Free 4-month temple stay in the Philippines for 2011

December 5, 2010                                         

 Again, I have something here travelers (or anyone wanting to try something different, something new) might be interested about. My Buddhist friend actually invited me early this year to try this out but I did not have the time to seriously consider. So for the 3rd time, my friend's temple is opening its doors to anyone in the world who might want to experience a 4-month temple stay in the central part of the Philippines. Low cost airlines like Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia, among others are offering cheap flights to the Philippines anyway so you might wanna take advantage of that. Details below. 

 Break free. Breathe. 

Detour. Detox.

Retreat. Renew.

We invite you to four months of a simple way of life in the Chan (Zen) tradition learning the religion, language, culture, arts, diet, and philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism.

Discover and experience not just a new perspective in life but also, more importantly, about yourself, in a meditative lifestyle guided by the Buddha’s ancient teachings adapted into the modern world of converging cultures.

THE PROGRAM

Officially called the FGS Philippines Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts, this temple stay and studies program is open to those who want to learn our way of life, to take a break from the world they are used to, or to cultivate spiritually, whatever religious background they are from.

The program will offer four months of:

~ Classes introducing Chinese Chan Buddhism, its philosophy and practice
~ Monastic life experience, routine, discipline and etiquette
~ Vegetarian and silent meals using two bowls and chopsticks
~ Nightly walking and sitting meditation
~ Other forms of meditation like tai chi, calligraphy and tea ceremonies
~ Buddhist rituals like chanting every morning, full moon and new moon
~ Basic Mandarin reading, speaking and writing
~ Special workshops on arts, crafts and music
~ Communal or team work in cleaning and events                                                          

~ Three months class, one month practice

 3 scholars of the 1st batch.

Rules in the Temple:

~ Vegetarian meals only

~ Wear black loose pants and t-shirt

~ No short pants, low cut, halter or sleeveless clothing

~ No make up, perfume and jewelry

~ Separate living quarters for male and female students

~ Wear sport shoes with socks during class hours

~ No air – conditional using in room, temple, school

Accepted scholars for the third batch* will live full-time in Yuan Thong Temple situated in the small but bustling city of Bacolod, Philippines from April 1, 2011 to July 31, 2011. The food and lodging are all sponsored by Fo Guang Shan Philippines, but costs of transportation and personal necessities need to be shouldered by the accepted scholar.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are:

~ 20-35 years old
~ Single (no marital or parental obligations)
~ College level or graduate
~ Can understand English OR Chinese
~ Physically fit

Download and fill out the application form. Once accomplished, send to fgsphilippines@gmail.com BEFORE February 28,  2011. If you do not meet the requirements but believe you are qualified otherwise, you may try to send in your application. Kindly indicate your concerns in your application form. We will respond to your applications as soon as possible, so you may arrange your travel schedules.

*The 2nd batch completes the program by December 15, 2010. 

Click Here to download the application form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. What if I am not a Buddhist? 

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 cultivate spiritually, no matter what the religion is. The way of life in this program is based on Buddhist traditions but as long as the entrant is open-minded, there will be no conflict of beliefs.

2. Am I going to become a monk after? 

NO. Monastic training is longer and more difficult. This program is only to share what Fo Guang Shan monastic life is like and for people to appreciate the simple way of living. However, if one finds him or her in the path to monastic life, this is also a good place to start.

3. Do I have to shave my head?

NO. 

4. Can you give us an idea on what a day in the temple would be?

The usual day in the temple is waking up to the sound of a woodblock at 6:00 AM, and proceeding to the main shrine for morning chanting. Breakfast follows, then a formal class (Mandarin and/or Buddhism) with a monastic, then lunch. All meals are silent. After lunch, there is time for walking meditation and rest. An afternoon class is next, then personal time to shower, wash clothes, and clean rooms. Temple work will be scheduled assignments to help in the kitchen, keep the garden or temple grounds, or other tasks. Dinner will be called at 6:00 PM. After which, an evening class follows and meditation. Everyone will be called to bed at 10PM. There will be days of the week with different schedules, depending on the occasion. Some days will have special workshops on artwork, music, cooking, gardening, events preparation (for example, Buddha's Birthday in May), etc. Every Monday is a rest day (no classes but it will be time for cleaning own rooms, personal study, writing, etc.). 

5. I've read that temple stays include alms rounds and once-a-day meals. Is that going to happen in this program?

No. There will be three meals in a day and no alms rounds will be done.

6. Will I be isolated from the outside world?

In many ways, yes, because you will not be going outside the temple gates (unless absolutely necessary) or owning your own communication device. However since Humanistic Buddhism involves people and culture, you will see visitors or practicing Buddhists come to the temple and there may be occasions you need to interact with them. Also, because of cultural differences, in the Philippine program, the entrants will be allowed 1-2 hours weekly to use the temple computer to communicate with family and friends online). An entrant can choose not to have contact at all.

7. Will I pay anything for the program?

Food, clothing (uniform) and living accommodations will be provided without any charge. However you shall provide your own undergarments and personal hygiene requirements (soap, toothpaste, etc.) and if they run out the temple will set a place inside where you can buy them. Upon acceptance, the entrant shall arrange his own travel means to Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple.

8. What do I need to bring?

As mentioned, you should bring your own undergarments, personal hygiene items and special medical requirements. During your free day, you may wear regular clothes that observe temple dress code. Bring long pants, t-shirts and rubber shoes. Revealing clothes such as sleeveless, short skirts/ shorts are not allowed. Slippers are allowed but only in the bedroom. You may also bring your camera and laptop.

9. Is the program only for Filipinos?

No. Other nationalities are welcome. However foreign applicants need to shoulder their own travel expenses and visa requirements. The office shall be notified when a students need to extend his/her visa.

10. After four months, what will happen? 

By the end of the program, we hope you have a basic grasp on the Mandarin language and able to make simple conversations. Some people take years to learn how to speak and even more to read and write, but for the best performing students, the temple can look for opportunities in further studies or employment placement in Taiwan ROC. The results of the program depend largely on the students' capacity and determination to learn. It is to be made clear that after the program, there are no obligations to Fo Guang Shan whatsoever.

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