Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Headquarter Deputy Abbot Venerable Abbess Hui Zhao gave his talk on the 17th of March at the FGS South Island temple in Christchurch. Venerable Hui Zhao’s talk was titled “The Importance of Causes and Conditions in the World”, and it was attended by about 120 people from Christchurch and afar wanting to share in the life wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Hui Zhao’s talks are well received across Oceania, with many BLIA folks and devotees saying that she has a great sense of humor. His lively and vivid interpretations of the Buddhist Dharma help the audience to reach a positive and multi-faceted understanding of Humanistic Buddhism.
In his lecture, Venerable Hui Zhao says that we do not need to be too concerned about wealth, rather, we should be more concerned about causes and conditions. He summarized Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ten main points on Humanistic Buddhism as follows: 1) Positive View of Causes and Conditions. When the Buddha gained enlightenment, he realized that all things arise due to causation, and all things cease to exist due to causation. 2) Understanding Cause and Condition. Everything and everyone depends on Causes and Conditions, and it is only by grasping this fact, can we then live happily and at ease. 3) Going along with Causes and Conditions. We should learn to go with flow, or in order words, “Let Go” when it is time to “Let Go”; and be committed when it is time to undertake a task. 4) Seizing the Opportunity. We must cherish and seize the day, carpe diem. 5) Waiting for the Causes and Conditions. This does not mean waiting for a miracle, and it is not taking things for granted. It is about developing through continuous practice, to improve on one’s meritorious causes and conditions. 6) Creating the Causes and Conditions. Through continuous practice, we will gradually improve for the better. As an example, Master Hsing Yun in his early days of spreading the Dharma persevered in visiting radio and television stations, newspaper and media outlets, eventually getting Buddhism to its where it is today as an important part of Taiwan’s culture. 7) Giving others Causes and Conditions. Just as we must learn to create good causes and conditions, we must also provide opportunities for others to thrive. Master Hsing Yun constantly gave people causes and conditions, and this is why FGS to this day can service so many people. 8) Gratitude for Causes and Conditions. No matter good or bad, when faced with causes and conditions, we must always have a mind full of gratitude. Even thought bad karma is challenging, it also tests us and helps to grow our wisdom. 9) Connecting with others through positive causes. Venerable Master Hsing Yun advocates for the Four Gives, and whilst giving goodness to others, we ourselves will also benefit from it. 10) Perfection of Causes and Conditions. Just as we help others to be successful, we must maintain a positive and eager attitude in the face of anything.
In this hour and a half long talk, Venerable Hui Zhao gave many humorous and easy to remember anecdotes to keep the session alive. The talk was interspersed with real life stories and songs, and the audience laughed and applauded along. Before the end of the lecture, Venerable Hui Zhao opened up a quick-fire quiz, with three signed copies of his book, “The Theory and Practice of the Diamond Sutra”, to give out to the winners. Also, he gifted everyone a with an image of the Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, whose extraordinary powers are something to behold. As long as one has a firm belief, the blessing of the Bodhisattva will be granted.