Community Engages in Heartwarming Buddha Bathing Tour to Fulfill Devotees' Wishes

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple June 5, 2024 On May 23. Abbess Venerable Miao Jing of Mabuhay Temple, along with Ven. Ru Liang, Ven. Zhi Min, and around 15 members of the BLIA, conducted a Buddha Bathing tour in Greenhills and Valenzuela. Due to the significant attention drawn by the previous Buddha Bathing Ceremony in the community, Head Abbess Fo Guang Shan Philippines Venerable Yung Guang instructed to fulfill the wishes of devotees with limited mobility. As a result, a special home visit Buddha Bathing event was arranged today. This initiative ensures that the elderly have the opportunity to participate in the Buddha Bathing ritual, striving to fulfill their wishes as much as possible. Today they visited Brigido Ong as Fo Guang Shan Educator Benefactor and Emilia Tan  with a total of around 100 people joining the event. The Buddha Bath cart is newly designed to stand alone by BLIA Philippines advisor Erwin Choa. He used a pull-out handle to hold the lotus poster, LED candles and green lawn to make the peaceful vibe of Lumbini garden where the Buddha was born. Ven. Zhi Min highlighted that when the baby Buddha was born, auspicious signs appeared as nine dragons poured water over his body. This act of bathing the Buddha commemorates his birth and signifies that his compassion, like Dharma water, cleanses both our inner defilements and the dirt of this human world. She introduced the practice of making three vows: to do good deeds, say good words, and think good thoughts while bathing the Buddha with both hands. Ven. Miao Jing delivered a Dharma message, noting that baby Buddha and baby Jesus Santa Niño meet twice every year: once during the "When Buddha Meets Gods" event on December 25, and again at the Sinulog Grand Parade in January. She emphasized that seeing each other with our eyes, hearing each other with our ears, and being kind to each other in our thoughts brings happiness and peace through mutual respect. Wang Lirong, Vice President of the Pasig Chapter, has participated in five ceremonies this year. She recalled Venerable Master's teaching to "reach out" and bring joy to people. Witnessing the sincere prayers of those who bathed the baby Buddha filled her heart with the purity of Buddha's blessings. Christy Chen expressed her happiness in welcoming the baby Buddha to her family factory in Valenzuela. She noted that the long-serving workers took this opportunity to share Buddhist culture. Additionally, having the monastics offer prayers for safety and good health on Buddha's Birthday under the tree was a significant blessing.

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Venerable Hui Hao's Inspirational Speech at Guang Ming College Encourages Students to Surpass Themselves

Ji Chen June 4, 2024 On May 21st, Venerable Hui Hao, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan Seoul, accompanied by Venerable Miao Jing, the abbess of FGS Mabuhay Temple, Venerable Zhi Qin, the secretary-general of the Buddha's Light International Association Philippines Chapter, Marlene Lao, and Korean entrepreneur Mr. Kim Ku-Young, visited Guang Ming College in Tagaytay, Philippines. Venerable Hui Hao delivered an inspirational speech titled "Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Teachings by Example and Word" to an audience of more than a hundred students. The college community warmly welcomed the delegation with a lively performance of the "Four Givings" song and a tour of the campus. Venerable Hui Hao shared his lifelong aspiration to become a monk, recounting how he joined the novice Buddhist school at Taiwan's Fo Guang Shan Monastery at the age of 14. After completing his military service in Korea, he returned to the monastery, serving as a translator for Venerable Master Hsing Yun and assisting in various Chinese-Korean exchanges. Venerable Master Hsing Yun profoundly influenced him with the words: "Hui Hao, surpass me; do not follow the old path. Meditation is rest, activity is practice, and practice is about cultivating the mind." This steadfast belief inspired the students to strive for self-improvement. Korean entrepreneur Mr. Kim Ku-Young expressed deep admiration for Venerable Master Hsing Yun's vision in founding Guang Ming College. Paulline Angeles, a first-year student in the Dance and Arts Department, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at Guang Ming College and was deeply moved by Venerable Hui Hao's speech. She felt enlightened and inspired to study diligently, break through her limitations, surpass her past self, and create a better future. Victor Akinyede, a second-year student and member of the basketball team from the Sports Science Department, found great encouragement in Venerable Hui Hao's teachings on life's path and direction. Originally from Nigeria, Victor discovered a sense of belonging at Guang Ming College. He appreciates the beautifully constructed sports facilities and the international platform provided by the "BLIACUP University Basketball Tournament." Venerable Hui Hao's words filled him with hope and confidence, motivating him to excel in basketball to give back to Fo Guang Shan. Marry Joy, a first-year student in the Buddhist Studies Department, learned from Venerable Hui Hao's speech the importance of making correct choices and persevering. Despite life's uncertainties, she believes that with the right path, unwavering willpower, and confidence, success is inevitable. Rey-Mark Garcia felt that Venerable Hui Hao's greatest message was the need for dedication to overcome challenges and achieve one's aspirations. Mr. Kim Ku-Young invited Venerable Hui Hao and his delegation to visit the Cavite Korean Meditation Center and the K-12 Lumbini Institute, which he established at the age of 60. Venerable Hui Hao praised Mr. Kim and his wife's unwavering commitment to Buddhism. For 17 years, they have arranged for monks from Korea to give teachings, enabling Koreans in the Philippines to continue their Buddhist faith and establishing schools to teach Buddhism to Filipinos.

