The Life News Agency
December 8, 2023

December 5th marked a special day at Convention Baptist Bible College in Bacolod City. On that day, seven sophomore students, under the guidance of Professor Arlene, visited Yuan Tong Temple. President Luisa So and Belinda from the Buddha's Light International Association's Hong Kong Branch served as guides.

This visit was not merely a religious journey but a foray into the exchange of different religious cultures. Professor Arlene led the students in a deep exploration of the history of Yuan Tong Temple, delving into discussions facilitated by the tour guide on the interactions between Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines and various religious communities.

The assistance of President Luisa So and Belinda added richness to the visit. They shared insights into the position of Fo Guang Shan in the religious community and the harmony among different religions. The students not only broadened their perspectives but also deepened their respect and understanding of diverse beliefs. President Luisa So introduced the thousand-armed Avalokitesvara Boddhisattva in the main hall, while Belinda shared stories of Avalokitesvara's compassion and aid.

The sharing by Venerable Zhirong left a profound impression on the visit. The Venerable introduced the collaboration between Fo Guang Shan and the Ministry of Education, emphasizing three simple yet profound actions: speak good  words, do good things, and think good thought. According to Venerable Zhirong, these three actions are enough to ensure personal success and happiness, promoting compassion and love in daily life.

Professor Arlene expressed great anticipation for future visits, stating that such exchange activities not only enriched students' academic knowledge but also widened their logical thinking and cultivated cross-cultural communication skills. She looks forward to organizing visits for students from different fields, fostering understanding and friendship among different religions and cultures.

The entire visit concluded with laughter and joy, and the students returned to school with newfound insights into religious cultures and a deeper appreciation for human values. This visit undoubtedly opened a window for Convention Baptist Bible College students, allowing them to comprehensively understand religions and cultures worldwide and sowing the seeds for future interfaith exchanges and cooperation.