Eleven students aged 14 to 15 from Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, along with their parents and two teachers, visited Fo Guang Shan Chicago for a day of cultural and religious exchange. They were warmly received by BLIA members. Venerable Miao Wei introduced the history of Fo Guang Shan and the FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of propagating the Dharma through education, explaining that the organization’s roots are deeply tied to a commitment to learning. During the tour, the Venerable explained the symbolic significance of the three Buddha statues in the Main Shrine, noting that while Buddha statues vary across regions and eras, they all embody the core teachings of the Buddha.
Steve Volkening, a history professor and member of the English Subchapter, shared his 14-year journey with Fo Guang Shan. As a Christian, he offered a unique perspective on the life story of the Buddha and the evolution of Buddhism as the world’s fourth-largest religion. He introduced the concept of Humanistic Buddhism advocated by Master Hsing Yun, encouraging the students to practice the “Three Acts of Goodness”—do good deeds, say good words, and think good thoughts—to help build a pure land on earth.
During the visit, the group participated in a lotus flower craft workshop followed by a collective cultivation session, where they experienced chanting, walking meditation (circumambulation), and seated meditation for the first time. Head Priest Venerable Yung Han provided a Dharma talk, raising a thought-provoking question: in the era of AI and robotics, can machines solve human suffering? She emphasized that only by relying on the wisdom of the Dharma can we face impermanence, learning to accept, handle, and let go to eventually reach Nirvana. She further noted that our thoughts determine our joy or sorrow, and the present moment can be a pure land if the mind is at peace.
To conclude the visit, the temple gifted the school copies of the Biography of the Buddha (English and manga versions) and The Blueprint of Humanistic Buddhism by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. After enjoying a vegetarian lunch, the group took a commemorative photo, marking the successful end of this interfaith journey.
Participants Wogner and his family remarked that chanting and walking meditation were unforgettable experiences. Teacher Julie Braun expressed her deep gratitude for the warm hospitality, while fellow teacher Saul shared that the tranquility found during meditation brought him inner stability. He thanked Fo Guang Shan for providing such a precious experience for the class and expressed interest in bringing future students to visit.