Taiwan Representative Makes First Visit to Nan Tien Temple, Witnessing the Power of Compassion and Wisdom in Education

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple

Less than a week after assuming office, Mr Po-Yi Hsu, the newly appointed Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney, made his first visit to Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple on 17 September. Coinciding with the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of Nan Tien Institute, Mr Hsu attended the ceremony and praised Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of cultivating talent through culture and education and his commitment to establishing a strong and lasting presence in Australia. He expressed his hope that Taiwan–Australia exchanges could be further deepened across diverse fields in the future.

Mr Hsu was accompanied by Mr Hung-Wen Lee, Section Chief, and Ms Chia-Hui Chiang, Director, from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney. The delegation was warmly received by Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Oceania, together with resident monastics.

The guests first visited the Main Shrine Hall to offer lamps and prayers for blessings. They were deeply impressed by the temple’s solemn yet tranquil atmosphere, which conveyed a sense of peace, stability and harmony.

During their exchange, Mr Hsu noted that for more than 30 years, Nan Tien Temple has served the public within Australia’s multicultural and multifaith society, upholding Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s educational vision while actively engaging with people from all walks of life. He described the Temple’s achievements as deeply admirable and a source of pride for the Chinese community.

Venerable Man Ko introduced Nan Tien Temple’s achievements from four key perspectives: community service, cultural and educational initiatives, the propagation of Buddhism overseas, and strengthening connections with Taiwan. In relation to supporting new migrants and young Taiwanese, she explained that Nan Tien Temple has long assisted new migrants in adapting to life in Australia. It also provides particular care and support for young people and backpackers from Taiwan, offering avenues for emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as practical assistance when needed.

In promoting mindfulness education for children, Nan Tien Temple has developed the “Children’s Wellbeing and Mindfulness Programme”, which brings mindfulness education into schools. Through picture books, the Bodhi Elephant audio player and meditation resources, the programme helps children develop concentration and emotional regulation skills.

To further strengthen two-way connections between Taiwan and Australia, Nan Tien Temple organises at least three delegation visits to Taiwan each year. In October this year, more than 150 participants from Oceania will return to Taiwan to attend the BLIA World Conference, accompanied by nearly 71 Fo Guang Scouts and their parents.

As the visit coincided with Nan Tien Institute’s Graduation Ceremony, Mr Hsu attended the event to witness this gathering where wisdom and compassion converged. He extended his congratulations to all graduates on completing their studies and witnessed the fruitful results of Nan Tien Institute’s long-standing commitment to education and the cultivation of talent.

Following the ceremony, Venerable Man Ko presented Mr Hsu with copies of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book Hsing Yun’s Wisdom, together with a collection of educational resources from the Children’s Mindfulness Programme. These gifts served as meaningful tokens of friendship and connection, leaving a warm and memorable conclusion to a cultural and diplomatic visit filled with Dharma joy.