FGS News
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.
GMC Buddhist Studies Department organized Buddha's Birthday Celebration
The Life News Agency May 24, 2024 Buddha Bathing Ceremony organized by Guang Ming College Department of Buddhist Studies in which 100 students joined. Coach Mel Ayonayon of Department of Exercise and Sport Science was pleased to have a prayer during this final examination week and sport competition period. The students learn to face challenges with spiritual calmness. Venerable Abbess Miao Jing was invited to give a Dharma message after reading the Prayer for Buddha’s Birthday written by Fo Guang Shan Founding Patriarch Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She told the origin of bathing the Baby Siddhartha to commemorate Prince Siddhartha’s birth in Lumbini Garden. She then emphasized on revealing our true self as given by the meaning of purifying body and mind through practicing Three Acts of Goodness and Four Giving. Following the Buddha’s Dharma, each can cleanse the negative thoughts, transcend physical limitation, and discover further who one can become. GMC Buddhist Studies Chair Shena Pacano was happy for the freshmen because this would be their first time experiencing Buddhist festival. The activity highlighted the importance of team work across all levels in her department showcasing the Venerable Master Hsing Yun's ideas of giving: joy, hope, confidence, and convenience. She hoped that in the future, the department would be able to extend to the neighboring community the teachings and goodness of our founder. With the blessing of little Buddha, third year basketball player Kurt Lactaotao wished for world peace, be able to achieve excellence in academic performance, and to fulfil expectation in 2024 BLIA Cup Taiwan. He wanted to be a model of scholar-athlete for his juniors. Third year basketball player Joshua Jamias was the first batch basketball scholar to discover Humanistic Buddhism in his college and professional life. When he bathed the Buddha, he vowed to practice Three Acts of Goodness and harvest good merits for success.
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.
Sagay Education Bureau Visits Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple to Exchange TAG School Campus Concepts
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple June 4, 2024 On May 16th, Dr. Josette P. Balandra, Sagay Education Bureau, led a delegation of six, including art teachers and elementary and middle school teachers, to visit Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple. The visit was in preparation for the upcoming Buddha's Birthday celebration. They were warmly received by Ven. Zhi Rong, who represented the temple, and the teachers participated in a bathing Buddha ceremony, crafting lotus flowers on the spot as offerings. Dr. Josette expressed her honor in representing Filipino educators at the upcoming award ceremony and year-end exhibition for the Three Act of Goodness School Campus initiative held by Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung. Sagay City has been the sole Filipino city where all primary and secondary schools have implemented the Three Act of Goodness School Campus concept for several years now. Before departing, Dr. Josette specifically visited the temple to express gratitude to the Buddha. She noted that Fo Guang Shan organizes many meaningful events, with the current Transcendence Lotus Art Exhibition at Yuan Thong Temple showcasing local artists' interpretations of lotus flowers. Dr. Josette hopes that everyone can embody the principles of the Three Act of Goodness. Rema Aguirre, from Sagay National High School, oversees the school's art and activity programs. She has long been involved in and enthusiastic about activities at Fo Guang Shan, recognizing their educational significance. Lyn Lacson, from Sagay City Ecozone Farm School, visited Yuan Thong Temple for the first time and was filled with curiosity. She expressed gratitude to Dr. Josette for the invitation and persistence in arranging this visit over the years. Rose Mermida showed a keen interest in Buddhist artifacts, finding them and Taiwan's artistic creations to be imbued with sacredness and unique flavors. Before concluding their visit, the teachers agreed to return on May 26th to participate in a Three Act of Goodness School Dance event at Yuan Thong Temple.
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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."
Students Experience Buddha's Birthday Bathing Ritual: A Journey to Yuan Thong Temple
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 27, 2024 On May 9th, 80 students from the 11th and 12th grades of St. Sebastian International School in Bacolod, accompanied by 10 teachers, totaling 90 individuals, embarked on a trip to Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple. Yuan Thong Temple, in celebration of Buddha's birthday in May, had received letters of visitation from several schools. Starting from the first day of the lunar April, they initiated the bathing of the Buddha ritual. This allowed all visiting teachers and students to participate in this special event. Under the guidance of volunteer Cora, students were introduced to the meditation hall and the history of Yuan Thong Temple, and were led to experience the bathing of the Buddha ritual. Venerable Zhi Rong shared the anecdotes of bathing the Buddha, reminding everyone that the Buddha does not need us to bathe him, but rather our minds need purification at this moment to resonate with the Buddha's heart. She also mentioned the Three Act of Goodness Campus Project, a long-term collaboration between the Philippines' Fo Guang Shan and the Department of Education Philippines, aimed at promoting good deeds, good words, and good thoughts to make the world a better place. Additionally, she shared the meanings behind the lotus hand gesture and the Three Act of Goodness hand gesture. After bathing the Buddha, students lined up to draw dharma words. Each person received a handmade lotus paper fold from the temple's resident as a memento of this experience. Moreover, students enjoyed various “Transparence” lotus exhibited at the temple. Tour leader Novem mentioned that although he is a Christian, experiencing different religious beliefs is still important for students. He found it particularly special to coincide with Buddha's birthday and experience bathing the Buddha, which he believes contributes significantly to students' moral development. Finally, Novem, on behalf of the school, presented a letter of thanks to Yuan Thong Temple, which was accepted by Venerable Zhi Rong.
