Norwayne Middle School Visits Fo Guang Shan North Carolina Exploring Chinese Culture and the Wisdom of Buddhism

Reported by Yu Chuan, North Carolina, USA

On November 19, 2025, thirty-three sixth-grade students from the Chinese language class at Norwayne Middle School in Wayne County, North Carolina, visited Fo Guang Shan North Carolina under the guidance of their Chinese teacher, Camila Uriona, along with another accompanying teacher. The group embarked on an enriching journey that blended cultural learning with spiritual exploration.

Venerable Miao Jou, superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina, warmly welcomed the students at the Jade Buddha Shrine. She introduced the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, the meaning of the Buddhist greeting “Jixiang (Auspicious Blessings),” and the symbolism of the lotus hand gesture.

During the program, Venerable Zhi San showed the students the animated film The Life of the Buddha, which highlights the Buddha’s life story and core Buddhist concepts such as the Middle Path and equality. The students watched attentively and participated enthusiastically during the Q&A session. Venerable Zhi San then guided the group through Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy exhibition, explaining its origins and significance.

BLIA YAD member Yufei Fu introduced the students to the teachings of the “Three Acts of Goodness” and the “Four Givings.” Beginning with the pictographic origins of Chinese characters such as “person” and “mountain,” she led the students in a brief meditation before inviting them to practice calligraphy with calm and focus. The session concluded with the group reading aloud: “Do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts,” and “Give others confidence, give others joy, give others hope, give others convenience,” deepening their understanding and memory of these values.

Mary Ledford, a student from North Carolina State University, volunteered at the temple for the first time, guiding students in crafting handmade lotus flowers. Through this hands-on activity, she helped the students experience the lotus’ symbolism of rising unstained from the mud. She encouraged them to face challenges with courage—just as mud nourishes the lotus, difficulties can support learning, growth, and resilience.

Student Ivan shared that he learned a great deal from the film about the Buddha’s wisdom in interacting with others, and that the overall experience left him feeling peaceful. Another student said the temple felt so comfortable that he didn’t want to leave.