Groundbreaking ceremony of the University for Life and Peace reveals its vision, receiving blessings and recognition from Myanmar government
In May, the Ling Jiou Mountain University of Life and Peace (ULP) held a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony in Bago, Myanmar. The event was graced by the presence of 18 eminent monks and venerable teachers, including Dr. Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa; Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gandhama, the 97-year-old chief guiding elder master and head of Bago Myoma Buddhist Monastery; and the guiding elder master of Jikhawun Monastery in Bago City, along with other renowned monks from various temples. Local residents and devotees also attended the ceremony, with nearly a hundred people witnessing this solemn moment together.
Dr. Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa, along with all the elder monks, presided over the blessing ceremony, chanting scriptures and performing purification rites. The national teacher gave a compassionate Dharma talk and led the water-pouring dedication ceremony. A donation ceremony was also held, expressing gratitude to benefactors including 吳撤尼內敦, the CEO of the Phone Thabar Company Limited, and another follower 吳覺覺 for their donations towards the first phase of the ULP construction and its ongoing development, supporting the long-lasting presence and increasing awareness of Buddha Dharma. On behalf of Master Hsin Tao, Master Hengming and Master Baoshan of the LJM scattered golden and silver "rain" in the form of small denomination bills, popcorn, candy, and corn, symbolizing the sharing of blessings with others. The atmosphere at the event was warm and joyful.
Groundbreaking ceremony marks a new beginning, with a vegetarian feast to pray for the project's successful completion
During the purification ceremony, the national teacher gave a compassionate Dharma talk with a joyful heart. He mentioned that Master Hsin Tao, the founding abbot of the LJM, was born in Myanmar and has always been deeply connected to the country. In 1994, Master Hsin Tao received the Theravada threefold full ordination directly from Pandita Sayadaw U Kottala, the chairman of the Sangha Committee of Yangon Division, becoming a senior monk in Theravada Buddhism. Since then, Master Hsin Tao has diligently practiced the austere and disciplined way of Theravada Buddhism. In Lashi, he founded the Great Compassion Garden Monastery and Nongman Novitiate School. The campus includes a main hall, an ordination platform, classrooms, and dormitories, providing an excellent learning and living environment for more than 400 novice monks.
Since Master Hsin Tao decided to establish the Life and Peace University in Myanmar in 2019, the journey has been fraught with many setbacks and challenges. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the plan. Master Hsin Tao practices vegetarianism as part of his spiritual discipline, and his disciples and followers adhere to this practice as well. In Buddhism, vegetarianism is regarded as a way to purify the body. Theravada Buddhism also has many renowned vegetarian practitioners, such as Thamanya Sayadaw and Kone Lone Sayadaw, who have designated their practice areas as vegetarian zones.
The campus of the ULP will undoubtedly become a zone for vegetarian practice in the future. The compassionate commitment to vegetarianism will accumulate merit, ensuring that all endeavors receive the protection of Dharma guardians. Master Hsin Tao called on everyone to adopt vegetarianism in the ULP campus to purify their body and mind. This practice can enhance individual spiritual cultivation and create a harmonious and peaceful environment, allowing everyone to accumulate merit together. With the compassionate power of vegetarianism, it is believed that the numerous challenges in establishing the university can be overcome, leading to the project's timely and successful completion.
Well planned themed areas hopes to foster monastic talent and attracting new connections
Master Heng Ming unveiled that the ULP is currently planning five major areas: the Sacred Area, the University of Peace Campus, the Peace Ecological Zone, the Organic Farm Zone, and the Spiritual Ecological Park. The Sacred Area and the University of Peace Campus bear the responsibility of preserving and passing on the Dharma and welcoming newcomers. The Sacred Area, centered around a place for meditation practice, provides a tranquil and expansive space for meditation. In the future, it will host meditation activities periodically, giving more people the opportunity to engage in practicing meditation.
