On 12th November 2025, the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch Reading Course, organized by Fo Guang New Zealand South Island Humanistic Buddhism Academy, concluded successfully. The course, which began on 19th February, ran for a total of 16 sessions and had 36 participants, including 4 English-speaking individuals. The class was led by Venerable Juexi, the Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Temple.
Venerable Juexi began by introducing the origins of Chan Buddhism and explained the core teachings of the Platform Sutra in a clear and accessible way. The Venerable emphasized that all beings inherently possess Buddha nature, but this pure nature is often obscured by afflictions that cloud the mind. Through diligent practice and the purification of these afflictions, one can reveal their true Buddha nature. The Venerable encouraged everyone to treat themselves kindly and to manage the “beings” within their own minds, as this leads to a joyful and fulfilled life.
At the conclusion of the course, students expressed great joy and shared their deep appreciation for the insights they gained throughout the course. The President of the BLIA South Island, James LOW, served as the on-site translator, helping English-speaking participants benefit from the Dharma teachings. He expressed his gratitude to Venerable Juexi for guiding the group through the scriptures, allowing BLIA members in the Southern Hemisphere to hear the Buddha’s teachings. The translation process deepened his own understanding of the sutras and strengthened his appreciation for the temple’s support, which enabled him to serve the community.
The Subchapter Elder Advisor, Louisa KUO thanked Venerable Juexi for her insightful explanations that allowed students to gain profound understanding. She noted that the Platform Sutra teaches us to understand our own mind. Our Buddha nature is pure, complete and unchanging, yet it is often hidden by confusion and attachments. When we see our true nature, we discover the Buddha within. The goal of practice is to return to this calm and peaceful state of mind. The teachings remind us to let go of endless thoughts, develop wisdom and balance, and live in harmony with the truth of life.
BLIA Committee Lynn TUANMU shared that every class was filled with anticipation, and joy. Venerable Juexi’s ability to explain profound teachings with relatable examples helped clear her doubts and open her heart to greater wisdom and confidence. From the Repentances Chapter, she realised the transformative power of Chan, which transcends time and space. Once we recognise our negative actions such as ignorance, arrogance, deceit, and jealousy, true repentance means not only acknowledging past wrongs but also uprooting their causes so they never arise again.
The BLIA South Island Subchapter 2 President, Donald HE expressed his gratitude to Venerable for the guidance in explaining this inspiring sutra. He noted that in the Transmission of the Dharma chapter, one can deeply feel the compassion of the Sixth Patriarch, Master Hui Neng, who never sought followers but instead urged everyone to look inward and awaken in the present moment. In his last words before passing away, he imparted the purest compassion: a reminder for all beings to never forget the light within themselves. This teaching helped him gradually recognize his own Buddha nature, understand its boundless potential, and fill his heart with Dharma joy.
Students shared that they gained much from the course and looked forward to future sessions to continue learning and practicing to develop wisdom and compassion.