Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu Visits FGS Mabuhay Temple, Encourages Youth to Broaden Their Horizons and Stay True to Their Aspirations

【Manila, Philippines】

On August 3, former Taiwan Representative to the Philippines Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu and his wife visited FGS Mabuhay Temple, where they were warmly welcomed by Venerable Miao Jing, Venerable Ru Qing, and Fo Guang University students participating in an overseas internship program. Drawing from his many years of diplomatic service and life experience, Ambassador Hsu encouraged the students to build positive connections, set clear goals, persevere through challenges, and broaden their horizons by exploring the world.

Upon arrival, Ambassador Hsu and his wife first visited the Main Shrine, where they offered lamps and prayed for blessings under the guidance of Venerable Jue Ci. They then proceeded to the first-floor conference room for an exchange with the monastics and Fo Guang University students.

During the discussion, Ambassador Hsu encouraged the students to learn an additional language, noting that language learning not only broadens one’s perspective and deepens understanding of different cultures, but also creates more opportunities in life. He also emphasized the importance of developing professional expertise and striving to become a specialist in one’s chosen field, thereby cultivating distinctive and irreplaceable value.

Speaking about young people’s aspirations, Ambassador Hsu highlighted several principles: “Build positive connections, never give up, set clear goals, and broaden your horizons by seeing the world.” He encouraged the students to cherish the mentors and benefactors they encounter in life, as well as the valuable opportunity to participate in Fo Guang University’s overseas internship program. He reminded them to be grateful for Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s dedication to nurturing young people and for the opportunities provided by Fo Guang Shan temples, and to repay such kindness by contributing to society.

“Learning is not only about improving ourselves; it also enables us to better serve others,” Ambassador Hsu said.

He further reminded the students that while they should learn to create opportunities for others, they must also know how to protect themselves and their families. When faced with inappropriate people or situations, they should have the courage to say “no,” remain unaffected by negative influences, and draw strength from their religious faith to stay true to their original aspirations.

During the Q&A session, students raised questions such as how to maintain motivation, what makes a career truly meaningful, and whether he had ever regretted his career choice when facing disappointment. Ambassador Hsu responded by sharing his personal experiences and encouraged the students to remain persistent and steadfast when encountering difficulties and setbacks.

Following the discussion, the monastics of FGS Mabuhay Temple hosted Ambassador Hsu and his wife for a vegetarian lunch. Venerable Ru Qing later accompanied them on a tour of the temple.

Ambassador Hsu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and shared that the visit had given him a deeper understanding of the remarkable causes and conditions behind Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s efforts to propagate the Dharma. He thanked Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, the monastics, Fo Guang University students, and the young people of Guang Ming University for their warm hospitality. He also expressed his hope to visit Guang Ming University in Tagaytay on his next trip to Manila.

The exchange offered the Fo Guang University students a valuable opportunity to learn from the life experiences of a seasoned diplomat. Through his sharing, they gained a deeper appreciation of the importance of language learning, professional expertise, positive connections, perseverance, gratitude, and giving back to society—transforming personal growth into the ability to serve others.