Deep Meaningful Conversation Session at the University of Auckland

On the 4th August 2021, Fo Guang Club organised a deep meaningful conversation session at the University of Auckland. YAD committee member, Leona led 10 Members to read a chapter on Giving and Receiving from the book Buddha-Dharma Pure and Simple 2 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

In this chapter, Venerable Master shares about the joy that we gain from giving and that we receive the most when we are giving without thinking about personal gains. Furthermore, the various stories illustrate that the wondrous practice of giving and receiving has a cause and effect relationship in that when one gives something good to others, one will receive something good in return.

Fo Guang Club President, Edwin first led everyone for a short meditation session to calm their minds and focus on their present self before taking turns to read through the chapter Giving and Receiving. The reading was followed by a discussion session, where the members were split into two groups and given questions to discuss and share what they learnt from the reading.

Leona shared that when we find it hard to give, we can start from giving small things such as: giving kind words at your workplace. She followed with how this small giving changed her mind set in her workplace and her attitude towards life.

YAD Committee member Sin Jun added that Buddhism's doctrine is sacrifice and that when we are giving to others, we are giving our time. He shared his experiences of giving and the opportunities that he has received from it.

All the participants learnt a lot from the reading and concluded that the Deep Meaningful Conversation session was also a great opportunity for self reflection.