2025-09-30 — Fo Guang Shan Miami Partners with Florida International University to Open a New Chapter in Humanistic Buddhism Exchange.

On the morning of September 30, Venerable Ru Yuan, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Miami, together with Supervisor Zhao Guanglong, President Yenhua Deng, and two other representatives, visited Florida International University (FIU). They were warmly received by Dr. Shlomi Dinar, Dean of the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, Associate Dean Pedro D. Botta, and Director of the Asian Studies Center Jin Zeng.

The visit primarily focused on discussions regarding the upcoming donation ceremony of the complete works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, scheduled for early 2026. During the meeting, Associate Dean Botta expressed special thanks to Tian Yuanhao, a Chinese international student and member of the Miami Chapter, who helped facilitate the event. Tian noted that the complete works are both insightful and of high scholarly value, and that it was an honor to bring Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom to higher education institutions in South Florida.

Both parties explored future collaboration plans, including the use and placement of the complete works in relevant departments, as well as potential shared university resources. Supervisor Zhao Guanglong offered to donate a Bodhi tree, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom through the partnership between Humanistic Buddhism and FIU. Pedro Botta expressed strong support, noting that this aligns with the school’s “Green School incorporate with humanity” philosophy, and confirmed continued support for collaborative initiatives and follow-up projects.

The Department of Religious Studies praised Fo Guang Shan’s long-standing efforts in promoting Buddhist art and culture, and invited the Chapter to engage in further exchange. Department Chair Erik Larson noted that unlike Europe, North America does not have a rich and diverse religious history, and religion has a limited influence on daily life. He hopes that religious courses can help students understand that the meaning of life lies in people, experiences, and community connections, rather than wealth or status.

Venerable Ru Yuan shared that Master Hsing Yun once said that Humanistic Buddhist temples are like “rest stops on life’s journey.” The collaboration between the university and the monastery provides students with hands-on experiences of world religions, such as tea-zen practice, cultivating mindfulness, and experiencing Buddhist rituals, allowing the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism to naturally manifest on campus. Assistant Professor Sasha Restifo expressed great interest in tea-zen and mindfulness cultural activities and looked forward to future course collaborations.

Additionally, at the invitation of Miriam Machado, Acting Director of the FIU Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, Venerable Ru Yuan, Supervisor Mei Hanzheng, and Sophie Sun Anderson visited the museum the following day to discuss collaboration for an exhibition of Master Hsing Yun’s “One-Stroke Calligraphy.” Sophie Sun Anderson introduced the concept of “One-Stroke Calligraphy”, sharing Master Hsing Yun’s words: “Don’t just look at my writing—look at my heart.” The profound appeal of this art lies not only in its calligraphy but also in the life journey and infinite compassionate wisdom of a great master.

This return visit strengthened the interaction between Fo Guang Shan and FIU, laying a foundation for cross-cultural research and higher education collaboration. Through the integration of art, culture, and education, Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhist wisdom continues to shine on international campuses, spreading blessings of compassion and wisdom to more people.