Ink & Inspiration: Celebrating Zentangle Art at the FGS Mabuhay Temple Art Gallery

Belinda Tan
March 26, 2025

The opening ceremony for the Zentangle exhibition, "Joy in Simple Stroke," took place at the FGS Mabuhay Temple Art Gallery on March 16, 2025. The event was graced by a distinguished group of guests, including Venerable Jue Lin, Venerable Miao Zhen (Zentangle instructor), Mr. Victorino “Ino” Mapa Manalo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Dr. Zheng Liping, Professor at the Rong Bao Zhai Academy of Painting, and many others. Approximately 200 attendees gathered for the ceremony. A highlight of the event was a creative lighting ritual, where Zentangle night lamps were illuminated one by one, symbolizing the theme of "glowing radiance ahead."

Chairman Victorino Manalo expressed his honor in attending the event and shared his deep admiration for the remarkable contributions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, particularly his strong commitment to altruism. He highlighted Guang Ming College, which offers scholarship opportunities to Filipino students, as an example of Master Hsing Yun's dedication to uplifting communities through education. He also praised Zentangle art as a valuable tool for cultivating mindfulness.

Venerable Miao Zhen expressed her gratitude for the invitation and shared that her artworks aim to convey her personal perspective on the beauty of everyday life. Her work reflects the small yet profound moments in daily existence that often go unnoticed. Additionally, she discussed her work in senior care, highlighting its importance in maintaining the mental well-being of the elderly by helping them stay mentally active and healthy.

BLIA member Cecilia remarked, "Zentangle nurtures the mind and spirit. Anyone, regardless of skill, can create beautiful works, and this sense of accomplishment has been a great encouragement for me."

BLIA senior member Agnes Uy shared, "I’ve been a devoted student of Ven. Miao Zhen since 2019, never missing a class, even joining the Canadian branch of BLIA to learn more. Each Zentangle piece has given me a profound sense of calm and peace, developed my artistic skills, especially in painting and color combinations."

The event also featured a Zentangle workshop, where families—both adults and children—came together to create art. As Buddha once said, “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” This reflects the power of mindfulness and creativity practiced through Zentangle.