The Life News Agency
September 27, 2023

On September 26, 2023, the CREATE LEARNING PATHS SCHOOL (CLP South Admiral Campus) witnessed an inspirational gathering of students, spiritual leaders, and educators during the Interfaith Cafe event. The highlight of the day was the guest speaker, Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, who shared her wisdom and insights on inner peace, equality, and the practice of TAG (Three Acts of Goodness).

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Director of CLP, Katrina G. Carandang, who emphasized the importance of fostering inner peace and equipping children with essential life skills through Peace Education. She spoke passionately about social and emotional learning, social justice, love for one's country and the Earth, setting the tone for the day's discussions.

The core theme of the event, the Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) - "Do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts," was introduced as a means to curb violence and promote harmony in society. Venerable Miao Jing, accompanied by Venerable Zhipu and Prof. Cecilia B. Manikan, shared their experiences and faith-based insights on the TAG philosophy.

Venerable Miao Jing's session began with a screening of "The Buddha Story" video clips, where the message of equality and peace was vividly portrayed. Following the video presentation, she taught the students the song "Three Acts of Goodness," which resonated with the young minds in the audience. During the Questions & Answers session that followed, the students showed a keen interest in understanding the modernization of Buddhism, the Buddhist perspective on the LGBT minority, and the temple's retreat programs.

Venerable Miao Jing's session began with a screening of "The Buddha Story" video clips, where the message of equality and peace was vividly portrayed. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Zhipu, another distinguished guest, provided an active demonstration of meditation through a unique program known as Tea Meditation, which is a hallmark of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple. The participants learned to focus their minds while brewing Chinese tea using traditional tea sets. This practice also emphasized the values of appreciation and gratitude as the students served tea to their peers and shared the merits of the session with the transfer of merit at the end.

Venerable Zhipu, provided an active demonstration of meditation through a unique program known as Tea Meditation, which is a hallmark of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple. photo／The Life News Agency

Proving the universality of TAG education, Prof. Cecilia B. Manikan reinforced the practices and realizations of Humanistic Buddhism in daily life. She emphasized how TAG education can be instrumental in purifying the human mind, making it a force for good in the world. Her words resonated with the attendees, highlighting the practical application of these values.

Prof. Cecilia B. Manikan emphasized how TAG education can be instrumental in purifying the human mind, making it a force for good in the world. photo／The Life News Agency

As the event drew to a close, the students were given TAG bangles as a symbolic reminder of the Three Acts of Goodness. In a heartfelt moment, they promised to carry these teachings with them, endeavoring to incorporate them into their lives as they seek inner peace.

The students were given TAG bangles as a symbolic reminder of the Three Acts of Goodness realization in daily life. photo／The Life News Agency

The Interfaith Cafe event at CREATE LEARNING PATHS SCHOOL provided a platform for students to engage with the profound teachings of Humanistic Buddhism and learn valuable life skills for inner peace. The presence and wisdom of Venerable Miao Jing, Venerable Zhipu, and Prof. Cecilia B. Manikan left a lasting impact on the young minds in attendance, inspiring them to cultivate a sense of peace, harmony, and a commitment to do good in their lives.