Beyond these walls lies a world of compassion. We are at Fo Guang Shan in Singapore. It strives to realize Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision. He envisioned a harmonious society, full of compassion. Fo Guang Shan puts wisdom into action. This is done through education, culture, social welfare, and togetherness.
Fo Guang Shan promotes Buddhist education. It welcomes people of all ages. Dharma classes suit everyone’s needs. There are children’s classes and City Buddhist college classes. Television Buddhist college classes also exist. They bring Buddhist teachings to modern life. Study groups allow members to share experiences. They discuss Dharma practices.
Prominent speakers are often invited. They give talks in Mandarin and English. These talks benefit both members and the public. Fo Guang Shan has a teahouse. It also has a gallery of Buddhist artifacts. Here, members and friends share moments together.
Since 1997, Fo Guang Shan Singapore has been a place for sharing. It is a place to realize goals and hopes.
Fo Guang Shan is an international organization. It practices Humanistic Buddhism. Its roots trace back to the Linji school of Chan Buddhism. The headquarters are in Taiwan. It is the largest Buddhist monastery there. Fo Guang Shan is also a major charity. Laypeople can join the Buddha’s Light International Association.
Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan in 1967. The order modernizes Chinese Buddhism. It uses technology in its temples. Hsing Yun said Fo Guang Shan is an amalgam of all Eight Schools of Chinese Buddhism. The order has associated colleges. These include Fo Guang University in Taiwan. There is also the University of the West in the US.
Temples and organizations span 173 countries. Over 3,500 monastics are part of the organization. Fo Guang Shan emphasizes education and service. It maintains universities and Buddhist colleges. You will also find libraries and publishing houses. They also have translation centers and art galleries. Teahouses and mobile medical clinics are available. Fo Guang Shan also has services for children and seniors.
Fo Guang Shan’s programs include free medical clinics. Mobile units serve remote villages. Each year, they give warm clothes and food to the needy. They also focus on wildlife conservation.
Fo Guang Shan operates cultural education programs in mainland China. They have built libraries. Books are published through state media.
Fo Guang Shan’s approach simplifies Buddhism. This makes it appealing to the masses. The organization uses modern marketing. They also preach using laser shows. Fo Guang Shan temples have no entrance fee. Fortune-telling and sales vendors are not allowed.