On 5th November, Fo Guang Shan Christchurch held a Dharma lecture presented by Venerable Manchien, Director of the FGS Overseas Supervisory Council. The Dharma Talk titled Reading the Avatamsaka Sutra – A Journey into the Infinite World of Interconnectedness, introduced the Sutra’s teachings on the interconnectedness of all things and harmony without obstacles. Nearly 100 participants attended in person and online, including Abbess Manshin of FGS New Zealand, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, BLIA South Island President James LOW and BLIA members.
Venerable Manchien used clouds and water as metaphors for life. Clouds symbolised freedom and adaptability, while water represented gentleness, acceptance and nourishment. Together, they reflected a journey towards a deeper understanding of life. Through the Avatamsaka Sutra, participants were encouraged to learn from the Buddha’s wisdom and gain a broader perspective on life and the world.
Venerable Manchien also explained the structure of the 80-volume sutra through four stages of practice: Faith, Understanding, Practice and Realisation. The journey began with developing faith, followed by understanding and practising the teachings through the Bodhisattva path and eventually realising the Truth of the Dharma through personal experience.
To explain the Sutra’s core teaching of interconnectedness and harmony without obstacles, Venerable Manchien introduced the example of Indra’s Net. Each jewel in the net reflected all the other jewels, symbolising how everything in the universe is interconnected through causes and conditions. This illustrates how our achievements depend on others and how even a single kind thought can make a positive difference in society.
Venerable Manchien further introduced the teachings of One flower contains an entire world and One is all, all is one. Understanding dependent origination encouraged people to let go of conflict and practise respect, acceptance and gratitude, helping to create a Pure Land in this world.
Speaking about the Bodhisattva path, Venerable quoted the Avatamsaka Sutra: At the first awakening of the Bodhi mind, enlightenment is attained. Venerable also referred to Sudhana’s journey of visiting 53 spiritual teachers in search of wisdom and emphasised the importance of developing the Bodhi mind. Although the aspiration begins with a single thought, it holds unlimited potential. Every kind thought brings light, while every act of service and generosity enriches our lives and broadens our understanding.
Venerable Manchien also highlighted how Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, brought his teachings into families, communities and society through culture, education, charity and interfaith exchange. It encouraged mutual respect, understanding and harmony among people of different cultures and backgrounds. The Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings offer practical ways to apply the Sutra’s teachings in everyday life.
Venerable Manchien recalled the early challenges of establishing FGS Christchurch and was delighted to see how the Water Drop Teahouse and FGY Art Gallery had become spaces for cultural activities, Dharma propagation and community engagement, thanks to the collective efforts of many supporters.
Abbess Manshin thanked Venerable Manchien for returning to Christchurch after 20 years and deepening participants’ understanding of the Dharma. Everyone was encouraged to embrace the wisdom of non-obstruction between principle and phenomena and apply the Dharma in daily life to cultivate greater wisdom. Venerable Juexi also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather and learn from Venerable Manchien, strengthening participants’ faith and wisdom.
