Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
November 3, 2023

On the afternoon of October 28th, Reverend Peter Anthony from All Saints Church led nearly 20 believers on a visit to I.B.P.S. UK (London Fo Guang Shan Temple). They were warmly welcomed by Venerable Miao Duo, Abbess of London Fo Guang Shan Temple, Venerable Jue Qian, Venerable Zhi Quan, Wei-Liang Chen, President of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) London, Sumati Lecturer Po-Shan Peng, and BLIA London Directors Annie Chen and Huang Xiren.

Both London Fo Guang Shan Temple and All Saints Church are located on Margaret Street in the heart of London. They were built during the Victorian era by the renowned British Gothic Revival architect William Butterfield. Both buildings are recognized as Grade II listed historical landmarks in the UK.

Po-Shan Peng introduced the guests to the architecture of London Fo Guang Shan Temple. She explained that when London Fo Guang Shan Temple moved into this building, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, specifically instructed to preserve the cross on the building. This decision was made in his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among different religions. Po-Shan Peng also provided an overview of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, explaining its system, rules, and structure.

London FGS Temple preserved the cross on the building. photo／The Life News Agency

An elderly guest highly praised London Fo Guang Shan Temple for adhering to Fo Guang Shan’s Four Objectives and promoting "Humanistic Buddhism" in the UK through diverse activities.

Po-Shan Peng also guided the guests to greet each other with folded palms and say "Jixiang," which means "Auspicious Greetings." She introduced Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings to Fo Guang members and contributions to the society, including the founding of "The Merit Times" and "Beautiful Life Television (BLTV)," through written words and audiovisual media, conveying truth, kindness, and beauty. She also introduced the Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha in the Triple Gem Hall. Wei-Liang Chen explained how BLIA and Fo Guang members benefit the public through diverse activities.

London FGS Temple organized a Dharma Verse transcription activity. photo／The Life News Agency

Reverend Peter Anthony, representing All Saints Church, expressed gratitude for the warm reception at London Fo Guang Shan Temple. He said, "These two buildings share a common history that connects us. I hope for more interaction and exchanges in the future."

London Fo Guang Shan Temple also organized a Dharma Verse transcription activity, allowing visitors to experience Buddhist "Chan". 70-year-old Pat Hawkins said, "This is a beautiful cross-temporal and cross-religious journey!"

London FGS Temple organized a Dharma Verse transcription activity. photo／The Life News Agency