To inspire children to cultivate kindness and enrich their summer, Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt held a “Three Good Children One-Day Art Camp” on July 5th, with 20 enthusiastic participants. The event blended nature exploration with artistic creation, guiding the children to practice the “Three Good” values of “doing good deeds, speaking good words, and having good intentions” through play and experience, subtly sowing the seeds of Humanistic Buddhism.
The morning session included a visit to the Frankfurt Zoo, accompanied by Fo Guang Shan leaders and youth. The children were able to experience nature, observe animals, and cultivate compassion and respect for life. Teacher Jin Mei, the art instructor, also joined the group, guiding the children to view all things with a caring perspective. The children were delighted, not only broadening their horizons but also learning to interact with the world through kindness and care.
Returning to the temple in the afternoon, they embarked on a rich art program, including painting and traditional Chinese painting. During the painting session, the children painted their zoo experiences with vibrant colors, their creations overflowing with playful playfulness and creativity. For the Chinese painting course, Jin Mei, an artist with a background in fashion and fabric print design and a long-time teacher of Chinese painting and calligraphy, was specially invited to guide the students in exploring ink brushwork and appreciating the beauty of traditional culture. The classroom atmosphere was focused and joyful, as the children unleashed their creativity with each stroke. Their works showcased not only beauty but also the compassionate heart and the spirit of the “Three Goods.”
Venerable Jueyan, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt, encouraged the students, expressing his hope that such educational and entertaining activities would not only provide the children with a fulfilling and joyful summer vacation, but also cultivate positive thinking and strong character from an early age, allowing them to treat others with kindness, view the world with beauty, and integrate the Dharma into their daily lives.
It is worth noting that Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt has held a one-day children’s camp for three consecutive years, each year featuring a different theme, skillfully blending Buddhist education with practical life experiences, and has been highly praised by parents and children. The smooth running of the event was invaluable to the youth team. Three Fo Guang Youth members, Xu Yifan, Xu Yilin, and Liu Yilin, have dedicated themselves selflessly for three consecutive years, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and execution. This has not only honed their own abilities but also served as role models for the “Three Good” virtues in the children’s hearts. The presence of these young people not only symbolizes the continuation of faith but also allows the children to experience the wisdom and warmth of Buddhism at the monastery,
subtly cultivating positive thinking and sound character. At the end of the art camp, the children’s completed works were displayed one by one, creating a heartwarming and touching scene. Jin Mei was deeply moved and said, “The Three Good Children program is very meaningful. The children have brought me so much surprise and joy, and I have learned a lot from teaching
them. In the future, I hope to expand activities such as paper cutting and origami to give the children more room to unleash their creativity.” The “Three Good Children One-Day Art Camp” kicked off the children’s summer vacation with kindness and creativity, injecting new energy into the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism in Germany. In the future, Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt will continue to promote the concept of “Three Good and Four Giving”, spread Buddhism through culture, and cultivate talents through education. We hope that the Buddhist light seedlings will thrive in Germany, be passed down from generation to generation, and illuminate the world.
