Inspire Buddhism Class Faith is the Fundamentals of the Path
On 14th September 2022, the BLIA North Island Chapter 4 organised its first Online English Dharma Class through Zoom. Using the article Faith from the book of the Buddha-Dharma: Pure & Simple, Venerable Nengchien and 12 participants discussed and explored the power of faith.
The session began with a meditation session, where the participants took a moment of silence to relax, mindful and settle in the present moment. Venerable used open-ended questions to guide the members to reflect on the meaning and value of faith for themselves. Then, she further explained Venerable Master Hsing Yun's saying that no faith is better than wrong faith, blind faith is better than no faith, and right faith is better than blind faith. The basis of any religion should be established upon right faith that allows us to reap immeasurable benefits. Buddhism teaches that the most important faith is faith in oneself and to believe in one’s potential to be a good person.
In addition, the levels of faith can be divided into believing in Buddha, seeking Buddha, worshipping Buddha, learning from Buddha and practicing Buddha’s teachings. We can only benefit self and others by practicing in Buddha’s teachings in daily life.
Through the discussion, BLIA North Island Sub-Chapter 4 President, Annie expressed that through the monthly Dharma Class, she hopes to gain deeper knowledge of Buddhism and practice in daily life to improve self. Member Mat shared that Faith is an opportunity for him to become better, as it gives him the wisdom to keep transcend and become a better version of oneself. Melinda believed that faith is self-responsibility, self-education and self-commitment and self-belief in order to create a better future for oneself. Rachel shared that Faith servers her joy, because she enjoys volunteering in the Temple to serve the community. Nadine shared that having Faith gives her a sense of self-mastery, which helps her to overcome challenges.
Through the session, the participants watched a video of Venerable Master ‘Faith is the Fundamentals of the Path’ and learnt that Faith is the root for one to grow and grounded. The value of faith lies in broadening one’s horizons, elevating oneself, liberating oneself, and harmonizing the self and the world.
Lastly, the participants recite Prayer for Self-Confidence written by the Venerable Master and prayed for the growth of wisdom, courage and hope. Venerable NengChien thanked the members for their dedication for organising the session and blessed the participants to develop inner-strength and live a fulfilled life.