Most Venerable Hsin Bau Encourages Iloilo Fo Guang Members: “Stay True to Your Original Aspiration and Walk the Path of Buddhahood Together”

Most Venerable Hsin Bau continued his Dharma propagation journey across the Philippines, traveling from Manila’s Wannei Temple by plane to Yuan Thong Temple in Bacolod, and on November 18 arrived at the Iloilo Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery for a pastoral visit. Venerable Miaoren, Supervisor of the center, led over 40 members—including BLIA Iloilo Chapter Supervisors Ko Sun Yi, Wang Ninghui, Guo Yinna, Wu Yiren, Chapter President Chen Xiuling, and Fo Guang officers—to warmly welcome the much-anticipated arrival of the Fo Guang Shan spiritual leader.

Most Venerable Hsin Bau praised the leadership of Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, noting that every temple in the region is thriving under her guidance. He expressed gratitude to the Fo Guang members of Iloilo for their steadfast support and careful dedication to Fo Guang Yuan, describing such efforts as nurturing the Dharma body and wisdom-life—actions that plant blessings and cultivate wisdom.

He emphasized that the core of Humanistic Buddhism lies in the deep karmic connection between the Dharma and human life. The Buddha was born, practiced, and attained enlightenment in the human world, which shows that Buddhism is inseparable from everyday living. Though human life is filled with afflictions, it is precisely in this world that practitioners can accumulate merits, cultivate wisdom, and progress on the path.

Most Venerable Hsin Bau highlighted that the Five Precepts and Ten Wholesome Deeds form the moral foundation of Buddhist practice, while the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings offer concrete methods for cultivation. Through continuous practice, one gradually draws closer to the wisdom of the Dharma. He also reminded everyone that collective practice in the temple allows individuals to learn from one another and grow together. While supporting the temple, he said, practitioners must “never forget their original aspiration” and maintain sincerity and devotion toward the Dharma.

During the visit, Guo Yinna’s daughter, Xiao Yaling, together with her schoolmate Feldianne Aragon, presented a portrait they had drawn for Most Venerable Hsin Bau. Xiao Yaling has loved manga since childhood and won second place nationwide in a Philippine comic competition while studying at Iloilo Chinese Commercial School. After graduating, she pursued Digital Media and Interactive Arts at Central Philippine University (CPU), completing her degree with honors. The two young artists expressed deep gratitude for Most Venerable Hsin Bau’s long journey to visit Iloilo, saying they felt moved and uplifted—especially as second-generation Fo Guang members who now feel greater confidence and hope, realizing that Humanistic Buddhism is not rigid or restrictive as outsiders may imagine.

Venerable Miaoren thanked Most Venerable Hsin Bau for his warm care and guidance. She shared that this was his first visit to Iloilo, and upon his arrival, the sky showered a light rain—an auspicious sign. Though the visit lasted only a few hours, everything unfolded perfectly. She expressed her faith that Iloilo Fo Guang’s future will continue to grow ever more bright and promising.