu from the Buddha’s Light International Association-Young Adult Division-Chunghwa Volunteer Subdivision. The abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, Venerable Hui Dong, officiated the ceremony, blessing the couple in front of over 200 witnesses, including Hsi Lai Temple venerables, members of BLIA-YAD, and the couple's family and friends. The newlyweds held hands and pledged their happiness together. Venerable Hui Dong officiated the vows for the groom and bride. The couple performed the marriage rites, signed the marriage certificate, and exchanged gifts under the witness of Venerable Hui Dong and the primary witnesses. Venerable Hui Dong recounted the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, on the three types of husbands and wives. He advised the couple to be considerate and take care of each other in their future life. Venerable Hui Dong noted that it was his first time witnessing a wedding where he knew everyone, including the couple and their friends from the BLIA-YAD group. He emphasized that this newly established Buddhist family should continue to practice the "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings”, form good relationships, and cultivate selflessness through community service. At the banquet, Fo Guang Shan Monastery Head Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau gave a speech. He remarked on the challenges of transitioning from a single life to a shared life in marriage, encouraging the couple to bravely face the realities of marriage. He emphasized that while love is sweet, life is practical, and to become a divine couple, one must first be a grounded one. He urged the couple to live a sincere life, apply Buddhist wisdom in their daily lives, and foster care and tolerance within their family. He expressed confidence in their ability to establish a Buddhist family, as both of them had grown up in the temple, and encouraged them to continue the legacy of their faith. He presented them with a golden plaque bearing Venerable Master Hsing Yun's calligraphy: "May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful" as a blessing. The groom, Vincent Liu, grew up at Hsi Lai Temple and has been involved with BLIA-YAD since childhood. His late parents were also Fo Guang Shan devotees, with his father Brian Wu having served as the Secretary-General of the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter. His stepmother, Helena Huang, is a dedicated volunteer at Hsi Lai Temple. His brother Jonathan was also a previous BLIA-YAD president. The bride, Ricole Wu's mother, Hsu Hsiu-chin, is a Fo Guang Shan devotee and a volunteer at Hui Chung Temple, serving as a receptionist at the temple and volunteering at the temple's art gallery. Her sister Wu Yu-tung is involved in the publicity department at Hui Chung Temple, and her younger sister Wu Kuan-ying is the vice president of the Buddha’s Light International Association - Young Adult Division - Chunghwa Central Region. Both newlyweds come from second-generation Fo Guang families and have been certified as second-level White Elephant Executive, Sudhana Lecturer and Sumati Lecturer of the Buddha’s Light International Association World Youth General Association. The couple met in 2014 at the International Buddha’s Light Young Adult Conference in Taiwan. Their eight-year relationship, marked by overcoming distance and cultural differences, was strengthened by their steadfast faith and mutual trust, culminating in their marriage, guided by Buddhist principles.
_tmp202405301542490154607.webp)
Dr. President Kirkpatrick of NanTien Institute Australia strengthening consortium bonding in the Philippines
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 30, 2024 On May 10, 2024, Dr. President Denise Kirkpatrick of Nan Tien Institute (NTI), Australia was welcomed by Dr. President Michael Lim Tan to meet Guang Ming College (GMC) faculty and students. Both NTI and GMC are members of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) International University Consortium founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun whilst affiliated with FGS Buddhist monastic order. Dr. Kirkpatrick introduced the physical appearance and courses at NTI which is a beautiful contemporary small graduate institution. She emphasized that NTI supports academic and social engagement through experiential learning, thus, creates an environment to develop self-understanding along with analytical and critical capacities. NTI fosters skills and knowledge from contemporary Western research and established Eastern thinking to aspire compassionate leaders with a diversity of perspectives. NTI students may enhance personal life and contribute to improved professional performance. Dr. Kirkpatrick shared her journey in education with Venerable Master Hsing Yun whom contribution his whole life to uplift quality of life through scholarships around the world. Both NTI and GMC are young yet culture the holistic learning environment where students are equipped with Humanistic Buddhism philosophy, knowledge, culture and ethics in one's life and others. Ms. Veronica Chan the psychometrician at GMC is inspired by Dr. Kirkpatrick's joy in talking to the students and her life-long devotion to teach. Her enthusiasm to learn history and culture is charming and intelligent. Dr. Kirkpatrick met the FGS Venerable Abbess Miao Jing and the Education Benefactors in Mabuhay Temple. She said, "Thank you for your generosity to construct and support all campuses of FGS International University Consortium, as you continue the legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in contributing to betterment of humanity through worldwide education."
