Mainland China Monastic and Lay Delegation Visits Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple
December 5, 2025

On November 15, a delegation of 35 monastics and lay Buddhists from Mainland China, led by Venerable Puxue of Dasheng Xinyuan Temple in the Philippines—including Venerable Facheng, Venerable Wanru, and others—visited Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple. They were warmly welcomed by Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines and Vice President of the Philippine Buddhist Federation, together with Venerable Miaojing, Abbess of Mabuhay Temple, and Fo Guang Shan volunteers.

The group first offered lamps and prayers at the Main Shrine Hall. Venerable Yung Guang shared that Mahāyāna Buddhist bhikṣunīs not only practice diligently, but also play a vital role in international religious exchange. She noted that they represent Buddhism in interfaith activities—such as participating in related events at the Vatican—demonstrating the compassion and wisdom embodied by Buddhist women.

Venerable Yung Guang also emphasized the contemporary significance of establishing temples in urban areas. Such temples provide a sanctuary for busy city dwellers, offering spiritual guidance and a peaceful place to reconnect with the Dharma—bringing Buddhist teachings closer to daily life and nourishing the human heart. On behalf of the monastery, he presented publications by Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to the visiting delegation, and wished them safety and well-being throughout their stay in the Philippines.

The delegation then toured the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Memorial Hall, guided by Venerable Miaojing. They learned about Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy and the practical development of Humanistic Buddhism. Exhibits illustrated how his “One-Stroke Calligraphy” serves as a vessel of goodwill, supporting education, culture, and numerous public-welfare initiatives.

Among the highlights was Master Hsing Yun’s establishment of Fo Guang Shan Guang Ming College (GMC) in 2014, the first university in the Philippines founded by a Buddhist organization. Providing full scholarships along with room and board, GMC has transformed the lives of many underprivileged yet outstanding students. In recent years, the institution has further expanded to include a full K–12 program—kindergarten, elementary, junior high, senior high, and college—forming a complete and continuous educational system.

Venerable Miaojing explained that the Fo Guang Shan education system is rooted in the Three Acts of Goodness, embodying Master Hsing Yun’s vision of Humanistic Buddhism. Through comprehensive educational stages and diverse programs, students develop character, wisdom, and global awareness. Most importantly, teachers and students alike uphold Master Hsing Yun’s teaching of “cultivating talents through education,” ensuring that seeds of goodness are passed down through generations. The goal is not only to nurture capable individuals, but to cultivate citizens who are kind-hearted, responsible, and committed to serving society.