To cultivate the right understanding and proper views among Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members and deepen faith development, the BLIA North Island Chapter NZ held its first Humanistic Buddhism Seminar on 16th March 2025. Sixty participants—including President Yulin KU, committee members and YAD members participated in the session.
The seminar invited Guiding Venerable，Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, to deliver teachings based on The Buddha’s Original Intent of Humanistic Buddhism – My Understanding and Realisation of Humanistic Buddhism by Fo Guang Shan’s Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. BLIA North Island Supervisor and Lay Dharma Lecturer Lintao YU also guided reflection through thought-provoking questions on the practice, sacredness, transmission and influence of Humanistic Buddhism.
Abbess Manshin emphasised that BLIA members are truly blessed. Over 2,600 years ago, the Buddha established 84,000 Dharma ways to guide sentient beings. Through Venerable Master’s insights in the book, practitioners are reminded of the Buddha’s original intention. Faith in Humanistic Buddhism centres on personal growth and accountability—affirming I am a Buddha and upholding the principle of relying on oneself, relying on the Dharma and not relying on others.
Abbess further explained that the essence of Humanistic Buddhism lies in harmony, not opposition. All beings are interconnected; there is no division between self and others. The Buddha’s enlightenment on dependent origination and the Middle Way represents the core Truth of Humanistic Buddhism. The book also highlights that Humanistic Buddhism embraces the complexity and diversity of faith, making it a spiritual path for all humanity. Life is a continuous cycle—like the clock ticking—where death and rebirth give rise to hope and future possibilities.
Advisor Jennifer LIANG expressed her hope that all BLIA members will continue striving diligently, cultivating wisdom and eloquence to ensure the longevity of the wise teachings in this world. Subchapter President Eric Chang shared that personal cultivation must be grounded in the Dharma, using the Threefold Training—morality, concentration and wisdom—to counter the poisons of greed, anger and ignorance. He encouraged everyone to aim for daily improvement.
Committee member Sara DING noted that in a fast-evolving society driven by technology, adhering to the principles of the true Dharma is essential for inner peace. Member LIN Xi shared that through listening to the teachings and understanding the meaning of dependent origination and emptiness, one can gradually eliminate greed, anger and ignorance. She reflected that the strength of faith can be utilised to achieve everything we strive for in this world.