The University of Peace Campus encompasses three types of education: higher education at the ULP, Buddhist education, and vocational education. The aim is to cultivate diverse talents with an international perspective, ecological awareness, professional skills, and Buddhist principles. These individuals will undertake the mission of spreading Buddha Dharma and are expected to become a key force in advancing Myanmar's development in the future.
The Peace Ecological Zone, located alongside a highway, features the statues of Peace Buddha and Peaceful Reclining Buddha. These majestic statues aim to propagate the profound teachings of Buddha and attract more people to learn about the faith. Additionally, the zone includes the ULP exhibition area, a thematic sculpture park, and a herbal plant garden. By integrating spiritual and religious education with art and aesthetics, the zone seeks to inspire deep reflection. Visitors can find profound resonance and inspiration within this creative environment, experience the philosophy of the University, and understand the essence of spiritual ecology.
The organic farm area project aims to transform previously abandoned fields into areas for cultivating high-value organic crops. Basic processing of agricultural products will be conducted and promoted to various regions, thereby increasing farm income and improving residents' quality of life. The spiritual ecological park area possesses vast forest resources and gentle terrain, making it suitable for planning as a forest park. It allows people to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature, connecting with the earth through their senses.
Tokyo University graduate participates in the ULP campus planning, aiming to improve local microclimate
This time, Master Hsin Tao specially invited Dr. Chan Feng-Chun, the first female arborist in Taiwan and a graduate from the University of Tokyo, to participate in the planning of the ULP campus. Dr. Chan possesses expertise in landscape, forest, and soil planning. She is actively involved in soil remediation work, addressing problems at their root and improving local soil quality.
According to data provided by Relay Weather at the end of April, the temperature in the Chauk area of Myanmar soared to 48.2 degrees Celsius, ranking it as the hottest city in the world, showcasing the extreme heat in the region. Master Heng Ming pointed out that with the completion of the construction of the ULP, it is hoped that academic and economic development in the area will be promoted, and the local microclimate improved. By planting trees to increase greenery, introducing cool breezes and water flow, and reducing temperatures, efforts aim to alleviate the extreme heat of summer in Myanmar, allowing future residents of the area to enjoy a comfortable living environment.
Master Heng Ming has been involved in the establishment of the Naung Mon School of Sramaneras in Myanmar since 2016, witnessing the changes of the country since 2010. During this period, investments from international corporations and large manufacturers have significantly strengthened infrastructure, particularly in the advancement of network communication technology. Despite recent political turmoil affecting social stability, Myanmar's education system is gradually improving, with a significant increase in literacy rates and a more refined scholarship system. More people are actively applying, achieving the goal of encouraging education, the master observed.
The master also shared her experience in running the Naung Mon School of Sramaneras and the future development plans for the ULP as a monastic college. To cultivate Sangha talents with an international perspective and modern skills, the academy focuses on three core areas: propagation, management, and education. In terms of propagation, modern tools such as presentation software and word processing software are utilized to impart basic skills. Moreover, innovative methods of propagation are employed to engage with the younger generation effectively.
Management talents need to possess skills in administration, finance, and related areas. With the increasing specialization in the field of education, modern monks must also learn to simplify Buddhist terminology, design systematic and structured courses, and even organize camps. By adopting more diverse and dynamic methods to promote Dharma, these have become essential skills for contemporary monks.
Master Heng Ming also mentioned that although Myanmar is currently experiencing some instability, she believes that nonprofit organizations should focus on helping impoverished areas to spread Dharma and benefit all sentient beings. Master Hsin Tao has a deep emotional connection to his homeland in Myanmar, the monastic academy can make meaningful contributions here, said Master Heng Ming.