First Buddha Bathing Song Pop Dance Competition Successfully Held, Talisay Team Takes the Crown
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple June 6, 2024 On the afternoon of May 26, the Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple in Bacolod and the International Buddha’s Light Association Bacolod Subchapter jointly hosted the first "Buddha Bathing Song Pop Dance Competition." The event aimed to enhance interpersonal connections, promote fellowship, and encourage learning through dance competition. The participating teams came from various cities in the Western Visayas region, including San Carlos, Kabankalan, Talisay, and Bacolod. Each team consisted of 12-15 members, with nearly 200 participants in total. Many friends and family members also gathered at Yuan Thong Temple to cheer for the contestants. The competition featured an English Buddha Bathing Song composed by Fo Guang Shan Philippines, expressing respect for the Buddha. In Buddhism, dance has always held significant meaning, serving as a means for spreading the Dharma, offering sincere tribute to the Triple Gem, expressing encouragement, and conveying the joy of hearing the Dharma. It is also considered a form of spiritual practice. Before the competition began, all participants performed a Buddha bathing ceremony in the main hall and drew Guan Yin Dharma words, praying for victory. Venerable Zhi Rong led a blessing ceremony, followed by a performance of the Malaysian version of the Buddha Bathing Song by the students of the Yuan Thong Temple San Hao Dance Class. Each participating team made a lively entrance with a dance performance, creating a vibrant atmosphere. During the scoring break, emcee Ken engaged the audience with a trivia game, asking questions about the Three Acts of Goodness and the Chinese name of Yuan Thong Temple. This not only deepened the participants' understanding of the Three Acts of Goodness but also left a lasting impression of Yuan Thong Temple’s name. Judges Champ Tipon, Ismael C. Magbanua, and Kryz Ezra Victoriano, all active in major dance competitions, were impressed by the teams' ability to deliver high-quality performances without resorting to dangerous moves. This showcased the participants' talent and dedication. Supervisor Rosita Gochangco and others recognized the benefits of this event, which promoted artistic exchange through dance. Buddhism, with its inclusive and peaceful nature, has always blended with local customs wherever it spreads, creating unique cultural expressions. In today's world of sound and color, Buddhist dance conveys spiritual messages through elegant gestures, varied hand movements, and melodious tunes, achieving an educational and entertaining effect. Despite the common belief that the first performance is often scored the harshest, today's first performer, Baile Dance Group, won the championship. The Kabankalan team, supported by the local Department of Education and led by teacher Jewelyn Q. Cadigal, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and gain experience. Participants ranged from 11 to 33 years old, showcasing youthful energy and graceful, powerful performances, regardless of age or gender. The award winners are as follows: Champion: Baile Dance Group (from Talisay City) 1st Runner-Up: Obsequious Negros 2nd Runner-Up: Monggolock Special Awards: Best in Choreography: Baile Dance Group Best in Costume: Tabugon Performing Group Best in Cheer: Monggolock Best in 3 Acts of Goodness Application: Baile Dance Group
Manila Binondo Sun Tower Warehouse Buddha Bathing Ceremony Blessed by Fo Guang Shan
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple May 28, 2024 On May 6th, Manila's Binondo district saw the arrival of Venerable Ru Liang, Venerable Zhi Min, Venerable Zhi Rong, Venerable Zhi Pu, and members of the Fo Guang Shan community at the Sun Tower Warehouse. This 32-story warehouse houses over a hundred online shopping manufacturers, with over a thousand people entering and leaving daily. Warehouse owner Su Shui Shu was particularly delighted by the visit of the Fo Guang Shan Venerable, and his wife, Chen Yan Ni, accompanied them throughout, preparing fruits and other offerings for the Buddha bathing and blessing ceremony. One of the manufacturers present was the daughters of Cai Ren Ren, Xu Hua Shan and Xu Hua Rong, both in their early twenties, who own their own online beauty and cooking companies. They assisted their mother wholeheartedly throughout the Buddha bathing ceremony. Venerable Ru Liang and members of Fo Guang Shan also visited the Sun Tower Company's office to conduct blessing ceremony, praying for the safety and auspiciousness of the entire building. Many manufacturers such as Chen Mou Jin and his wife, Wang Ling Ling, and Xie Ling Ling and her husband, Lin Shi Zhong, specially arranged to participate in the blessing at the company. Apart from nearly 200 Catholic and Muslim employees participating in the Buddha bathing on the first floor, Venerable Ru Liang's compassionate care also extended to several believers and Chinese manufacturers. Finally, Manila's 1st Subchapter President Huang Jing Fen's company also held a Buddha bathing ceremony, with her young son accompanying her. For many employees, initially unfamiliar with the religion, there were concerns about proselytization. However, after careful explanations from the venerable and members of Fo Guang Shan, they understood that this was a blessing and prayer activity, and eagerly participated.
