On 29 October, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand held a “Humanistic Buddhism Reading Seminar” at the Fo Guang Shan Christchurch. FGS Christchurch Minister-in-charge Venerable Juexi, Venerable Zhiyuan and 30 members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island attended the seminar. The BLIA president Bernie Siew presided over the seminar, and the speakers included the vice president Zhang Dong, the first chapter president, Tiffany Su, the secretary, Forest Lin, and member Pei Yi Keow, who shared their experiences of reading “Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk” and “Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha” and how to practice them in daily life.
Vice President Zhang Dong shared his thoughts on “Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk” and how he applied Buddhism to self-study and work. He learned from Buddhism the principles of “seeking Buddhism through respect,” “renunciation,” “impermanence,” and “living in the present,” which helped him to achieve twice the result with half the effort in dealing with things. Of course, it is even more important to have good guidance on the path of learning Buddhism, so it is necessary to participate in group practice at the temple, listen to the Dharma teachings of the master, or attend Buddhist lectures and international conferences to learn from each other. He is grateful to be able to be close to the temple in New Zealand and learn about authentic Buddhism, purify his mind from Buddhism, and obtain true happiness and freedom.
First Chapter President Tiffany Su shared the positive meanings of “suffering” and “emptiness” for people in “Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha”. Tiffany first explored the reasons for “suffering” and how to overcome it. The Buddha’s teachings help us to understand the true meaning of suffering and not to fear it, but even to become a resource for growth. In this life, if we can feel the various causes and conditions of the formation of phenomena in the universe, nurture good roots from old age, sickness, death, and rebirth, we can expand the infinite potential of life and even realize the enlightenment of becoming a Buddha.
The personal experiences of several individuals who have benefited from reading and practicing the teachings of Buddhism. Secretary Forest Lin shares her personal experience of facing a major crisis in her life and having to sell her house to pay off debts. During this difficult time, she gained a deeper understanding of the Buddhism view on wealth, which taught her that inner wealth, such as good relationships, health, wisdom, and right view, is more important and lasting than external wealth.
Pei Yi, a mother juggling work, family, and spiritual pursuits, found it difficult to manage her time and priorities until she read “Hear Me Out” This book taught her the importance of managing her own mind and emotions, and she found great value in the teachings of the Ten Stages of Mind Cultivation.
Venerable Juexi expressed her gratitude to the attendees for their efforts in organizing the books and sharing their personal experiences, which helped deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings. She emphasised that the purpose of learning Buddhism is to discover the wisdom within oneself, overcome afflictions, and share the teachings with others. By practicing Buddhism with joy and spreading its message, it is possible to create a peaceful and harmonious society.
