Guang Ming College Culinary Interns Complete Summer Plant-based Cooking Program at Fo Guang Shan

by Li Da-wan

A batch of 13 summer interns from Guang Ming College, an educational institution affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, celebrated the completion of their vegetarian culinary internship program at the Mabuhay Temple. The culmination of their learning journey was marked by a special meeting with the Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, as well as hosting a thanksgiving lunch invitation for over 120 monastics and benefactors who have supported their scholarships.

The program is part of Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang’s long-term vision to establish a Vegetarian Cuisine Research and Development Center to promote healthy eating and a green lifestyle. This initiative has a profound impact to equip scholars with practical skills, spiritual grounding, and a deepened sense of purpose rooted in the principles of Humanistic Buddhism. 

At the thanksgiving lunch, the students prepared an impressive Filipino-French fusion menu entirely from scratch. The menu featured homemade salad dressings, hearty soups, six buffet-style vegetable-based main dishes, and a variety of desserts—each dish crafted with creativity, care, and gratitude. The lunch served as a meaningful offering to express their appreciation and demonstrate the skills they had acquired throughout their training.

Throughout the internship, the interns took part in daily kitchen shifts at Mabuhay Temple, preparing vegetarian meals for the monastic and lay community. These hands-on experiences not only strengthened their culinary abilities but also deepened their understanding of teamwork, discipline, and mindful cooking rooted in the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.

In addition to culinary training, the students engaged in spiritual and character development guided by senior Dharma teachers. Venerable Miao Jing led sessions on the Buddhist philosophy behind vegetarianism, while Venerable Chueh Tzu introduced Buddhist etiquette. Venerable Zhi Min taught the use and meaning of Dharma instruments, and Venerable Zhi Qin encouraged the students to set meaningful life goals based on wisdom and purpose.

A special session on awakened leadership was led by Canadian transformative coach Ms. Si Liew, who emphasized the importance of clear self-positioning in today’s world of uncertainty and change. Other Dharma teachers who shared their wisdom included Sonny Lee, Nelson Yao, Ricky Lao, John Mark, YuRu Lin, Meeling Sze, Ube Uy, and Marlene Lao, each contributing unique perspectives grounded in compassion and inner cultivation.

Language learning was also part of the curriculum. The interns studied Mandarin with international volunteers from Fo Guang University in Taiwan, expanding their cultural and linguistic knowledge.

Every Friday, culinary classes were held at the CCA Kitchen Studio in Bonifacio Global City under the guidance of Chef Miguel . These sessions refined their cooking techniques and introduced professional kitchen standards.