On 19 May 2016, the first Master of Arts Graduation Ceremony was held in Buddhist College of Singapore (BCS). Rector Venerable Kwang Sheng, Vice-Rectors Venerable Dr. Chuan Sheng and Venerable Chuan Hou, the Dean of Academic Affairs Office Venerable Chuan Xiong, the Head of Admin Office Venerable Chuan Deng, the Head of Monastic Training Office Venerable Quan Zhi, staff, students, and guests approximating 200 people attended this event.
The ceremony began with paying respect and offering flower to the Buddha, followed by the chanting of Heart Sutra. The Rector then gave a speech congratulating the students on getting their M.A. qualifications after 7 years of diligent study here in the prime of their lives. Although conditions were not as conducive initially, the new campus is now fully operational, ushering in a brighter future.
The Rector mentioned that the late President of Buddhist Association of China once said, the first mission of Buddhism is education, the second is education, and likewise the third. The success of Singapore cannot be departed from the cultivation of a qualified workforce. It is the same in Buddhism. In addition, the Rector also emphasized the importance of gratitude and highlighted the three causes of failure – lavishness, complacency, and pride – as encapsulated in a Chinese saying. Students in BCS come from different sects of Buddhism, but ultimately everyone is the son of Shakyamuni Buddha, shouldering the responsibility to propagate Buddhism. Life can be tough sometimes, but it can test and develop one’s ability to overcome it. In conclusion, the Rector said BCS is always the alma mater to the students, and he wished students all the best in their future.
Thereafter, the Rector presented the certificates to 7 Chinese MA graduates and 4 English MA graduates. Student representatives Venerable Zhi Guang and Venerable Yin Bao gave a thank you speech respectively. The ceremony ended with a group photo taking. Finally, a sumptuous lunch was served in honor of the guests and in appreciation of their wonderful support.