Tourism Students Visit Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple for Profound Cultural Educational Journey
Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple June 3, 2024 On May 17th, nearly 200 freshmen and juniors from the Tourism Department of State University of Northern Negros in Sagay City embarked on a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple in the city of Bacolod, Philippines. This visit was part of their specialized practical experience course, led by the school teacher Ellen, with the Dean Richel expressing delight at the realization of this cultural educational trip, emphasizing that field visits provide deeper insights than textbook learning. Volunteers from the Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple, Lyra Ong, Nena King, and Cora, assisted in the visit. Cora introduced the students to the history of the temple, its meditation hall, a brief overview of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and the situation of the Guang Ming College of the Philippines, Tagatay. Venerable Zhi Rong explained the collaboration between Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines and the Philippine Department of Education in the TAG Project, advocating the "Three Act of Goodsness Movement" – Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts. She emphasized the universal law of cause and effect, stating "as you sow, so shall you reap." The students resonated with this concept, acknowledging that their attitudes influence their surroundings. Venerable Zhi Rong also discussed the significance of the ceremonial bath, emphasizing that it serves as both a commemoration and a reminder, with the Buddha not needing bathing, but rather our hearts needing purification to resonate with the Buddha's teachings. Guided by volunteers, the students participated in the bathing ceremony and pledged to uphold the "Three Act of Goodness," aspiring to be compassionate, kind, and noble individuals, spreading joy to themselves and others. They also crafted handmade lotus flowers as souvenirs from their visit to the temple. Student John drew a Dharma word fortune stick, feeling a connection between his wishes and the outcome. Venerable Zhi Rong explained the symbolism of the lotus flower gesture, representing purity and openness, using one's pure and open heart to show respect to others. Finally, the students toured a “Transcendence” lotus flower art exhibition, appreciating the various emotions expressed by the artists through different themes of lotus paintings. School staff Angel and Steffi expressed great satisfaction with the visit, learning about the "Three Act of Goodness" and experiencing the beauty of religious exchange. This visit not only broadened the students' horizons but also deepened their understanding of Buddhist culture. Through field visits and participation in activities, the students gained a deeper understanding of the concepts of cause and effect and the "Three Acts of Goodness Movement," pledging to practice these in their daily lives to contribute positively to society. Dean Richel expressed hope for more similar activities in the future, allowing students to gain valuable experiences and insights.
Childcare Center Teachers and Students Visit Yuan Tong Temple for Experiential Learning Beyond Classroom
Fo Guang Shan Yuan Tong Temple April 9, 2024 On April 4th, Barangay Zone 3 Child Development Center in Talisay City embarked on a remarkable journey, with nearly 110 teachers, students, and parents setting foot together on a trip to Fo Guang Shan Yuan Tong Temple. This visit was not just a trip, but an adventure rich in growth, learning, and emotional experiences. Led by teacher Brenda, the children stepped out of the classroom to engage in experiential learning, delving deeper into understanding how to become better individuals. Venerable Zhi Rong shared lively and interesting stories about Guan Yin Bodhisattva, guiding the children to recite the Three Acts of Goodness: Do Good Deeds, Speak Good words, and Think Good Thoughts. Throughout the process, the children also learned the hand gesture of the lotus flower, symbolizing purity of the mind. In the interactive sessions, children were encouraged to voice their thoughts and understanding about doing good deeds and speaking kind words. They shared their perspectives, demonstrating a profound understanding of kindness and friendliness, as well as exploring and affirming the beauty of human values. With the assistance of volunteer Jennifer, Venerable Zhi Rong explained to the children in Filipino, making the communication smoother and more natural. The visit allowed each child to deeply feel the power of kindness and goodness, while also reinforcing their awareness of positive behavior and warm language. Yuan Tong Temple not only holds significant educational value but also serves as an ideal place for children to visit.
