The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) New Zealand South Island Chapter hosted the exam center for the 2022 Global Buddhism Exam Led by Fo Guang Shan New Zealand Abbess Venerable Manshin and Venerable Juexi, 38 BLIA members and officials from around New Zealand participated in the exam on 28th August, along with over 50,000 participants worldwide. While 17 examinees took the exam at the temple, the rest of the participants took the exam remotely from their homes, including BLIA South Island President Bernie, Deputy Presidents James and Zhang Dong, and first chapter Senior advisor Ming Yuan Kuo.
Despite the challenges posed by technology, BLIA members, especially the elderly, made a great effort to participate in the exam. The elders, with the help of younger BLIA members, overcame technological barriers to complete their exams. Some mothers and daughters helped each other during the exam, while others used magnifying glasses to read the test questions. When participants encountered difficult questions, BLIA members provided them with explanations and encouragement. The exam was completed in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, with everyone supporting and helping one another.
Those who took the exam at the temple were happy to return to the home of wisdom and complete their exams alongside fellow BLIA members. They appreciated the immediate assistance they received when encountering difficult questions, which allowed them to solve problems more quickly than if they had taken the exam alone at home. The participants were not concerned with their exam results; instead, they enjoyed the process of taking the exam and reviewing Buddhist teachings.
first chapter Senior advisor Ming Yuan Kuo participated in the group exam with his daughter, husband, and his mother who is over 90 years old at home. Her elderly mother, was amazed by the new technology used in the exam. Ming Yuan Kuo and her husband discussed and answered the questions while explaining to their mother, and their daughter, who is good at using technology, filled in the answers. The three generations of the family completed the exam happily. Kuo said: “Before the exam, I am grateful to many Venerables who explained the content and question banks of the exam in detail. For the humanistic Buddhism advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, BLIA members are full of firm faith and understand that promoting humanistic Buddhism is an urgent responsibility. We are fortunate to be able to participate in the Buddhist studies exam every year, so that we can improve ourselves and increase our wisdom.”
President Bernie made a statement after the exam: “I am grateful for the humanistic Buddhism advocated by Master Hsing Yun and the Buddha’s original intention, and I am grateful for the global Buddhist studies exam held by BLIA. This allows Buddhists and believers around the world to learn and understand the truth of humanistic Buddhism through this opportunity. Seeing the enthusiasm of BLIA members in Christchurch for the global Buddhism Exam, the nervous process of the exam has turned into wisdom. Everyone has become the top scholar and has achieved enlightenment.”
After the 2021 “Global Buddhist Studies Examination,” the enthusiastic members of BLIA learned that the 2022 examination will focus on “Humanistic Buddhism.” As a result, they initiated a “Humanistic Buddhism Book Club” to study the relevant literature, and around 20 members attended weekly meetings. As the exam approached, candidates reviewed the “Examination Supplement” and practiced with mock exams, as well as attending pre-exam tutorials organized by the South Island Association, which boosted their confidence.
Every year, through reading books, BLIA members increase their understanding of Buddhist philosophy and wisdom, greatly enhancing their spiritual practice. They look forward to the next year’s examination, continuing to study and explore Buddhist knowledge, and opening the door to wisdom, striving together on the path of Bodhi!