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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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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.

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BLIA at Asia-Pacific Women of Faith Network to Uplift Children and Youth

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 31, 2024 On May 2, 2024, together with 25 faith-based representatives, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Hong Kong Subchapter Dharma Sister Belinda Tantuco was invited to attend Asia-Pacific Women of Faith Network organized by UniHarmony Partners of Manila, and expounded on the topic "Interfaith Women’s Planning Meeting" with faith-based women leaders. Based on the practice of Humanistic Buddhism, Belinda Tantuco raised three social concerns which might be addressed when we have faith. First, BLIA advocates Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) to do good deeds, say good words and think good thoughts. We introduced TAG to the Department of Education as what we had had the subject of Good Manners and Right Conduct growing up. Moral values, proper manners and instilling character formation in our youth development can better social order. Second, BLIA teaches Five Precepts and Five Harmonies to build strong family, societal and environmental relationships. Third, BLIA sponsors youth education through the Guang Ming College scholarship to alleviate poverty and make education accessible. We have seen education flipped life. The Interfaith Women's Planning Meeting has focused on leadership and family value to improve life quality for children and youth.  All who attended had expressed the spirit of altruism and had admired the true spirit of altruism in Venerable Master Hsing Yun as a Buddhist Bodhisattva. Every thought, each word and  action have always shown deep concern, loving care and well-being of others.

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Appreciating the collective vision in wisdom during Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium and Presidents Forum

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 31, 2024 At the annual Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium (FGSIUC) Meeting and President Forum last March 2024, the GMC delegation was led by Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines and Dr. President Michael Lim Tan of the youngest consortium member, Guang Ming College (GMC) Philippines, accompanied by Academic Affairs Director Prof. Katherine Sabate, Student Affairs and International Mobility Director Prof. Maru Percela, Prof. Shena Pacano and Prof. Heidi Emelo. The week-long forum was attended by 110 Buddhist education leaders and scholars of 44 worldwide universities from 12 nations and regions, expounding on the theme "remembering the application of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's compassion and wisdom." Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang expressed that the special topic on artificial intelligence (AI) is timely and powerful as worldwide expertise on Buddhism and Buddhist University assembled to identify the current management climate and discuss future prospective using Buddha's wisdom. Dr. President Michael Lim Tan of the youngest consortium member, Guang Ming College (GMC) Philippines, announced that GMC would celebrate the 10th Founding Anniversary in 2024 to pay tribute to the Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun for the noble vision to offer scholarship in hope that GMC scholars should be the "leaping carp over the dragon gate". GMC was inaugurated by FGS Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bau last June 2023. Since then, GMC had completed the restoration of the former construction office into a Multifunctional Facilities and the installation of a container dormitory for basketball players. Dr. Lim Tan further reported on two start-up courses of music theater and human services. Prof. Sabate applauded that the 46 Memorandum of Understanding on academic linkages were being signed and led by Dr. Chancellor Kirby Yung of FGSIUC to strengthen affairs and resolve concerns of Buddhist founded universities. She remarked that such effort should prompt advancement across and interdisciplinary studies. Humanistic Buddhism as a religion and research is a rising work in performing arts and sports. Prof. Percela was inspired by the Opening Speech given by Most Venerable Hsin Bau to apply prajna-wisdom in teaching and learning as in cultivating to transcend from ordinary. As the founding faculty of GMC, she followed Venerable Master Hsing Yun's vow to focus on nurturing talents through education. In his keynote speech, Dr. Ovid Tzeng the former Minister of Education and academician of Academia Sinica emphasized that the future role of university shall "move forward toward the goal of creating a higher education for a humanized ecologically and economically balanced future industrial societies" in which human learns to know, to do, to resolve, further to be free and become the universal one. The GMC delegates also joined the parade to offer Dharma Treasures Entering the Underground Palace of Buddha Museum on FGS Devotee's Day. Prof. Haidi and Prof. Shena were grateful for the opportunity to be part of the applied wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to capsule today's items which would only be revealed one hundred years later from the underground palace.

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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."

