Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 19, 2023

The UK Heritage Open Days was held From September 8th to September 17th, and I.B.P.S. UK (London Fo Guang Shan Temple) is also participating in this event. The architecture of the London Fo Guang Shan Temple has been listed as a Grade II heritage site in the UK and opened for visits on September 9th and 10th for those interested in architecture and heritage.

Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) London organized this event, with BLIA London President Wei-Liang Chen and Supervisor Bo-Da Li leading London Fo Guang members to work together with collective effort, embodying the spirit of "Four Givings" from Fo Guang Shan, making guests feel at home. London Fo Guang Shan Temple hosted a series of activities, including temple tours, meditation sessions, Tea and Chan, and Sutra Calligraphy, allowing more than 300 visitors to experience the solemnity and tranquility of a Buddhist temple and enjoy the joy of meditation.

Fo Guang member introduced Fo Guang Shan and it's founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／The Life News Agency

All the venerables of London Fo Guang Shan Temple attended the Monastic Seminar at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan. Therefore, the meditation and evening chanting sessions on these two open days were led by the young Sumati lecturer, Po-Shan Peng, from London Fo Guang Shan Temple, who explained meditation in English. This received a tremendous response. Participants temporarily shed the worries of their busy and stressful lives, relaxing their minds and bodies in the tranquil and solemn temple hall.

Sumati lecturer explained meditation in English. photo／The Life News Agency

Ms. Cheng from Bristol mentioned that the meditation course was excellent, and the lecturer explained it very clearly, allowing her to gain a full understanding of Fo Guang Shan. She has attended many meditation courses, but only Fo Guang Shan's course has been fulfilling for her. She hopes to continue participating in meditation and cultivation gatherings at Fo Guang Shan in the future.

Visitors participated in the evening chanting. photo／The Life News Agency

During the "Tea and Chan" activity, President Wei-Liang Chen led the BLIA YAD London leaders to "associate with friends by tea," which pleasantly surprised the visitors. Two participants mentioned that "Sutra Calligraphy" and "Tea and Chan" made them feel relaxed and at ease both physically and mentally.

During the "Tea and Chan" activity, President Wei-Liang Chen led the BLIA YAD London leaders to "associate with friends by tea." photo／The Life News Agency

The Sutra Calligraphy Hall on third floor attracted a large number of visitors who admired the ancient British architecture while also gaining insights into Buddhist culture. An Indian lady, suffering from polio, attended the Sutra Calligraphy activity with her mother. She copied the Dharma words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, displaying a moving level of determination.

Visitor attended the Sutra Calligraphy activity. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Miao Duo, Abbess of London Fo Guang Shan Temple, cares deeply about everyone and encouraged Fo Guang members who participated in the open day through messages. Venerable Miao Duo said, "Everyone should welcome every guest to the temple with a joyful heart, create connections, and accumulate merits for themselves."

On September 9th and 10th, the weather was hot, but Fo Guang members did not complain. They carried out everything with a joyful attitude. These two days of open days were successfully completed, and the visitors were very happy. Although Fo Guang members were tired, they wore smiles on their faces.