We invite you on a three-month spiritual journey!
Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts (HALA) is a temple stay and study program open to those who want to learn a new way of life, to take a break from the world, and to cultivate spiritually, whatever religious background they
are from.
HALA aims at creating the right environment for people seeking to gain spiritual experience through living a simple life.
Program
The program of every batch is being tailored to meet the needs and background specifics of participants. General studies include:
- Buddhist classes: introduction to Buddhism, Buddhist etiquette, attitude to eminent monks, study of Fo Guang Shan, semi-monastic life experience
- Spiritual training: meditation, Chan lifestyle, Buddhist practice, EQ
- Language and arts: Chinese Mandarin, Chinese culture and arts, taiji martial arts
- Communal chores: washing clothes and dishes, gardening, vegetarian cooking, cleaning
Details
Humanistic Academy of Life and Arts takes place twice a year: four-month program starting in April, and three-month program starting in September. Each batch is formed of up to 15 pre-screened applicants, who are entitled to a full scholarship covering vegetarian meals and boarding in the temple.
Traditional venue for the Academy is FGS Yuan Thong Temple in Bacolod City, which might be alternatively interchanged with FGS Mabuhay Temple in Manila. Depending on organizers, outstanding students might get an opportunity to visit Fo Guang Shan main monastery in Taiwan.
Schedule
For the year 2013, the following schedule is valid:
- Batch 7, April 15 to August 15
- Batch 8, September 15 to December 20