The groundbreaking purification and blessing ceremony was successfully completed, symbolizing the culmination of years of effort and persistence by Master Hsin Tao. The blessings from eminent monks in Myanmar highlight the Myanmar government's support for the ULP project and recognize Master Hsin Tao's long-term contributions to the region. The planning of the ULP campus, from nurturing monastic talent to attracting new connections, is comprehensive. This also provides an excellent platform to showcase Master Hsin Tao's vision of spiritual ecology. Looking ahead, it is believed that this university will become a cradle for nurturing leaders of peace and compassion.
Dr. Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa, along with all the elder monks, presided over the blessing ceremony, chanting scriptures and performing purification rites. The national teacher gave a compassionate Dharma talk and led the water-pouring dedication ceremony. A donation ceremony was also held, expressing gratitude to benefactors including 吳撤尼內敦, the CEO of the Phone Thabar Company Limited, and another follower 吳覺覺 for their donations towards the first phase of the ULP construction and its ongoing development, supporting the long-lasting presence and increasing awareness of Buddha Dharma. On behalf of Master Hsin Tao, Master Hengming and Master Baoshan of the LJM scattered golden and silver "rain" in the form of small denomination bills, popcorn, candy, and corn, symbolizing the sharing of blessings with others. The atmosphere at the event was warm and joyful.
Groundbreaking ceremony marks a new beginning, with a vegetarian feast to pray for the project's successful completion
During the purification ceremony, the national teacher gave a compassionate Dharma talk with a joyful heart. He mentioned that Master Hsin Tao, the founding abbot of the LJM, was born in Myanmar and has always been deeply connected to the country. In 1994, Master Hsin Tao received the Theravada threefold full ordination directly from Pandita Sayadaw U Kottala, the chairman of the Sangha Committee of Yangon Division, becoming a senior monk in Theravada Buddhism. Since then, Master Hsin Tao has diligently practiced the austere and disciplined way of Theravada Buddhism. In Lashi, he founded the Great Compassion Garden Monastery and Nongman Novitiate School. The campus includes a main hall, an ordination platform, classrooms, and dormitories, providing an excellent learning and living environment for more than 400 novice monks.
Since Master Hsin Tao decided to establish the Life and Peace University in Myanmar in 2019, the journey has been fraught with many setbacks and challenges. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the plan. Master Hsin Tao practices vegetarianism as part of his spiritual discipline, and his disciples and followers adhere to this practice as well. In Buddhism, vegetarianism is regarded as a way to purify the body. Theravada Buddhism also has many renowned vegetarian practitioners, such as Thamanya Sayadaw and Kone Lone Sayadaw, who have designated their practice areas as vegetarian zones.
The campus of the ULP will undoubtedly become a zone for vegetarian practice in the future. The compassionate commitment to vegetarianism will accumulate merit, ensuring that all endeavors receive the protection of Dharma guardians. Master Hsin Tao called on everyone to adopt vegetarianism in the ULP campus to purify their body and mind. This practice can enhance individual spiritual cultivation and create a harmonious and peaceful environment, allowing everyone to accumulate merit together. With the compassionate power of vegetarianism, it is believed that the numerous challenges in establishing the university can be overcome, leading to the project's timely and successful completion.
Well planned themed areas hopes to foster monastic talent and attracting new connections
Master Heng Ming unveiled that the ULP is currently planning five major areas: the Sacred Area, the University of Peace Campus, the Peace Ecological Zone, the Organic Farm Zone, and the Spiritual Ecological Park. The Sacred Area and the University of Peace Campus bear the responsibility of preserving and passing on the Dharma and welcoming newcomers. The Sacred Area, centered around a place for meditation practice, provides a tranquil and expansive space for meditation. In the future, it will host meditation activities periodically, giving more people the opportunity to engage in practicing meditation.
The University of Peace Campus encompasses three types of education: higher education at the ULP, Buddhist education, and vocational education. The aim is to cultivate diverse talents with an international perspective, ecological awareness, professional skills, and Buddhist principles. These individuals will undertake the mission of spreading Buddha Dharma and are expected to become a key force in advancing Myanmar's development in the future.