Buddhist Compassion: BLIA Sydney Chapter Provides Charity Lunch on Vesak Day
Florence Yuen May 30, 2024 On May 15, 2024, in celebration of Buddha’s birthday, BLIA Sydney Chapter organized a special charity event. Abbess Chueh Shan, the Guiding Venerable, led the team including Deputy Advisor General Vincent Hong, President Daniel Wu, Loving Care Group Western Subchapter and BLIA YAD Western Sydney team members to visit Parramatta Mission Meal Plus, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia, and to serve a delicious vegetarian lunch to over 150 vulnerable community members. Parramatta Mission has a rich history of over two centuries, focusing on supporting homeless individuals and those with mental health challenges. The Meal Plus program provides breakfast and lunch services on weekdays, along with accommodation and mental health support, aiming to enhance well-being and to empower community members. Service Manager Paul Moussa warmly welcomed Abbess Chueh Shan and the BLIA Sydney Chapter team, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their generous provision of vegetarian meals. The recipients of the lunch were full of praise for the food, expressing sincere thanks. Eunice Huynh, President of BLIA YAD Western Sydney shared her experience from the event. She emphasized the importance of faith and collective strength, gained through interacting with community members and learning from the process. Her wholehearted involvement made her acutely aware of social injustices, and she hopes that mutual assistance can ensure equal opportunities for everyone. She looks forward to more community service opportunities for the youth group to become responsible citizens. President Daniel Wu highlighted the significance of interacting with various religious organizations on Buddha’s birthday. The principle of Buddhist generosity advocates that “the giver and receiver are not different from one another.” Thus, there is only mutual respect instead of differentiation. He encouraged all volunteers to reflect on this, allowing BLIA Sydney Chapter to continue to grow and to improve on its provision of care to its members and the community. Abbess Chueh Shan stated that this charity lunch service at Parramatta Mission not only contributes tangibly to the community but also embodies the spirit of Buddhist compassion. By providing warm meals and care to those in need, they put the Buddha’s teaching of “relieving suffering” into action. This not only aligns with Buddhist charitable traditions but also strengthens connections with the community, promoting social harmony and inclusivity. The selfless dedication of the BLIA volunteer team exemplifies the true essence of giving, purifying hearts and elevating societal morality.
TAG Grants School Visits
Kit Brian Valderrama May 30, 2024 On May 10, 2024, the Three Acts of Goodness facilitator led by Venerable Miao Jing, Director of TAG project with TAG Schools Program Screening Committee Lourdes Wang, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA)Pasay President, Dharma Brother Nelson Yao, FGS Education Benefactor, Dharma Sister Sansan Yao, Guang Ming College graduate, Kit Brian Valderrama and Temple Staff, Dharma Sister Flordeluna Apaalisbo went to Pampanga region to visit TAG practices in Laoc Pao Elementary School and Malino National High School in Pampanga region. The purpose of the visit is to monitor the implementation of the projects of said schools. In the heartwarming display of community spirit and empathy, TAG facilitators aimed to see first hand the instilled values of the implemented projects propose by each school towards students and see how students practices their project not only in school but also how they practice it at home. Two-hour drive from mabuhay Temple the team had first arrived at SDO Pampanga to visit DepEd partners to express gratitude by helping TAG be implemented in their region. Lead by Ms. Dorie Soliman, TAG coordinator Pampanga division and Mr. George Jose Maria C. Guilas, senior Education Program Specialist-Research and all their subordinates had welcomed the team with their warmth smiles. SDO visit was also to share Buddha bathing ceremony, TAG new projects and events, also introducing Guang Ming College scholarship grants. On that note, exchange of gratitude from TAG facilitators and SDO Pampanga is a success and to quote Mr. George Jose Maria C. Guilas, senior Education Program Specialist-Research message “Thank you for sharing with us your blessings of what is to be a human in the life of Buddhism and helping our school to know and practice Three Acts of Goodness.” After the visit in SDO Pampanga a forty minutes’ drive to Laoc Pao elementary Schools was made to visit their TAG project on garbage segregations. TAG facilitators with the help of Ellaine Martin Manuel, TAG coordinator in the school was able to know the importance of having the grants to supports their projects and to help students at a young age to know and understand great values by doing good, speaking good, and thinking good. Two of the students expresses their gratitude and share how the project help not only them but also help the people around them by doing garbage segregation. At a young age she knows that these will help our environment fight towards global warming. Furthermore, after the first school visit TAG coordinators then went to Malino National high School to introduce Buddha Bathing to the faculties lead by their principal, Ms. Dolores I. Pelayo. Importantly monitor and see their TAG projects implemented through years of practicing it. TAG team was greeted by the student singing a welcoming song and classroom visits was then made possible by Irene Perez, TAG coordinator of the school. At the visit several projects were introduce and their plans towards maintaining each of their projects. During these visits, students engage in interactive sessions where they learn about the significance of the Three Acts of Goodness and how they can translate these principles into tangible actions.
