The Successful Organisation of Global Buddhism Exam Elevating the Level of Faith for BLIA North Island Members
On Sep 12, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Headquarter organised the 2021 BLIA Global Buddhism Exam. The exam started at New Zealand Time 1 pm with nearly 40,000 participants from 58 countries distributed over five continents. A total of 107 candidates from BLIA North Island participated in the examination.
Mr Lintao Yu, President of BLIA North Chapter, shared that this was the first time the Global Buddhism Exam was conducted online, which is a challenge for everyone. Each participant was diligent and serious in preparing for the exam and overcame any difficulty with confidence and wisdom. Everyone seemed to enjoy the examination without pressure. He appreciated the monastery's support and full cooperation from BLIA members, and together we made this event successful.
While getting in touch with the members, Meggan Lam, the president of BLIA sub-Chapter 1, was so touched and inspired when realising everyone was doing their best to prepare for the examination. I felt grateful that the Fo Guang Shan gave everyone the opportunity to participate in this meaningful Global Buddhism Exam, as it is a great blessing to make progress together with all the BLIA members. Venerable Master once said I am among the multitude; Among the multitude there I am.
The advisor of BLIA first sub-chapter, Jennifer Liang, said that the examination allowed her to study the book Buddha Dharma: Pure and Simple deeply. "The exam is just a self-examination of how far one's knowledge of Buddhism has reached. After such a change of mind, I don't feel that the examination is so scary." I appreciated Abbess and venerable for their concern and for holding many online conferences before the exam. Abbess Manshin said that she saw everyone's dedication to the exam. Regardless of the results, they have already gained merit in their lives and qualified as "Buddha's Light Scholar".
The president of the second sub-chapter, Pauline Young, said that the examination had inspired her a lot. She often listened to Abbess teachings and accumulated some Buddhism knowledge. As a president, I have to help members solve their problems and get more people to participate in the exam. The process of examination preparation has proven Abbess's statement, "Where there is Dharma, there is a Way". The Dharma is wisdom, compassion, kindness, and I am gaining energy when improving myself. In the meantime, I have gained a lot from this examination.
The president of the BLIA third sub-chapter, Yuling Gu, expressed her gratitude to those who put great effort into designing the Global Buddhism Examination. The exam let us keep improving in the practice of Buddhism. As a president, it is my responsibility to encourage members to participate in this event. The organiser designed different levels of question from a repository to enable participants from every level to study. Furthermore, the organiser distributed teaching videos and audiobooks, which were very beneficial to each student which boosted their confidence. Many of the participants changed from Level 1 to Level 3 examinations. FGS Auckland has held many online conferences to boost the morale of the students. The BLIA members Auckland attended 52 lessons on Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple given by Abbess Manshin last year, which let us have a clearer understanding of the Buddhist core values and be more confident in our faith. I am grateful to all the venerable and staff of the Global Buddhism Examination who gave us the chance to be filled with Dharma joy.
Winnie, the staff of the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland, said that she was filled with Dharma joy in this Global Buddhism Exam. She was grateful to the Abbess Manshin for giving 52 virtual lessons on Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple during last year, so that she can just refresh her memory by reviewing the lessons during the exam preparation. Under the guidance of Abbess, she is able to understand and apply the basic knowledge of Buddhism. The BLIA members study the Dharma knowledge together irrespective virtually or physically, just like the assembly with the utmost virtuous people in the Pure Land as mentioned in the Amitabha Sutra. We begin from taking refuge in the Triple Gem, then we study hard and practice to develop our intrinsic nature and finally explore the Triple Gem in ourselves.