Marilyn Babes
February 24, 2024

Students from TIPAS Integrated National High School in San Juan, Batangas, headed by their principal, Doris Robledo, visited the FGS Mabuhay Temple on February 24, 2024. Around 150 high school students and faculties arrived. They were welcomed by Ven Zhi Pu and led them to the Main Shrine on the 2nd floor where they were taught about the practices and advocacies of the Temple such as the Light Offering, the Three Acts of Goodness (TAG), Buddhism, and a song on the TAG. They were also given the TAG bracelet as souvenirs.

Ven Zhi Yi explained that the purpose of the educational tour is for the visitors to learn Chinese culture and Chinese Buddhism. She also mentioned that the visitors are lucky since this is the last day of the celebration of the Chinese New Year and the lanterns and decorations will be removed after this day. She further discussed the importance of light offering. She said that light stands for wisdom. We can offer the light to self, family, community, country, and their future. The students were encouraged to make a wish before the light offering.

Ven Zhi Pu informed students the name of the temple which is Mabuhay Temple and that it practices Buddhism. She further said that Buddhism upholds that we are all one, even if we are of different religions. photo／FGS Mabuhay Temple

Ven Zhi Pu informed them the name of the temple which is Mabuhay Temple and that it practices Buddhism. She further said that Buddhism upholds that we are all one, even if we are of different religions. There is no discrimination, no rich or poor, no status or categories but we are all the same. She further informed the group that Mabuhay Temple advocates and practices the TAG, which is to do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.

She said that we use our hands and body to do good deeds, like helping our parents do chores as one student answered. We use our mouth to speak good words by telling the truth, speaking soft words, giving good advice, and saying only good things about people. We use our mind to think good thoughts by thinking positively, optimistic thinking, being considerate to the feelings of others, and understanding other people.

After the Main Shrine activities, the students were ushered to the FGS Art Gallery on the 3rd floor. Aside from appreciating the children's art exhibits in the Art Gallery, there was a storytelling session conducted and the stories written by Master Hsing Yun were told. The students also experienced the art of Chinese paper cutting, as taught by Teacher Belinda. They also visited Master Hsing Yun’s Gallery on the 5th floor, where the life and works of Master Hsing Yun are exhibited.

Students learned the art of Chinese paper cutting. photo／FGS Mabuhay Temple

Young Adults Division taught a TAG song for better recall of the core values of the TAG. photo／FGS Mabuhay Temple

Young Adults Division, YAD, taught a TAG song for better recall of the core values of the TAG. Student named Jude said that he learned from the storytelling session “that we should be content in what we have. “; Princess said, “I learned the art of Chinese paper cutting. “; Andelina said, “I have learned the three acts of goodness, which is to do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.”

Sutra transcription. photo／FGS Mabuhay Temple