Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 14, 2023

Under the arrangement of Christoph Strack, a journalist from Deutsche Welle, 17 religious journalists visited Fo-Guang-Shan-Tempel, Berlin e.V. in early May. Christoph Strack had witnessed the reconstruction process of Fo-Guang-Shan-Tempel, Berlin e.V. and believed that it was important for these journalists to visit the temple together, not only to understand how the temple develops, but also to mark a new milestone for religious diversity in Berlin.

According to Christoph Strack, they had previously visited Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities. Fo-Guang-Shan-Tempel, Berlin e.V. will be relocating at the end of May, therefore the main hall was filled with boxes, but was still very solemn, which impressed them greatly.

Venerable Miao Xiang and Wolfgang, the supervisor of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Berlin, welcomed Christoph Strack and other journalists, assisting them in understanding the characteristics of Dharma Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism, and hoping that more people could understand modern Buddhism and Chinese culture after the new temple is completed.

Wolfgang(second from right) shared the reasons for becoming a volunteer at Fo Guang Shan. photo／The Life News Agency

Wolfgang shared the reasons for becoming a volunteer at Fo Guang Shan. He said that the concept of reincarnation in Buddhism made him start actively learning Buddhism. Later, he saw a report about Fo-Guang-Shan-Tempel, Berlin e.V. in the Der Spiegel, and was warmly welcomed by the venerable when he visited. After participating in cultivation gatherings, he decided to take refuge in Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, and take the Five Precepts. Then he vowed to lead temple visits and broadly develop good affinities.

At the end of the visit, Venerable Miao Xiang, Venerable Yong Chao, and Venerable Zhi Yi presented the journalists with introductions to Fo Guang Shan and the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, as well as calligraphy bracelets with the one-stroke calligraphy by Master Hsing Yun Venerable Master, blessing the visitors with peace and health.

Venerable Miao Xiang presented the journalists with introductions to Fo Guang Shan, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and calligraphy bracelets. photo／The Life News Agency

The journalists also stated that the venerables at Fo Guang Shan smiled and were very attentive to the needs of the few German-speaking followers, truly demonstrating the faith and practice of Humanistic Buddhism.