L O N D O N

F O
G U A N G
S H A N
T E M P L E
Sakyamuni Buddha is the historical founder of Bud-
dhism. Originally named Prince Siddhartha Gauta-
ma, he was born in 623 B.C. in ancient India. During
childhood, the Prince led a pampered life sheltered
from the worlds miseries. As a young man, he was
at last allowed to venture from the palace where he
witnessed the disturbing fact of sufferings in life: old
age, sickness and death. Realising that all worldly
pleasures are impermanent, Prince Siddhartha re-
nounced his crown and family, and embarked on his
journey to seek the truth. Finally, after six years, during a deep medi-
tation underneath a bodhi tree, he attained Supreme Enlightenment
and became the Buddha. Buddha shared his teachings so that oth-
ers could also discover the path to end all suffering. Over forty-nine
years, he travelled extensively throughout India to deliver his teach-
ings, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, to
people in all walks of life. He founded an order of monks and nuns,
known as the Sangha, to deliver his teachings.
Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva embodies
mercy and compassion. Widely known as Guan Yin in
Chinese, which is short for Guanshiyin, translates as,
Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World. In her
bodhisattva vows, Guan Yin pledges to answer the cries
and pleas of all beings that call upon her name.
Amitabha Buddha is referred to as The Buddha of
Infnite Light in the Mahayana school of Buddhism.
While cultivating the path of Buddhahood, he vowed
to create a world without sufferings and impurities.
His Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss shows us
an example of an alternative world of unparalleled
beauty and serenity. It is this Western Pure Land that
many Buddhists aspire to enter upon when leaving
this life.
Ksitigarbha (Di Zang) Bodhisattva is revered for
his vow to liberate all beings from the lower realms.
Entrusted by Sakyamuni Buddha to alleviate people
from their worries and guiding them to enlightenment,
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has a deep relationship with
living beings of the earth and watches over those who
have passed away. Usually depicted as a monk, he
carries a jingle staff in his left hand and holds a wish-
granting jewel in his right hand. The staff is used to
alert insects and small animals. The wish-fulflling jew-
el symbolises the lighting up of darkness in this world.
Bhaisajyaguru is commonly referred to as the Medi-
cine Buddha in the Mahayana school of Buddhism.
He is described as a doctor who cures the spiritual
ills and sufferings from using the medicine of his
teachings. The Medicine Buddhas Eastern Pure
Land of Crystal Radiance depicts a land of health
and harmony. This is another Pure Land where Bud-
dhists aspire to enter upon when leaving this life.
Regular Activities ** Timetable
** All Chanting are in Mandarin Chinese with Pinyin Sutras provided.
Post-Chanting Sermons are in Mandarin Chinese with English Translation.
Opening hours:
Saturdays & Sundays: 9:30AM - 5:00PM
Mondays to Thursdays: 9:30AM - 12:00NOON;
12:40PM - 5:00PM
Fridays: Closed all day
London Fo Guang Shan Temple
84 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TD.
Tel: +44 (0) 207 636 8394 Fax: +44 (0) 207 580 6220
Website: www.londonfgs.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Registered Charity Name: International Buddhist Progress Society UK
Registered Charity Number: 1023575
Li-Bu-Wei Buddha (statue in blue robe): East. He represents
confdence and fearlessness. His mudra (hands gesture)
symbolises reconciliation and comfort.
Tuo-Pao Buddha (statue in red robe): Centre. He represents
spiritual wealth and prosperity. His mudra symbolises unity.
Amitabha Buddha (statue in yellow robe): West. He represents
infnite light and boundless life. His mudra symbolises con-
centration.
Gan-Lu-Wang Buddha (statue in green robe): North. He rep-
resents peace and purity. His mudra symbolises courage and
serenity.
Miao-Se-Shen Buddha (statue in white robe): South. He rep-
resents inner beauty and dignity. His mudra symbolises total
enlightenment.
Every month
1
st
Sunday
Every month
2
nd
Sunday
Every month
4
th
Sunday
Every month
5
th
Sunday
Lunar New Moon &
Full Moon
Every month - 3
rd
Sunday
Chanting & Birthday Celebration
1:30PM - 3:30PM
Chanting of Amitabha Sutra &
Meditation - 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Chanting of Diamond Sutra
1:30PM - 3:30PM
Chanting of Great Compassionate
Mantra - 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Light Offering Service
10:30AM - 12:30PM
Meditation - 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Who we are
Established in 1992, London Fo Guang Shan Temple
is an active centre of Buddhist worship and teaching
in the Mahayana tradition. It is one of the 200 world-
wide branches of Fo Guang Shan Monastery founded
in Taiwan by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967.
