FGS Mabuhay Temple Three Acts of Goodness Baby Blessing Ceremony Plants Seeds of Kindness and Virtue

[Merit Times News Agency, Xi Chen, Manila, Philippines] — August 3, 2026

FGS Mabuhay Temple held the “Three Acts of Goodness Baby’s Blessing Ceremony” at the Main Shrine on August 2, attracting nearly 90 children between the ages of seven and twelve. More than 250 members of Fo Guang families gathered for the warm and solemn occasion.

The event was jointly organized by FGS Mabuhay Temple and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines, and hosted by the Manila First, Manila Second, Manila Third, Hong Kong, and Xian Fan Chapters. Together, they sought to plant seeds of kindness, virtue, and faith in the hearts of the next generation. Fo Guang youth members Shi Bao-Wen and Xu Zhi-Hun served as emcees for the event.

The program began with a solemn blessing ceremony. FGS Mabuhay Temple Abbess Venerable Miao Jing and fellow monastics entered the Main Shrine to officiate the service, leading participants in chanting the Heart Sutra and reciting Fo Guang Shan Founding Master Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “A Prayer for Fo Guang Children.” The children then received a blessing through a Dharma water purification ceremony, with prayers that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva would protect and guide them as they grow in good health while cultivating both merit and wisdom.

In her Dharma talk, Venerable Miao Jing noted that 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Fo Guang Shan. In March this year, the relics of Venerable Master Hsing Yun were respectfully enshrined at FGS Mabuhay Temple after being brought from Fo Guang Shan. This made this year’s blessing ceremony particularly auspicious and meaningful.

She explained that the children were blessed not only by Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva but also by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, making it a rare opportunity to receive a “double blessing.”

Venerable Miao Jing further explained that throughout his life, Venerable Master Hsing Yun promoted the “Three Acts of Goodness”—do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts. She encouraged everyone to practice the Three Acts of Goodness as a way to transform their lives, emphasizing that wholesome actions bring wholesome results, and that cultivating kind thoughts naturally creates positive causes and conditions.

She also shared practical ways of putting the Three Acts of Goodness into daily practice. First, one should smile, as a smile helps build positive affinities and brings joy to others. Second, one should learn to applaud, offering encouragement and affirmation to others. Third, children should practice filial piety toward their elders. Doing good is one of the best ways to express filial piety, and children can help ease their parents’ burdens through diligence and willingness to contribute. Fourth, they should show care and respect toward those younger than themselves, treating them like younger brothers and sisters while learning to care for one another with respect and gratitude.

Venerable Miao Jing encouraged parents to pass these values of goodness and virtue on to the next generation, beginning within the family and allowing these wholesome values to positively shape their children’s lives.

Following the blessing ceremony, students from Mabuhay Temple Chinese School presented lively performances, adding joy to the celebration. The venue also featured interactive booths centered on the “Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings,” a photo area, and a variety of food stalls offering ice cream, cotton candy, taho (soybean pudding), French fries, cheese bread, popcorn, and pasta.

Surrounded by the warmth of the Buddha’s light, the children enjoyed a joyful and memorable day, creating precious memories to carry with them as they grow.

Parent Wang Xing-Hai shared that he was deeply moved to see his child sincerely joining his palms in reverence while receiving the blessings of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He said that the seeds of goodness planted through the Three Acts of Goodness would be the most precious gift that the family could give their child as he grows.

Another parent of a Mabuhay Temple Chinese School student expressed gratitude to the temple for organizing such a meaningful event. The parent shared that the children not only had an enjoyable time but also learned through the activities the importance of smiling and encouraging others with applause. The entire family felt filled with joy and blessings.

The blessing ceremony was more than an occasion to pray for the children’s well-being; it symbolized the passing on of faith, kindness, and virtue from one generation to the next. Nourished by the Dharma water and illuminated by the Buddha’s light, may these seeds of goodness continue to take root, flourish, and grow in the hearts of the children.