The Merit Times
July 17, 2023

60 Filipino youth from branch temples Mabuhay Temple Manila, Chu Un Temple Cebu, Fo Guang Yuan Iloilo, Yuan Thong Temple Bacolod and Guang Ming College Tagaytay, led by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines Head Abbess Venerable (Ven.) Yung Guang, superintendent Ven. Chueh Lin, Buddha’s Light International Association Young Adult Divisions advisors Ven. You Hui, Ven. Zhi Qin and Ven. Neng Guang were welcomed warmly at the airport upon arrival.

60 Filipino youth and venerables were welcomed warmly at the airport upon arrival. photo／The Merit Times

Members of Siddhartha The Musical with BLIA members at Taoyuan International Airport. photo／The Merit Times

A assembly was held at Tathagata hall with Ven. Yung Guang and FGS Ven. Superintendent Hui Chuan. The Philippine Delegation expressed own gratitude for the opportunities to visit FGS. Different discourses were tackled in the meeting which includes how his journey started at FGS and his joy to meet the team of Philippines.

Filipino youth from branch temples Mabuhay Temple Manila, Chu Un Temple Cebu, Fo Guang Yuan Iloilo, Yuan Thong Temple Bacolod and Guang Ming College Tagaytay. photo／The Merit Times

First, Ven. Hui Chuan highlighted the head abbess’ contribution to accomplish venerable master Hsing Yun’s (VMHY) mission, especially in the field of holistic education which aims to change the lives of Filipino youths. Guang Ming College (GMC) was able to flourish successfully through VMHY’s TAG (Three acts of goodness), . One of the remarkable statements of ven. Hui Chuan was, “Everytime I see Ven. Yung Guang, I feel joyful because every time when she acts, she is delighted and grateful... Always speak good words.”

He also shared how he started his journey at FGS in 1986, and in 1984, he started to study in a Buddhist college while working. In 1988, VMHY held up an international ceremony in Hsi Lai Temple that’s where he realized that it was his time. VMHY has also talked to him to have a monastic life and afterwards, he began to work in BLIA and were assigned as a secretary without hesitation.

Upon arrival early in the morning, the Philippines Delegation gathered in FGS Main Shrine to call for cancelling a leave of absence from the Buddha. photo／The Merit Times

Ven. Hui Chuan have inspired the Filipino Youths with his journey at FGS. How education would mold them and become greater individuals. He taught that every one can say “Yes” without hesitation. The meeting ended with a melodious song, performed by the members of Siddhartha The Musical and joined by other Filipino youths.

Upon arrival early that morning, the Philippines Delegation gathered in FGS Main Shrine to call for cancelling a leave of absence from the Buddha. Ven. Yung Tang then introduced the three Buddhas as the great hero safeguarding us along the path of cultivation. She wished each to be a hero offering sound of joy to others.

The Philippine Delegation expressed own gratitude for the opportunities to visit FGS. photo／The Merit Times