International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS, NC)
Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order
Venerable Master Hsing Yun was born in 1927, during one of the most turbulent periods in Chinese history. Inspired by Buddhism at an early age, he committed himself to monastic life and Dharma propegation, and was ordained in 1938 under Master Zhi Kai of Dai Jue Temple. Arriving in Taiwan in 1949 with only a torn robe on his back, he carried with him unwavering determination and unyielding enthusiasm to spread the teachings of Buddhism. “The Buddha’s light shines in the universe, Dharma water flows on the five continents.”
After more than a half century, Venerable Master Hsing Yun has accomplished his goals through his prolific writings and eloquent lectures, founding more than 200 Fo Guang Shan temples all over the world. He also established secession and the education systems which enable FGS to continue his noble mission well into the future. 1967
Fo Guang Shan Monastery established in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (www.fgs.org.tw)
1988
Hsi Lai Temple inaugurated in Los Angeles, California, USA (www.hsilai.org)
1991
University of the West established, in 2006 it became the first institution founded by Buddhists to receive full accreditation from WASC in North America (www.uwest.edu)
1992
Established the Buddhist Light International Association (www.blia.org)
2011
Buddha Memorial Center open its doors to the world in southern Taiwan (www.fgs.org.tw/bmc/index.html)
Because of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s significant contribution to religion, education, culture, and world peace, he has received numerous honorary doctorates and lifetime achievement awards around the world. In his book, Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk, the Venerable Master gives humankind, now and in the future, a special opportunity to see the world through his perceptive eyes. Readers are able to appreciate his infinite compassion for all sentient beings. Venerable Master Hsing Yun advocates: “Do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.” This is the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Buddha Memorial Center, Taiwan
Aerial View of Fo Guang Shan Temple NC
Fo Guang Shan Temple NC In 1998, Venerable Master Hsing Yun visited Raleigh, North Carolina and gave the following response to devotee’s requests to establish a local temple: “Causes and conditions bring all possibilities.” In 2001, the land was purchased and construction began in 2006. The new temple was completed in 2007, and upon its dedication on July 4, 2010, Fo Guang Shan NC became the newest torch bearer to bring the Venerable Master’s teachings of Humanist Buddhism to the United States.
Propagate the Dharma through cultural endeavors
Foster talent through education
Benefit society through charitable programs
Purify human minds through Buddhist practice
Serving as a bridge between eastern and western cultures, Fo Guang Shan NC offers Sunday Dharma services, regular Buddhist events, and a variety of cultural activities and programs. Fo Guang Shan NC works with local governments, civic institutions, non-profit organizations, and interfaith exchange programs for advocating the Venerable Master’s commitment: peaceful coexistence to benefit all sentient beings.
Think good thoughts Say good words Do good deeds
Meditation Garden
Jade Buddha
The Jade Buddha Shrine The Shrine is the heart of Fo Guang Shan NC Temple. All Dharma services are performed in front of a carved white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, accented with gold leaf and weighing fourteen tons. Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder and original teacher of Buddhism, was born Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the son of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya, in the northern region of ancient India. Shortly after birth, he took seven steps, and after looking in every direction, he declared: “This is my last birth into this world. It is for the sake of realizing Buddhahood that I have come. I am the greatest enlightened being, and I am here to liberate all beings.� At age 29, the Prince renounced his life of privileges to embark on a journey in search for the truth and a solution to human suffering: sickness, poverty, old age, and death. After six years of ascetic practice, he became awakened while meditating under the bodhi tree. The Great Buddha discovered the truth of the universe and gained full insight of life.He traveled and taught for forty-nine years along the River Ganges and eventually entered into parinirvana (a conscious state of full liberation) at age eighty.