The Temple propagates the Dharma (Buddhist
teachings) of Humanistic Buddhism advocated by the
Venerable Master. Humanistic Buddhism is a modern
Buddhist philosophy. Its goal is to live the Bodhisat-
tva way. Bodhisattvas are energetic and enlightened
beings who strive to help us liberate ourselves. Hu-
manistic Buddhism places strong emphasis on mak-
ing Buddhism relevant in contemporary society by
bringing it into all aspects of our daily lives.
In the same year, the Buddhas Light Interna-
tional Association (BLIA), London was born. This is a
Lay Buddhists group also formed by Venerable Mas-
ter Hsing Yun for lay practitioners to join in the propa-
gation of the Buddhas teachings under the guidance
of monastics. The BLIA headquarter is in Los Angeles,
California, USA. In every temple of Fo Guang Shan in
the world there is a BLIA chapter within it to assist the
temple in spreading the Dharma.
Where we are
London Fo Guang Shan Temple aspires to create a
Pure Land on Earth.
Housed in a Grade II* listed building, London
Fo Guang Shan Temple is a remarkable example of
High Victorian polychromatic architecture by one of the
UKs most signifcant Victorian architects, William But-
terfeld. Only a few minutes away from Oxford Street,
the Temple provides a sanctuary from the stresses of
urban life. Spanning four foors, the Temple consists
of the Main Shrine, two additional Shrines for Avalok-
itesvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva and for Ksitigarbha
(Di Zang) Bodhisattva, a meditation hall, a refectory,
and a library.
What we do
Over two decades, London Fo Guang Shan Temple
and its affliated association have actively fulflled their
role in spreading the Dharma of Humanistic Buddhism
based on the four principles initiated by the Venerable
Master:
1. Propagating Dharma through Cultural Activities.
2. Fostering Talent through Education.
3. Benefting Society through Philanthropic
Programmes.
4. Purifying Human Hearts and Minds through
Buddhist Practices.

Cultural Activities. The annual Buddhas Birthday
celebration at popular landmarks such as Leicester
Square enables the Temple to reach out to the wider
public by sharing the joy and signifcance behind the
ritual of Bathing the Buddha. Offcially registered
to perform marriage ceremonies, London Fo Guang
Shan Temple has conducted Bodhi Couple Ceremo-
nies for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Education. There are Sutra Study Groups and Bud-
dhism Classes for adults and Little Bodhi Garden
(Sunday school) for kids. Seminars such as Medita-
tion and Life and Faith vs. Environmental Protection
have been organised to further our understanding of
Buddhism and raise awareness of topical issues.
Philanthropy. As a UK registered charity under IBPS
UK, the Temple and its lay arm participate in local
community projects such as visits to elderly homes.
The creation of Fo Guang Grove in Theydon Bois
Woods was the result of a 3-year tree-planting project
with the Woodland Trust as part of both the Temples
and BLIA Londons contribution towards greening
the environment.
Buddhist Practices. Regular services aside, the
Temple organises Dharma Functions and retreats.
These activities give devotees the opportunity to
practise intensively with fellow Buddhists as well
as improving our spiritual practice under the close
guidance of Venerables of diverse experience.
Buddhism encourages the cultivation of good
relationships with others
We, at the Temple, apply the Fo Guang motto of
offer confdence, offer joy, offer hope and
offer convenience.
Fellow Buddhists always look forward to introducing
our services and activities to you.
Resident Venerables are available to offer pastoral
care and spiritual guidance on specifc questions
based on the teachings of the Buddha himself.
Or, you can simply drop in to have a moment of
peace and refect.
The 4 verses of Fo Guang Shan:
May palms in every world be joined in Kindness, Compassion,
Joy & Generosity
May all beings fnd security in Friendship, Peace & Loving Care
May calm & mindful practice give rise to Deep patience &
Equanimity
May we give rise to Spacious Hearts & Humble Thoughts of
Gratitude
Venerable Master Hsing Yun
London Fo Guang Shan Temple