The Peace Ecological Zone, located alongside a highway, features the statues of Peace Buddha and Peaceful Reclining Buddha. These majestic statues aim to propagate the profound teachings of Buddha and attract more people to learn about the faith. Additionally, the zone includes the ULP exhibition area, a thematic sculpture park, and a herbal plant garden. By integrating spiritual and religious education with art and aesthetics, the zone seeks to inspire deep reflection. Visitors can find profound resonance and inspiration within this creative environment, experience the philosophy of the University, and understand the essence of spiritual ecology.
The organic farm area project aims to transform previously abandoned fields into areas for cultivating high-value organic crops. Basic processing of agricultural products will be conducted and promoted to various regions, thereby increasing farm income and improving residents' quality of life. The spiritual ecological park area possesses vast forest resources and gentle terrain, making it suitable for planning as a forest park. It allows people to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature, connecting with the earth through their senses.
Tokyo University graduate participates in the ULP campus planning, aiming to improve local microclimate
This time, Master Hsin Tao specially invited Dr. Chan Feng-Chun, the first female arborist in Taiwan and a graduate from the University of Tokyo, to participate in the planning of the ULP campus. Dr. Chan possesses expertise in landscape, forest, and soil planning. She is actively involved in soil remediation work, addressing problems at their root and improving local soil quality.
According to data provided by Relay Weather at the end of April, the temperature in the Chauk area of Myanmar soared to 48.2 degrees Celsius, ranking it as the hottest city in the world, showcasing the extreme heat in the region. Master Heng Ming pointed out that with the completion of the construction of the ULP, it is hoped that academic and economic development in the area will be promoted, and the local microclimate improved. By planting trees to increase greenery, introducing cool breezes and water flow, and reducing temperatures, efforts aim to alleviate the extreme heat of summer in Myanmar, allowing future residents of the area to enjoy a comfortable living environment.
Master Heng Ming has been involved in the establishment of the Naung Mon School of Sramaneras in Myanmar since 2016, witnessing the changes of the country since 2010. During this period, investments from international corporations and large manufacturers have significantly strengthened infrastructure, particularly in the advancement of network communication technology. Despite recent political turmoil affecting social stability, Myanmar's education system is gradually improving, with a significant increase in literacy rates and a more refined scholarship system. More people are actively applying, achieving the goal of encouraging education, the master observed.
The master also shared her experience in running the Naung Mon School of Sramaneras and the future development plans for the ULP as a monastic college. To cultivate Sangha talents with an international perspective and modern skills, the academy focuses on three core areas: propagation, management, and education. In terms of propagation, modern tools such as presentation software and word processing software are utilized to impart basic skills. Moreover, innovative methods of propagation are employed to engage with the younger generation effectively.
Management talents need to possess skills in administration, finance, and related areas. With the increasing specialization in the field of education, modern monks must also learn to simplify Buddhist terminology, design systematic and structured courses, and even organize camps. By adopting more diverse and dynamic methods to promote Dharma, these have become essential skills for contemporary monks.
Master Heng Ming also mentioned that although Myanmar is currently experiencing some instability, she believes that nonprofit organizations should focus on helping impoverished areas to spread Dharma and benefit all sentient beings. Master Hsin Tao has a deep emotional connection to his homeland in Myanmar, the monastic academy can make meaningful contributions here, said Master Heng Ming.
The groundbreaking purification and blessing ceremony was successfully completed, symbolizing the culmination of years of effort and persistence by Master Hsin Tao. The blessings from eminent monks in Myanmar highlight the Myanmar government's support for the ULP project and recognize Master Hsin Tao's long-term contributions to the region. The planning of the ULP campus, from nurturing monastic talent to attracting new connections, is comprehensive. This also provides an excellent platform to showcase Master Hsin Tao's vision of spiritual ecology. Looking ahead, it is believed that this university will become a cradle for nurturing leaders of peace and compassion.