There are several Fo Guang Shan (which means “Buddha’s Light Mountain”) temples in the Philippines, with the first located in Cebu City and the main branch temple in Manila. Other branch temples are located in Bacolod City and Iloilo City.
The first Fo Guang Shan, called the Chu Un Temple, was built in Cebu City in 1989. Masters staying at the temple have encouraged visitors and locals to join in the temple’s Chinese New Year celebration to experience Chinese culture. Gold, orange, and red paper lanterns line the pathway to the temple, bearing Chinese characters and symbols.
Featured in previous Lunar New Year celebrations in the temple were tai chi and calligraphy exhibitions, as well as cultural performances.
Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple is the best place to relax and meditate.
This Buddhist Temple is located on top of a hill where you can get a panoramic view of the city. However, constructions of new high-rise condominiums nearby somehow ruined the scenery. But for those who want to experience some quite moments to ponder and reflect on Buddhist’s teaching, this place offer just that.
By the way, this place is also home of the Siddhartha Musical, the longest running Cebuano musical featuring the life of Buddha.
FGS Chu Un Temple have a meditation also every Thursday at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to join. Admission is free.
For those interested in Zen Buddhism in Cebu, Chu Un Temple is administered by one of the 72 Chan (Zen) masters in the world who are authorized to pass on the Linji (Rinzai) lineage. Her past experiences include teaching monks meditation at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan.
You can also invite some friends with you.
©MARY RUTH B. EBRADO
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