The Life News Agency
October 25, 2023

On October 25, 2023, Ven. Yung Guang, the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines, held a discussion with 10 teachers and students from Srimala College led by Ven. Zhi Ying, and gave a lecture, "You have to learn by doing. When your Bodhi mind arises to spread the Dharma, you don't scare yourself first, but think about how to do it better." 

Ven. Yung Guang held a discussion with teachers and students from Srimala College led by Ven. Zhi Ying. photo／The Life News Agency

During the sharing time with the Ven. Yung Guang, she mentioned the process of building the temples and schools in the Philippines is blessed with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s persistence and determination in transformative education. All benefactors cherish the affinity to complete the mission. She then encouraged, "You have to see where the bright spots of life are. If you can selflessly do things not just for yourself, then you are uplifting your cultivation. Therefore, you must be brave for FGS and Venerable Master."

The process of building the temples and schools in the Philippines is blessed with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s persistence and determination in transformative education. photo／The Life News Agency

The Srimala College visited Guang Ming College (GMC) and invited to dine with the students. When the visitors heard the sound of the wooden block, they found out that teachers and students took silent meals. The superintendent of Mabuhay Temple Ven. Zhi Yi arranged a dance class facilitated by GMC graduates Lunelene Darilay and Lloydcl Pilapil in the Meditation Hall. The visitors enjoyed the proficient and rhythmic steps of the Filipino folk dance.

A dance class facilitated by GMC graduates Lunelene Darilay and Lloydcl Pilapil in the Meditation Hall. photo／The Life News Agency

Director Maru Percela of Student Affairs welcomed the visitors on behalf of President Dr. Tan. With heartfelt gratitude, she said that GMC is a proof of Venerable Master’s commitment and greatest gift to the Philippines. She remarked that she is fortunate to grow with GMC since 2014. Even though GMC students come from the poor and remote areas, they can move forward with confidence and towards the international stage because of the sacrifice of FGS monastics.

Ms. Ghealyn Undang, the assistant to President Dr. Tan, led the campus tour and mentioned that Venerable Master continued to offer GMC alumni to study Master's degree in Nanhua University of Taiwan, and returned to teach at GMC. The school’s classrooms were named after Ananda, which means “Ananda” in Sanskrit and translated as “joyful”. The purpose is to inspire GMC scholars to gain joy through the understanding of the Buddha’s teaching.

Currently, GMC offers programs in Performing Arts, Sport Science, Basketball, Music Production, and Buddhist Studies, and integrate with community interactive teaching to allow students to develop their teaching abilities. The Auditorium is the favorite place where lectures and activities are held. Its carpet was the cloud totem, designed by Venerable Master, on the ceiling of the Enlightenment Hall in Buddha Museum. The purpose is to dedicate students' performances to our founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

The school's clinic can take care of students injured due to sports, as well as offices that manage student activities and life, as well as offices that care for students. It's like a big family here, making students feel at ease while studying. The visitors from Srimala College also visited the "Happy Vegetable Garden". Teacher Nancy Lita showed the students to grow a variety of organic vegetables and fruits to supply GMC needs.

The Srimala College visited Guang Ming College (GMC) and invited to dine with the students. photo／The Life News Agency