The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island held its 2024 Oceania Buddhism Examination on October 19, 2024, with nearly 40 participants, including three dedicated students from the English Study Group. This year’s exam focused on Master Hsing Yun’s publication The Diamond Sutra – The Secrets of Achievement. The examination was conducted in either paper or online submission in an open-book format.
Participants approached the exam with seriousness and full concentration. Some members collaborated in groups to answer the questions. After the examination, seven candidates achieved full marks and were awarded by the Minister-in-Charge of FGS Christchurch, Venerable Juexi, Venerable Hsin Bau’s latest book The Ancient Echoes: Listening to the Āgama and the English version of Master Hsing Yun’s book Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple.
BLIA South Island Senior Advisor Louisa Kuo who took the examination online in Taiwan emphasized that the 395 volumes of The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun reflect Master’s compassionate aspirations, and through this exam, BLIA members worldwide would be able to awaken their wisdom. She stressed that BLIA members should not only study the scriptures but also practice Buddha’s teachings and diligently serve the public.
Deirdre Johns, an English-speaking member participating in the examination for the first time, shared that reviewing beforehand helped her better understand the material and expressed her intention to allocate more time in future for preparation so as to enhance her confidence during the exam. BLIA South Island member, Ricky WANG, valued the opportunity to participate in this Buddhism Examination as it motivated him to delve deeper into the scriptures, thereby improving his understanding of Buddhism. Christchurch YAD member Tianna ZHANG, acknowledged the pressure of participating in the examination but, at the same time, appreciated the opportunity, through this exam, to assess her understanding of Buddhist teachings.
Venerable Juexi encouraged everyone, stating that the significance of the examination was not in the scores, but in the joy of studying the Buddhist literature and cultivating wisdom. She hoped that through learning the wisdom of “Emptiness” in the Diamond Sutra, participants would be able to comprehend the connections of “cause and effect”, positively elevate ones knowledge and views to achieve a happy and peaceful life.