The Life News Agency
August 10, 202

The 15th Online Graduation Ceremony of Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts (HALA) was held on the evening of July 27th, five graduates from Germany, Spain, Colombia, and the Philippines participated in the ceremony. Nearly 40 distinguished guests attended the event, including Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan（FGS）Mabuhay Temple, Venerable Jue Lin, Superintendent of Mabuhay Temple, Kathy Lim UY, President of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Philippine, and Mr. Sonny Lee, Chief Superintendent BLIA.

 Distinguished guests attended the event.photo／The Life News Agency


The M.C. was Gina from Germany. Before the ceremony started, she shared what she saw and heard when she was an international volunteer in the headquarters Fo Guang Shan in July with gratitude. She shared that changes begins with oneself, and she learn from Venerable Master Hsing Yun that one should be the benefactor of oneself. She expressed gratitude for the attendance of numerous distinguished guests who came to encourage everyone.

Venerables and teachers encouraged the graduates. photo／The Life News Agency

After the praise to Three Gem, Venerable Yung Guang gave a speech. She said that our dependent origination begins with Humanistic Buddhism and the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. We learned how to get rid of suffering form Buddha, Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught us to practice Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, and spread the truth of Humanistic Buddhism to the world.

Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, gave a speech. photo／The Life News Agency

Diana from Colombia shared that she came to the East to travel in Buddhist countries and learned to be grateful to parents, Buddha, Fo Guang Shan, and teachers. Everyone has Buddha nature, the most powerful force in the world is our own buddha nature.

Ramon from Spainish said that his previous life was at a loss without goals, but he learned to unite knowledge and action in Fo Guang Shan, how to be a volunteer, and get the motivation to move forward. It turns out that there is always a way, as long as you can take a step forward. It turns out that being the same as others is the goal of his life, and serving others is his new life.

Kach from the Philippines said that group life has taught her to see the good in others and to learn from Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "I am just a member of the multitude" and "give others convenience." After participating in the youth short-term monastic retreat, she vowed to be a volunteer, to give people warmth and joy.

 Alex from the Philippines shared his gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for advocating Humanistic Buddhism. He vowed to be a youth of Three Acts of Goodness, and give people good karma from serving the public.

Kathy Lin Meixuan congratulated the students on their successful completion of their studies. Superintendent Sonny Li  thanked Venerable Yung Guang for upholding Venerable Master Hsing Yun's idea to train talents through education and promote Buddhism through culture, which allowed the Philippines can receive young people from different countries, and gave everyone the opportunity to learn Buddhism.

Graduates share their experience. photo／The Life News Agency

Before the end of the ceremony, Master Zhi Min led the prayer assembly, wishing everyone good health, safety and auspiciousness. Finally, in the farewell song, the graduation ceremony was completed. The students all remember what Abbess Miao Jing said, "no matter where we go, Fo Guang Shan is our home and we should always come back."