The seventh lunar month is observed in Buddhism not only as a time to remember and honor departed ancestors, but also as the Month of Filial Piety, emphasizing gratitude and filial devotion.

On the 13th, Fo Guang University (FGU) held a Thrice-Yearning Dharma Service (San Shi Xi Nian Dharma Service) at the College of Buddhist Studies. The University prepared an abundant array of vegetarian offerings and, with sincere devotion, dedicated the merits to all sentient beings. Prayers were also offered for Fo Guang University, the benefactors of the Million-Member Fundraising Campaign for Education, and supporters of the University from all directions, with wishes for increased blessings and wisdom, peace, and auspiciousness.

Fo Guang University President Chao Han-Chieh, together with senior administrators and representatives of faculty and staff, attended the Dharma service. President Chao first expressed his gratitude to the benefactors of Fo Guang Shan’s Million-Member Fundraising Campaign for Education for their longstanding support and care for Fo Guang University. He noted that it is through the collective contributions of countless benefactors that FGU has been able to continue realizing the educational vision of its founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “Keep wisdom for yourself and leave a university for the world.” Guided by this vision, the University has accompanied generations of young people as they create new possibilities for their futures through education.

President Chao also shared some of FGU’s recent achievements. He noted that the University performed particularly well in student recruitment this year. Of the 12 academic departments participating in the individual application admission process, eight reached full enrollment, while the University’s overall enrollment rate reached 90 percent. These results demonstrate growing recognition among students and parents of FGU’s distinctive educational approach, teaching quality, and commitment to student development. Against the backdrop of Taiwan’s declining birth rate and the challenges it poses to higher education, these achievements are especially significant. They reflect the combined efforts of the University community as well as the longstanding support of society at large.

In the area of international education, Fo Guang University continues to encourage students to engage with the world through overseas exchanges, internships, and cross-cultural learning opportunities. This year, under the Ministry of Education’s Xuehai Zhumeng (Study Abroad Internship) Program, FGU ranked third nationwide in the total amount of funding received. More notably, the University ranked first in Taiwan in terms of the average subsidy received per student. These resources help reduce students’ financial burdens, enabling more of them to venture beyond Taiwan and gain professional skills and valuable life experience in international settings.

President Chao expressed particular appreciation to Fo Guang Shan temples and centers around the world for their longstanding care and support of FGU students. He emphasized that students are able to undertake overseas internships with confidence not only because the University provides opportunities, but also because Fo Guang Shan communities worldwide serve as a strong support network while students are away from home. From assistance with daily life and internship guidance to cultural adaptation, these communities provide students with warm and attentive support. Through the collective efforts of Fo Guang members worldwide, FGU students are able to bring what they have learned in the classroom into international settings, contributing to the University’s growing achievements in overseas internships.

President Chao stated that FGU’s achievements—from gaining the recognition of students and parents through successful recruitment to enabling students to demonstrate their professional abilities around the world—could not have been accomplished by the University alone. Rather, they are the collective results of the support and dedication of Fo Guang Shan, the benefactors of the Million-Member Fundraising Campaign for Education, Fo Guang Shan temples and centers worldwide, and the entire University community. Fo Guang University will continue to live up to these expectations by upholding Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s educational ideals and further developing the Three Acts of Goodness, AI education, international learning, and holistic education. Through these efforts, the University hopes to empower more young people to transform their lives through education and contribute what they have learned to society.

Venerable Man Yi, President of the Fo Guang Shan Benefactors Association, remarked that providing education has become increasingly challenging in an era of declining birth rates. Nevertheless, education remains a vital and long-term undertaking. She emphasized that as long as the University continues to exist, it should remain committed to putting the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism and education into practice and cultivating outstanding individuals for society. She also encouraged supporters to continue contributing to education, expressing her belief that every effort devoted to education can become a source of strength for young people as they grow, allowing the power of goodness to continue spreading throughout society while increasing collective merit and blessings.

Source: Fo Guang University website