Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 12, 2023

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Austrian Buddhist Union, Fo Guang Shan International Progressive Buddhist Society (IBPS) held an "Open Day" event on October 8th. The activities included temple tours, meditation sessions, Tea and Chan, stress-relief painting, calligraphy, and more. Nearly 60 visitors from Austria participated, gaining insights into Humanistic Buddhism.

Blia Vienna - International Buddhist Cultural Association Vienna showcased the hardware and software facilities of Fo Guang Shan International Progressive Buddhist Society (IBPS). They explained the history of Fo Guang Shan and the Humanistic Buddhism philosophy of Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun to the visiting guests.

Blia Vienna showcased the hardware and software facilities of Fo Guang Shan International Progressive Buddhist Society (IBPS). photo／The Life News Agency

In Huai-en Hall, memorial tablets are enshrined to deliver the deceased to be reborn on the path of virtue. Many guests find this practice deeply impressive, considering it a compassionate approach to the departed, something less common in other religions.

Guests were impressed by the memorial tablets in Huai-en Hal. photo／The Life News Agency

Thomas Fiedler led the guests in meditation in the meditation hall, allowing them to experience the tranquility of relaxing their body and mind. Following this, volunteers from Blia Vienna introduced visitors to the art of tea and meditation at the Water Drop Teahouse.

Thomas Fiedler led the guests in meditation in the meditation hall. photo／The Life News Agency

Volunteers introduced visitors to the art of tea and meditation at the Water Drop Teahouse. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Yan's stress-relief painting attracted great interest from the visitors. Participants engaged in the activity, becoming artists in creating their own unique style of artwork. Volunteers from the calligraphy group allowed visitors to practice imitating Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma Verse calligraphy.

Venerable Jue Yan's stress-relief painting attracted great interest from the visitors. photo／The Life News Agency


Visitors practiced imitating Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma Verse calligraphy. photo／The Life News Agency

Invited guest Sybille Hentze, the Library Director of the University of Applied Arts Vienna, who had previously received the "Encyclopedia of World Buddhist Arts" as a gift from Fo Guang Shan Internationale Progressive Buddhistische (IBPS) Gesellschaft in 2019, visited the Fo Guang Shan's vihara. Sybille Hentze expressed her delight in getting to know the vihara and extended her gratitude once again for Fo Guang Shan's generous book donation. She hopes to jointly organize a "Buddhist Arts" presentation event next year at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

The innovative and diverse activities of the "Open Day" event showcased the spirit of unity and "Work by collective effort" among Fo Guang members. Everyone contributed their expertise and strength for the common cause. This spirit deeply moved people.