Fo Guang Shan Philippines Humanistic Academic of Life and Arts Launches 16th Intake, Welcoming International Students for a Three-Month Residential Program

Fo Guang Shan Philippines
April 29, 2026

The 16th intake of the Fo Guang Shan Philippines Humanistic Academic of Life and Arts officially commenced on April 20. The three-month program requires students to reside in the temple, offering an immersive experience of monastic life while engaging in a balanced curriculum of study and practice for holistic personal growth.

The program is overseen by Venerable Chueh Lin, Superintendent of Mabuhay Temple, with support from Teacher Lim and residential mentor Princess, who assist students in both academic learning and daily living. This intake includes twelve students from the Philippines, as well as international participants Brigitte from Canada and Carolina from Argentina, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. Most students are university graduates with substantial professional experience, joining the program with the intention of gaining deeper self-understanding and exploring Buddhist teachings and meditation.

During the opening, Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang encouraged students to learn to let go and empty themselves while in the temple, emphasizing that openness is key to truly absorbing the wisdom of the Dharma.

The curriculum centers on Humanistic Buddhism, with a wide range of courses thoughtfully arranged by the temple. These include meditation practice, an introduction to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy, understanding Humanistic Buddhism, learning about Fo Guang Shan, and dynamic meditation. The faculty features experienced instructors such as Ms. Wu Qing’e (24-form Yang-style Tai Chi), Ms. Pan Xiuqiong (Chinese arts), Ms. Marlene Lao (The True Meaning of the Dharma), and Venerable Zhi Rong, among others. Venerable Ru Liang leads dynamic meditation sessions, while Venerable Chueh Lin personally teaches Humanistic Buddhism and meditation, integrating both theory and practice.

Notably, Carolina from Argentina, who is not fluent in either Chinese or English, relies on translation devices to follow the classes. Despite the language barrier, she demonstrates remarkable dedication and enthusiasm in her learning journey.

Student Paula shared her reflections from the first week. She expressed that Movement Meditation felt familiar and deeply beneficial, helping her relax and release worries through mindful walking. In meditation class, she relearned the importance of placing the tongue against the upper palate and gained new insights into meditation techniques.

In the Humanistic Buddhism class, she was introduced to the Four Noble Truths—suffering (dukkha), its cause (samudaya), its cessation (nirodha), and the path (magga). She expressed a desire to deepen her understanding, particularly regarding the concept of desire.

During the session on “The Human Nature of the Buddha,” Paula was especially inspired. She reflected on how the Buddha’s life resonates with real human experiences and related it to her classmate Brigitte, whose curiosity and compassion stood out during visits to places such as Rizal Park (Luneta) and Manila Zoo. Brigitte was deeply moved by the suffering of people and animals, and although she was eager to experience riding a jeepney, she also felt fear during the journey. Coming from a comfortable life in Canada, she expressed a desire to understand life more deeply. Paula found herself relating both to Brigitte and to the Buddha’s journey—leaving comfort behind in pursuit of wisdom and dedicating oneself to the well-being of others.

Paula also shared her gratitude and reflections. She expressed appreciation for Brigitte’s openness, for the new meal recipes provided at the temple, and for Princess’s efforts in creating a harmonious living environment in their shared space. She reminded herself that true growth comes from processing emotions and striving for a deeper, more lasting form of happiness, rather than seeking instant gratification. She adopted the mantra of “good deeds, good words, and good thoughts,” which helped stabilize her emotions and made her actions more mindful and purposeful.

Through its structured and life-oriented approach, the Humanistic Buddhism Institute guides students to integrate Buddhist teachings into daily life, nurturing individuals who embody compassion, wisdom, and awareness in modern society.