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TAG Grants School Visits

Kit Brian Valderrama May 30, 2024 On May 10, 2024, the Three Acts of Goodness facilitator led by Venerable Miao Jing, Director of TAG project with TAG Schools Program Screening Committee Lourdes Wang, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA)Pasay President, Dharma Brother Nelson Yao, FGS Education Benefactor, Dharma Sister Sansan Yao, Guang Ming College graduate, Kit Brian Valderrama and Temple Staff, Dharma Sister Flordeluna Apaalisbo went to Pampanga region to visit TAG practices in Laoc Pao Elementary School and Malino National High School in Pampanga region. The purpose of the visit is to monitor the implementation of the projects of said schools. In the heartwarming display of community spirit and empathy, TAG facilitators aimed to see first hand the instilled values of the implemented projects propose by each school towards students and see how students practices their project not only in school but also how they practice it at home.  Two-hour drive from mabuhay Temple the team had first arrived at SDO Pampanga to visit DepEd partners to express gratitude by helping TAG be implemented in their region. Lead by Ms. Dorie Soliman, TAG coordinator Pampanga division and Mr. George Jose Maria C. Guilas, senior Education Program Specialist-Research and all their subordinates had welcomed the team with their warmth smiles. SDO visit was also to share Buddha bathing ceremony, TAG new projects and events, also introducing Guang Ming College scholarship grants. On that note, exchange of gratitude from TAG facilitators and SDO Pampanga is a success and to quote Mr. George Jose Maria C. Guilas, senior Education Program Specialist-Research message “Thank you for sharing with us your blessings of what is to be a human in the life of Buddhism and helping our school to know and practice Three Acts of Goodness.” After the visit in SDO Pampanga a forty minutes’ drive to Laoc Pao elementary Schools was made to visit their TAG project on garbage segregations. TAG facilitators with the help of Ellaine Martin Manuel, TAG coordinator in the school was able to know the importance of having the grants to supports their projects and to help students at a young age to know and understand great values by doing good, speaking good, and thinking good. Two of the students expresses their gratitude and share how the project help not only them but also help the people around them by doing garbage segregation. At a young age she knows that these will help our environment fight towards global warming. Furthermore, after the first school visit TAG coordinators then went to Malino National high School to introduce Buddha Bathing to the faculties lead by their principal, Ms. Dolores I. Pelayo. Importantly monitor and see their TAG projects implemented through years of practicing it. TAG team was greeted by the student singing a welcoming song and classroom visits was then made possible by Irene Perez, TAG coordinator of the school. At the visit several projects were introduce and their plans towards maintaining each of their projects. During these visits, students engage in interactive sessions where they learn about the significance of the Three Acts of Goodness and how they can translate these principles into tangible actions.

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Buddha Bathing Event in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines Draws Thousands, Locally Supported by Enthusiastic Businesses

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple May 30, 2024 On May 10th, a grand Buddha bathing event took place in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines, attracting over a thousand participants. This event received strong support from many local businesses. Ven. Ru Liang and Ven. Zhi Min from the Fo Guang Shan Manila Mabuhay Temple led the devotees in organizing the event. Nearby businesses showed exceptional interest in this event, expressing warmth and deep emotions. One business owner remarked that while they had attended bathing events before, they had never seen such a large turnout, with people from diverse religious backgrounds coming together. Another mentioned that many individuals purchased sampaguita flowers for offerings, enhancing the event's peaceful atmosphere. Despite Quiapo's past reputation for danger, they believed that mutual respect could foster friendships and even unexpected assistance. During the event, many business owners voluntarily donated goods to support the participants. They likened the event to being under the protection of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, filling the venue with joyous dharma. One owner shared her reflection: "During the Buddha's birthday in Lunar April, amidst the blossoming spring, the Little Prince walked among the people with the temple's venerable, chanting scriptures and praying for blessings, as crowds gathered from all directions to bathe the Buddha, wishing to cleanse troubled minds and attain purity." Another volunteer also expressed her feelings: "Master! It feels like the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva is assisting in supporting this bathing event. Haha! Our neighbors are like my Avalokiteśvara, contributing financially and physically. The merits are complete." Many businesses contributed financially and in manpower. For instance, Hong Shanshan assisted in support, while the son of Cai Tingting helped with photography. Hong Rongfu brought four male workers to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the venue. Even though Li Shaohong was abroad, she remotely coordinated with the company manager and security personnel to assist in maintaining order and preparing supplies, ensuring venue safety. Today, 14 businesses spontaneously supported this event, providing water, pastries, and other supplies, collectively adding a beautiful meaning to this Cloud and Water Bathing Buddha event. Gratitude is extended to these enthusiastic individuals for their support, allowing the bathing event to proceed smoothly, bringing warmth and serenity.

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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.

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