Ven.Guangquan introducing the origin of Feilai Peak to President of Ireland Michael Daniel Higgins

On December 13, 2014, President of Ireland Michael Daniel Higgins along with more than 40 others visited Lingyin Temple. They had a Buddhist vegetarian meal at the dining hall in Lingyin Temple with Buddhist monks and a firsthand experience of the Buddhist culture in China.

At 11:30 in the morning, Venerable Abbot Guangquan welcomed President Higgins at the front gate of the temple with other Buddhist masters. In front of the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva at the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Venerable Abbot Guangquan introduced to President Higgins that Maitreya Bodhisattva is always smiling to all sentient beings regardless of their religion and it is a symbol of broad mind with compatibility and inclusiveness.

At Liandeng (Lamp) Pavilion, Venerable Abbot Guangquan personally demonstrated the Buddhist dining etiquette and told President Higgins that Buddhist monks should practice the Five Contemplations at meal time and cherish food and labor. Then, President Higgins had a Buddhist vegetarian meal at the dining hall in Lingyin Temple with other Buddhist monks and had a firsthand experience of the traditional Buddhist dining culture as well as the solemn and purified atmosphere when Buddhist monks were chanting sutras at meal time. He also recognized the spirit of self-reflection, appreciation and discernment in a meal.

After the meal at noon, President Higgins burnt incense, paid respect for Buddha and dedicated the merits at the Mahavira Hall with other Buddhist masters of Lingyin Temple, who then showed him around the main halls of the temple, such as the Mahavira Hall and the Hall of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and introduced to him the history and the profound cultural connotation of these halls. Venerable Abbot Guangquan also introduced to President Higgins the routine monastery life of Buddhist monks – Buddhist monks practice Buddhism by attending morning and evening services as well as other Buddhist activities; at the same time Buddhist monks also pray for world peace, and they not only put it into practice but also guide the masses to strive for the same end.

President Higgins expressed his thanks to Venerable Abbot Guangquan and the other Buddhist masters of Lingyin Temple for their warm hospitality. He said that he could see the pursuit of world peace of Buddhism as well as the compatibility and inclusiveness of Buddhism in uniting different cultures. He then expressed his blessings on behalf of the Irish people that Venerable Abbot Guangquan achieves his enlightenment and Lingyin Temple has a prosperous development.

Lastly, a group photo was taken of Venerable Abbot Guangquan and President Higgins to mark the occasion. Venerable Abbot Guangquan presented the gift of an alms bowl and a Buddha statue to President Higgins, which brought a successful close to the event.

Ven.Guangquan personally demonstrating the Buddhist dining etiquette to President Higgins

President Higgins dining with other Buddhist monks at the dining hall

President Higgins dining withother Buddhist monks at the Dining Hall

Heading towards the Mahavira Hall to pay respect for Buddha

President Higgins paying respect for the Buddha

Ven.Guangquan introducing the history and cultural connotation of the Mahavira Hall

An exchange between hosts and guests at Liandeng Pavilion

Ven.Guangquan presenting the gift of an alms bowl to President Higgins

A group photo of the host and the guests