The Life News Agency
December 18, 2023

In the transformative connection of Spirituality and the Contemporary World, the 10th Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism unfolded from December 15 to 17 at the serene venue of Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan. Under the event's theme, "Humanistic Buddhism and the Future," participants, scholars, students, and professors all over the world commence on a journey to a new future strengthened by the tenets and principles of Humanistic Buddhism.

Before the main event was commemorated, the opening day, Dec 15 (Friday) was a full-packed day with scholars, speakers, and participants taking a tour to the Buddha Museum Exhibit of Buddhist Maritime Silk Road - New Media Art Exhibition. Enthralled and amazed at what the New Media had offered during the tour with many Buddhist Art and Culture curated. There were two docents for English and Mandarin to let everyone engage and fully enjoy the experience.

The Opening Ceremony and Keynote speech followed shortly after Dinner at FGS's Convention Lodge. 40 scholars’ speakers and participants from 12 countries joined together to talk about pressing issues and incorporating Humanistic Buddhism. Chancellor of Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, Venerable Miao Fan remarked that Venerable Master’s will to have FGS as a platform for world scholars to further study in Humanistic Buddhism.

The opening day, Dec 15 (Friday) is a full-packed day with scholars, speakers, and participants taking a tour to the Buddha Museum Exhibit of Buddhist Maritime Silk Road - New Media Art Exhibition. photo／The Life News Agency

The 10th Symposium is the first symposium to be held after the pandemic and the first after Venerable Master Hsing Yun's passing, speakers and scholars honored him by passionately gathering for this event. Chin Chei Chung warmly uttered that the past symposiums served their purpose but this 10th gathering will offer contemporary issues through the intersection, such as Humanistic Buddhism and Management, Humanistic Buddhism and Artificial intelligence, and many more pressing issues that need to be addressed today.

Deputy Abbot Ven Hui Chuan also talked about the Venerable Master Hsing Yun creating a Dharma platform for laymen together with the monastic with giving and sharing blessings to foster harmony and peace. Dr. Michael Tan, Guang Ming College President, showed warm gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for his contribution for Humanistic Buddhism, and his mission rooted with compassion that built home to many people such as through education institutions. Dr. Tan also addressed world conflicts and climate crises through Humanistic Buddhism.

Filipino panelist representatives - Guang Ming College President Michael Tan. photo／The Life News Agency

During the visit to Tsung Lin University, Venerable Miao Nan expressed and emphasized that Tsung Lin’s education focuses on learning through working— through reading, doing and discussing. The Master also stressed how important building humanistic character is. Currently, Tsung Ling University has many students all over the world, the delegates from 13 countries speaks shares compassion and comfort with each other through their own language. Filipino team was assigned with Marie and Bobby to do the tour with Filipino students, scholars and professors. Bobby and Marie are graduates of Guang Ming College.

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple Venerable Abbess Miao Jing said that this symposium is a tribute to Venerable Master who has brought all participants come as one for the academic work and creative development on Humanistic Buddhism. Filipino panelist representatives were Dr. Majorie Purino of San Carlos University, Cecile Manikan of Humanistic Buddhism Research Center of the Philippines and Josette Balandra, Education Program Supervisor from Sagay City. Guang Ming College President Michael Tan together with GMC Representatives, Buddhist Studies Department Coordinator Shena Marie Pacano together with two students, Gail Abbie Matan and Lovely Marasigan also embraced the familiarity and feeling of belongingness of Fo Guang Shan.

Guang Ming College President Michael Tan, GMC Representatives, Buddhist Studies Department Coordinator Shena Marie Pacano and two students, Gail Abbie Matan and Lovely Marasigan, embrace the familiarity and feeling of belongingness of Fo Guang Shan. photo／The Life News Agency

The first and second panels will be held on December 16, 2023 (Saturday) in the morning, with a Book Launch “Cultivating Compassion: Going Beyond Crises” at noon. The third and fourth panels will also resume at noon and will end with a Tour of FGS Sutra Repository and Theory and Practice of Humanistic Buddhism.

The first and second panels is held on December 16, 2023 (Saturday) in the morning, with a Book Launch “Cultivating Compassion: Going Beyond Crises” at noon. photo／The Life News Agency