Buddhism

Buddhism is a way of finding peace within oneself. This religion develops inner peace, kindness and wisdom. They practice righteousness and respect towards other people and respect once self. They try not to harm others and to live peacefully and gently.

Karma is a basic concept common to Buddhism which states that one's state in this life is a result of actions (both physical and mental) in past incarnations, and action in this life can determine one's destiny in future incarnations. Karma is a natural, impersonal law of moral cause and effect and has no connection with the idea of a supreme power that decrees punishment or forgiveness of sins.

Meditation and observance of moral precepts are the foundation of Buddhist practice. The five basic moral precepts, undertaken by members of monastic orders and the laity, are to refrain from taking life, stealing, acting unchastely, speaking falsely, and drinking intoxicants. Members of monastic orders also take five additional precepts: to refrain from eating at improper times, from viewing secular entertainments, from using garlands, perfumes, and other bodily adornments, from sleeping in high and wide beds, and from receiving money.

Observation

    

  
The Yuan Thong Temple is not a place only for worship and meditation but also an institution that helps Filipino people. Fo Guang Shan Philippines, Buddhist Learning Institute Post High School Vocational Program, which gives scholarship for the Filipino youth who can't afford to go to College. Seventeen post-high school students coming from different parts of the country were given a chance to have full scholarship training in the temple.  The program is open to anybody who wants to learn a new perspective in life, take a break from the world they are used to, or who wants to be cultivated spiritually.

The way of life in this program is based on Buddhist traditions. It doesn't matter what religion you are from. They'll be staying inside the Temple for 10 months. The students of the temple were taught practical skills that will help them to live independently .These are the vegetarian culinary arts, restaurant service, housekeeping, English and Chinese languages, the theater arts and the Humanistic Buddhism. Young Master Ven tells us about what are the practices they have as a Buddhist. Practicing respect, goodness and most of all love one another as love connects us all, say good words always and be happy, to be happy is contagious.

During our visit I had observed that only   the master   do wear a robe, and she had her head shaved, while, the students were just wearing their white collared shirt and black slacks pants. The daily routine in the temple is waking up to the sound of a woodblock at 6:00 AM, and then proceed to the main shrine for morning chanting. Breakfast follows, then a formal class (Mandarin and/or Buddhism) with a monastic or the teacher, then lunch. Everyone is silent during their meals .After lunch, there is a time allotted for walking, meditation, and rest. An afternoon class follows, then a time to shower, wash clothes, and clean rooms right after. Students were scheduled to help for cooking and washing dishes.

I visited a Buddhist Temple to observe how this people live their lives in the temple, and to observe their practices and tradition. We went to Yuan Thong Temple, Burgos St. Bacolod City. The place looks so different .From the moment we get in the temple all I could feel is the Holiness of the place. Young Master Venerable "Ven" Zhi Yi , a Malaysian English speaking Chinese, is the facilitator of the temple and also a teacher.

Written by: Chrissie Anne Sobretodo