Buddhist Youth College Auckland Filial Piety is the Root of Goodness
On July 11, 2021, the first semester of the Buddhist Youth College at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland began. The first class contained many activities such as dining service, learning Dharma instruments, and the evening chanting. The highlight of the first class was having Minister in Charge of Fo Guang Shan Auckland, Venerable Rulian, teaching a total of 15 youths the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s Vow Sutra.
Venerable Rulian began the class by asking the question, “Why do we chant?”. This question inspired the youths to think deeply about chanting. Sakya, a youth, said that chanting the sutras allows us to understand the story of the Buddha's teachings. Venerable Rulian further explained the benefits of sutra recitation. Sutra recitation is like a mirror of ourselves which helps us self-reflect and consistently reflects on our minds. Therefore, by knowing and chanting the great compassion of the Bodhisattva it will help us to discover ourselves spiritually. Sutra recitation helps us to better our ability to meditate and improve our concentration. Both are crucial and also necessary for us to improve ourselves in our studies and work. Venerable Rulian also explained that we would be guided with a clear and positive direction to enhance our work in every area in our lives once we know ourselves.
Venerable Rulian also introduced the meaning of The Original Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra. It allows young people to learn about the great vow and filial piety of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva by reading the scriptures. On the occasion of Fo Guang Shan Filial Piety Month, Abbess Manshin, initiated the practice of reciting the Ksitigarbha Sutra to pray for the public. Venerable Rulian also invited the youths to join in and pray for the power of Buddha in the hopes that the epidemic will be eliminated as soon as possible.
Lucy, one of the youths, shared, "Today we talked about filial piety. This conversation also made me deeply realise that filial piety is the root of goodness. Being good to our parents is not only about accumulating merit but also being thankful and returning appreciations back to them. An understanding mind that carries a karmic mindset helps me to carry my faith with Buddhism in a very consistent manner. It also guides me to towards the right direction to be better and better.” Ben Lu said that the most remarkable method of recitation is not to have a practical heart but to give merit to all beings in the Dharma world. Through these explanations, the public can understand the significance of practicing the sutras. All the youths are looking forward to the next class.