BLIA South Island English Reading Club - Faith

BLIA South Island conducted English Reading Club on 15 February where ten BLIA members attended. Venerable suggested that everyone takes turns to facilitate the class, and prepares some questions and all get into the discussion. The book Buddha-Dharma Pure and Simple written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, part of Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was chosen as the reading material. It contains the core of Buddhism knowledge and explains concepts in simpler way.

At the class, members read the first chapter Faith. They learnt the meaning and importance of faith and shared their thoughts. Sally commented that faith is a foundation and a direction. Without faith, you are aimless. Venerable added that faith leads you to the goal and also keeps you on the right track. Carol showed her compassion to youth and believed faith is a good guide for youth.

To follow up on the topic related to youth, Venerable asked the question why so many young people have depressions these days. Many comments were received, such as poor education, parents who are alcoholic or take drugs, toxic food or drinks. Venerable took Venerable Master Hsing Yun as a good example. Master had a hard childhood, has many sicknesses, and had a brain surgery.  Even at his 95 years old, Master still travels to China once or twice a year and is still doing lots of meaningful things for the public and society because his faith to the Buddha-Dharma is very strong. Therefore, faith is a strong support for him to face the challenges.

Then Venerable asked members what made everyone step into the Buddhist temple. Some are due to family’s religion, such as Caroline. Some believe Buddha’s teaching is useful for daily life, such as Elsa and Jessie. Some found out that Buddhism is the final destination after searching for years, such as Sally. Some started the story with Fo Guang Shan temple because of art and meditation, such as Carole. Venerable also shared her story and mentioned that anything you face is an experience for you to share and a story to tell.

At the last open discussion, some Buddhist terminology and Chan’s story were talked about, such as sudden awaken, Chan brought to China by Bodhidharma, three different levels of practice and etc. At the end, Venerable kindly reminded us that we would all be enlightened if we live in the moment, and by living in the present moment, you need to have Faith to yourself as well as the Buddha Dharma.