Regent’s University London Visits London Fo Guang Shan — Learning Through Experience and Exploring Humanistic Buddhism

Xi Zhe
October 27, 2025

A group of 11 students from Regent’s University London, led by Professor Clement Grene, who teaches the Living Religions course, visited London Fo Guang Shan on October 20 for an immersive journey into Humanistic Buddhism. The visit was warmly received by Venerable Youwang and volunteer Peifang Su, who guided the group through the temple’s shrines and provided in-depth tours, allowing the teachers and students to experience the solemn and serene atmosphere of the monastery and the modern spirit of Dharma propagation that Fo Guang Shan embodies.

The visit began in the library, where the group watched “The Life of the Buddha”, gaining a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s renunciation, enlightenment, and teachings. Venerable Youwang then delivered a multimedia presentation introducing Fo Guang Shan’s global presence across five continents and elaborating on the Four Objectives set forth by Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun — to propagate the Dharma through culture, to nurture talents through education, to benefit society through charity, and to purify human minds through spiritual practice.

The Venerable also explained the “3G” and “4G” principles — representing the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings — which encapsulate the essence of Humanistic Buddhism. She encouraged the participants to adopt a positive mindset in the face of difficulties, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, and to realize the wisdom in the saying, “There is Dharma in daily life, and there are ways within the Dharma.”

Next, under Venerable Youwang’s guidance, the group toured the Main Shrine, Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) Shrine, and Kṣitigarbha Shrine. The Venerable explained the significance of each Buddha and Bodhisattva, as well as the meanings behind various Dharma instruments. During the Q&A session, students eagerly asked questions such as: What is difference between Dharma words and fortune-telling? How many Buddhists are there in the world? Does one need to become a monk or nun to study Buddhism? What is the daily life of a monastic like?” and etc. The Venerable patiently addressed each question and encouraged those interested in Buddhism or monastic life to participate in Dharma services and activities to gain a deeper understanding of Humanistic Buddhism.

At the conclusion of the visit, Venerable Youwang presented Professor Clement Grene with the English edition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of the Buddha and offered Buddhist ornaments to the students as gift of good karma, peace, and blessings.

Professor Clement Grene shared that this was his first visit to a Fo Guang Shan temple and that he was deeply impressed by the layout and architectural of the building and moved by the Venerable’s explanation of the meaning of monastic life. He remarked that the experience deepened his own understanding of Buddhism and gave his students a clearer appreciation of its true essence.

Warren Oentoro, a second-year student in Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, expressed that the visit allowed her to better understand the Buddha’s path to enlightenment. She said that being able to personally step into the three shrines and feel the solemn and tranquil atmosphere made this an unforgettable educational experience that was both fascinating and informative.