The Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Most Venerable Hsin Bau, visited Fo Guang Shan Christchurch on 23rd September 2024 and held a Dharma Talk titled ‘A Discourse with the Heart’. The Talk was attended by over 200 people, including more than 40 locals. Distinguished guests included Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Madame HE Ying, Abbot of Sri Lanka Samadhi Temple in Christchurch Bhante Soma, President of the New Zealand Buddhist Council Robert Hunt, University of Canterbury Professor Mike Reid, and others. Also present were FGS Oceania Chief Abbess Venerable Manko, FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, President of FGS Benefactor Venerable Manyi, Director of FGS Benefactor Venerable Juechun, and FGS Honorary Benefactors Mr. Ming Tai HUANG and Ms. Dolly TSAI.
This was Most Venerable Hsin Bau’s second visit to FGS Christchurch since 2018 and the attendees were excited and full of anticipation. Most Venerable Hsin Bau used life examples from the Buddha’s time to illustrate that Buddhism is a lively practice, emphasizing the importance of placing people first. He discussed the significance of letting go of attachments and encouraged lifestyle changes to reduce dependence on material possession, which can alleviate inner worries. He highlighted that “true happiness comes from inner peace, not material possessions.”
Most Venerable Hsin Bau quoted the saying “Put down the butcher’s knife and become a Buddha immediately” to illustrate that even in a desperate situation, awakening in one’s heart can lead to liberation through spiritual cultivation. Everyone has the ability to change, as long as it is with good intentions, bright paths will emerge. Spiritual cultivation and self-reflection can transform one’s inner world, improve quality of life and foster better relationships.
Our thoughts change rapidly, even exceeding the speed of light, which complicates our inner world. In this context, cultivating faith in the Dharma and one’s potential are the keys to liberation. In Buddhism, over-focusing on the ‘Self’ is the greatest delusion, leading to greed, anger and ignorance, which cause endless troubles.
Most Venerable Hsin Bau encouraged the public to practice spiritual cultivation to achieve personal awakening. With wisdom, one can navigate changes, overcome difficulties and find liberation. Compassion, inner peace and a pure mind are essential for a fulfilling life. Understanding the concepts of ‘Impermanence’ and ‘Non-self’ helps reveal the true meaning of ‘Emptiness’, which embodies the ‘Joy of the heart, Purity, and Liberation’. Most Venerable Hsin Bao explained that “Empty joy” means that understanding Emptiness, one can let go of attachments to both good and bad experiences.
FGS NZ Abbess Manshin thanked Most Venerable Hsin Bau for sharing the wisdom of Dharma and the true essence of Buddhism with the Christchurch community, encouraging everyone to practice the teachings in their lives. Abbess Manshin shared remarks from Consul General Madame HE Ying, who noted that the Dharma Talk attracted the largest group of Christchurch public that evening, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the teachings. Abbess Manshin presented Master Hsing Yun’s 2025 couplet to Consul General He Ying and gifted Master Hsing Yun’s books to all the local audience.
BLIA South Island expressed gratitude to Most Venerable Hsin Bau for his insightful talk, which was full of Chan wisdom that allowed the public to have a deeper understanding of Buddhism. After the event, the Temple presented each attendee with an apple and a copy of Most Venerable Hsin Bao’s book Morning Insights, wishing everyone the ability to navigate each day with Prajna wisdom.