Buddha Bathing Event in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines Draws Thousands, Locally Supported by Enthusiastic Businesses
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 30, 2024 On May 10th, a grand Buddha bathing event took place in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines, attracting over a thousand participants. This event received strong support from many local businesses. Ven. Ru Liang and Ven. Zhi Min from the Fo Guang Shan Manila Mabuhay Temple led the devotees in organizing the event. Nearby businesses showed exceptional interest in this event, expressing warmth and deep emotions. One business owner remarked that while they had attended bathing events before, they had never seen such a large turnout, with people from diverse religious backgrounds coming together. Another mentioned that many individuals purchased sampaguita flowers for offerings, enhancing the event's peaceful atmosphere. Despite Quiapo's past reputation for danger, they believed that mutual respect could foster friendships and even unexpected assistance. During the event, many business owners voluntarily donated goods to support the participants. They likened the event to being under the protection of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, filling the venue with joyous dharma. One owner shared her reflection: "During the Buddha's birthday in Lunar April, amidst the blossoming spring, the Little Prince walked among the people with the temple's venerable, chanting scriptures and praying for blessings, as crowds gathered from all directions to bathe the Buddha, wishing to cleanse troubled minds and attain purity." Another volunteer also expressed her feelings: "Master! It feels like the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva is assisting in supporting this bathing event. Haha! Our neighbors are like my Avalokiteśvara, contributing financially and physically. The merits are complete." Many businesses contributed financially and in manpower. For instance, Hong Shanshan assisted in support, while the son of Cai Tingting helped with photography. Hong Rongfu brought four male workers to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the venue. Even though Li Shaohong was abroad, she remotely coordinated with the company manager and security personnel to assist in maintaining order and preparing supplies, ensuring venue safety. Today, 14 businesses spontaneously supported this event, providing water, pastries, and other supplies, collectively adding a beautiful meaning to this Cloud and Water Bathing Buddha event. Gratitude is extended to these enthusiastic individuals for their support, allowing the bathing event to proceed smoothly, bringing warmth and serenity.
2023-2024 BLHLS End-of-the-school-year Ceremony
Audrey Ly May 30, 2024 Yet another great school year has come to a close! With almost 400 people in attendance, Fo Guang Shan Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai School hosted its annual end-of-the-school-year ceremony on May 25, 2024. Venerable Hui Dong, the principal of Hsi Lai School, delivered a speech, stating that Fo Guang Shan cultivates talents through education. In addition to acquiring knowledge, it is more important to guide children to learn compassion, love, respect, and tolerance, to become “three goodness” students, and to become useful members of society. Min-yong Chen, the Director of the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, also delivered a speech. On behalf of the Chairman of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Chia-ching Hsu, he expressed gratitude for Hsi Lai Temple’s 35 years of continuous promotion of Chinese education overseas, enabling children to learn Chinese culture and Buddhism. He acknowledged that today’s achievements are due to the excellent environment provided by Hsi Lai Temple and the efforts of parents, teachers, and students. Seeing many graduates returning to the school to continue serving, he encouraged the children to continue excelling in their studies and promoting culture. This stellar event featured performances from the students of the after-school and Saturday Chinese school students. They showcased their skills and talents through songs, dances, and plays. There were performances of traditional Chinese Dunhuang dance. Dancers sported beautiful blue and orange robes. They demonstrated elegant dance moves and intricate hand gestures. Kung Fu students demonstrated their athletic abilities. They showed off their flips and tricks with fans and bamboo poles, leaving the audience in amazement. Students and their parents were recognized for their academic achievements. Their hard work over this past year was awarded with certificates and trophies. Teachers, staff members, and volunteers were thanked for their dedication to the school program. They received certificates to thank them for their commitment. The awards and certificates of appreciation were presented separately to students, teachers, and volunteers by Venerable Hui Dong; Chen Min-yong; Christine Che, President of the Southern California Council of Chinese Schools; Venerable Yi Xuan, Superintendent of Hsi Lai Temple; and Steven Chow, Vice President of the Buddha's Light International Association, Los Angeles Chapter. As we were sad to see such an amazing day come to an end, we are glad to have been able to celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Fo Guang Shan Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai School hopes to see you once again at the end-of-the-year ceremony next year!