The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva The Chinese meaning of this Bodhisattva is Earth Treasury, “patient and unmovable like the great earth, quiet and profound like a hidden treasury.” He was instructed by Sakyamuni Buddha to liberate beings during the period after the Buddha’s final nirvana and before the birth of Maitreya Buddha. In response, Kistigarbha Bodhisattva made this vow: “If the hells are not empty, I vow not to become a Buddha, only when sentient beings are all liberated, will I attain awakening.” Where are the hells? They are here and now, coexisting with all suffering human beings on earth.
Dharma Instruments The drum, wooden fish, gong, and bell, all these Dharma instruments used during Dharma services led by Buddhist monastics and handled by authorized personnel only.
Library
The Library A Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s portrait greets all guests with his perpetual motto of wisdom: Give confidence to others, Give hope to others, Give joy to others, Make things convenient for others. Bookshelves line the walls with an extensive collections of sutras and writings based on teachings that span over two thousand years. It has been the Master’s longstanding intention to provide a resource-rich library to all the hungry and curious hearts seeking spiritual satisfaction. The adjacent spacious reading area, with floor-toceiling windows, is an inviting oasis to anyone wanting a momentary respite from the bustling world outside. Just open a book and immerse yourself in another world.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery Unique and inspiring, it was Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept to house an art gallery inside each Fo Guang Shan Temple. The Master has always had great passion for “the esthetics of life,” a purified and beautiful life built on energy drawn from the world of Buddhism and the arts.
Strategically located between the Dining Hall and the Library, the Art Gallery is a place every visitor slows down to enjoy beautiful art on one side, and an impressive garden view of nature’s beauty on the other. Previous exhibitions have included the works of both local and international artists, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy, photography, and textile art installations. The Temple welcomes people from all faiths to showcase their artworks or collectibles.
Happy Buddha
The Dining Hall Eating, the consumption of food to fuel our bodies is a major aspect of Buddhist daily cultivation. When you are served at mealtime, do you ever feel grateful to those unknown individuals who planted, harvested, transported, prepped, and cooked your food so you can consume it? Venerable Master Hsing Yun said: “There is not a single person without connections to other people.� Be humble, be frugal, and be aware that you exist in a relationship to all living beings on earth.
Classroom
The Classroom The Temple’s great collection of sutras invites devotees of all ages to dive into the ocean of wisdom. This classroom serves as a gathering place to transfer knowledge and wisdom through Dharma classes and lectures by monastic guest speakers and by prestigious visiting lay scholars. Prior to entering, please let go of your worldly attachments, only those with humble hearts and open minds will be able to see the light in this room.
Meditation Hall
The Meditation Hall This is the quiet room. Through formal instruction and practice, one can take steps to reconnect with one’s inner self and bring the body and mind together toward harmony and oneness.
A Chan Master once said:
“Knowledge does not equal wisdom. Living does not truly make a life.”
Please come in and take a break from the grinding world to start your journey toward discovering the ‘real you’ and a life with meaning and purpose.
Religious Events Fo Guang Shan NC hosts weekly, monthly and annual religious ceremonies for devotees: • Sunday Dharma Service • Monthly Birthday Prayer • Light Offering and Completion Ceremony • Great Compassion Repentance Service / Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva • Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony • Filial Piety Dharma Ceremony • Amitahba Dharma Service • Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Dharma Service • Medicine Buddha Dharma Service • Memorial Service for the Deceased
Special Events Fo Guang Shan NC conducts a variety of religious and cultural events open to the public: • Chinese New Year Celebration • Dharma / Meditation Classes • Earth Day Celebration • Children Blessing Ceremony • Buddhist Wedding • Sutra Transcription • Spring and Fall Chores Day
Location 2529 Prince Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606 Tuesday - Sunday: 10AM - 5PM Web: www.ibpsnc.org Tel: (919) 816-9866 www.facebook.com/northcarolina.ibps www.facebook.com/IBPSNC
NC Raleigh
May compassion, loving-kindness, joy, and equanimity pervade the universe. May all beings benefit from our blessings and friendship. May our ethical practice of Chan and Pure Land help us achieve universal tolerance. May we undertake the great Mahayana vows in humility and gratitude.