On 19 May 2018, the Graduation Ceremony for the 5th Cohort of Chinese BA and the 2nd Cohort of Basic Monastic Training Course for female laity was held at the Hall of No Form. The Rector, Most Venerable Sik 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 Quan Zhi, the Head of Monastic Training Office Venerable Chuan Kong, the Vice Dean of Nuns Campus Venerable Xian Guang, Class Mentors, esteemed lecturers, students and guests numbering approximately 300 attended this event.
At 9am, the ceremony commenced with prayers for blessings. Afterwards, Most Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng led the public in paying respect and offering flowers and lights to the Buddha, followed by the song of the Triple Gem.
Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng congratulated the students on completing their studies and earning their qualifications. He encouraged the staff and students of BCS in the following aspects. 1. To have good EQ, for it is a marker of how successful a person is; 2. To be grateful, because no man is an island and we all depend on one another’s help; hence to be grateful is to begin shaping one’s character; 3. To learn continuously through diligence and hard work while avoiding arrogance and laziness; 4. To generate Bodhicitta. Whatever difficulties we encounter in our daily life and practice are tests of our resolve and can be easily overcome if Bodhicitta is generated.
Thereafter, the Rector presented certificates to the 12 Chinese BA graduates and the 16 students of the Basic Monastic Training Course. Student representatives Venerable Xing Ding and Ms. Jie Xinyu gave a thank you speech respectively.
At last, graduates led the audience in the chanting of the “Four Great Vows” and dedicating merits. And the ceremony ended with a group photo taking session.
