Members of BLIA South Island Shared Their Experiences at The Humanistic Buddhism Life Forum
In order to fulfil the aspirations set out by Venerable Master Hsing Yun for Humanistic Buddhism, and at the same time, to share the members’ thoughts on Master Hsing Yun’s books, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island held a “Humanistic Buddhism Life Forum” on 29th May 2021 at Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island. The topic of the Forum was: My Understanding of Humanistic Buddhism, and the Forum was presided over by BLIA South Island Second chapter President Cao Qian, with BLIA South Island Vice President James Low, BLIA South Island first chapter President Louisa Kuo, BLIA South Island Committee Directors Kok Wei Low and Zhang Dong as speakers. The Forum was attended by FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, BLIA South Island President Bernie and more than 40 BLIA members and devotees. At the Forum, the four speakers shared their thoughts on Master Shing Yun's books: I am Not a Monk Who Takes Advantage of Buddhism, Humanistic Buddhism -- Holding True to the Original Intent of Buddha and From Humble Monk - Hear me out. Based on their own experiences, the speakers proceeded to interpret the concepts advocated by Master Hsing Yun in Humanistic Buddhism.
In her presentation at the Forum, Louisa Kuo said that Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism never stays stagnant but evolves and progresses with time. While holding true to Buddha’s original intents, Humanistic Buddhism has also continued to innovate and develop. In Master’s book I am Not a Monk Who Takes Advantage of Buddhism, Louisa was most touched by Master Hsing Yun’s unwavering determination to adhere to his original aspirations. Although he has experienced many hardships in his life, Master still insists on giving full dedications to Humanistic Buddhism. Adhering to the beliefs of Will not let Buddhism feed me and I want to help Buddhism develop, Master has accomplished many things for Buddhism and has practised the spirit of Giving to Society. As for herself, Louisa’s acceptance of Humanistic Buddhism stemmed from the fact that it is able to bless her with, firstly, the power of faith; secondly, the true meaning of patience; and thirdly, the five harmonies in life. Louisa recalled how when she first immigrated to New Zealand, while searching for her spiritual refuge, she managed to find FGS Temple South Island. Here, under the guidance of Venerable Abbess Manshin, Louisa learned and grew up a lot in the process of organizing Temple activities. With her belief that Activities rely on me, Louisa gradually assumes many responsibilities in the Temple, and in the process, contributes towards the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism.
After reading Master Hsing Yun’s book, Humanistic Buddhism -- Holding True to the Original Intent of Buddha, Kok Wei Low shared his thoughts at the Forum. Kok Wei said that the contents in the book define Humanistic Buddhism as a Faith that requires its followers to improve and affirm themselves. To achieve this, each follower must commit to the claim; I am a Buddha. During his 80 years as a monk, Master Hsing Yun constantly drives himself to self-improve, and even to surpass himself. In addition, Master has to learn to overcome difficulties, to accept being bullied, to endure, and to undergo sufferings and hardships. Referring to his own experience as a student doing Bakery Course in Auckland and staying at FGS Temple North Island, Kok Wei recalled that he would return to the Temple on time every day after class, and would carry out his assigned duties just like everyone else. He could only start to practice baking when everyone else had rested. This very hectic life style did not negatively affect him, but instead spurred him on to become a top student in his class. At that time, Kok Wei also developed many other skills assisting with Temple works. At the end of his presentation, he thanked FGS for providing him the opportunity to become what he is today, and he vowed to continue working with others in the Temple to take up more responsibilities together.
Zhang Dong shared his thoughts on the book：From Humble Monk - Hear me out. Zhang Dong agreed with what Master said: Anyone who says "Yes" is a person who is willing to be kind to others, willing to do good things. The person will have good relationships with others and will be able to get along with them. On the other hand, if a person always says “No” or “Cannot” to any request from others, he is bound to be unpopular. Quoting from his own experience, Zhang Dong pointed out that he is able to achieve his present level of success because he often says "Yes" to other people, and is thus able to establish cordial relationships with them. In his own Quantity Surveying business, whenever he is asked to help out with valuation of project urgently, he will agree to help. Once, a customer asked him to help with a quotation in a rush, and even though he was very busy at that time, he still agreed to help. In another case, many houses collapsed after the Christchurch earthquake. At that time, Zhang Dong received a case from an elderly person who could not afford the high costs of repair demanded by contractor. Zhang Dong stepped in to help solve the problem for the elder. This confirmed what the Master said: often saying "Yes" will not only give hope to others, but will also give oneself an opportunity. But for every “Yes”, there must be true commitment and dedication. For this reason, when FGS calls for volunteers to help out, one should say “Yes” and participate actively. This will not only give oneself the opportunity to serve the Temple, but will also enable one to learn and to cultivate good karmas.
BLIA South Island Vice President James Low shared his views on the articles in the books I am Not a Monk Who Takes Advantage of Buddhism and Master Hsing Yun’s Views on Buddhism’s Quiet Revolution. Master Hsing Yun said that Quiet Revolution is constructive and uplifting. It plays the role of eradicating bad things and renewing it with good things. It allows a person to subconsciously accept reforms with joy and it promotes the development of Buddhism. Many people have been so misled by incorrect Buddhist teachings and traditions that they are unable to gain a proper understanding of the religion. In fact, Buddhism has many concepts that teach people to be good and to look at life with a positive attitude. For example, FGS advocates the Three Good Deeds concept and explains the principles of Buddhism with easy-to-understand examples to help people eradicate greed, hatred and ignorance.
In her address to the Forum, FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi said, “The four speakers have given a complete interpretation of Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy to let the audience understand Humanistic Buddhism. Everyone should believe in a certain faith. Since we are blessed to be able to get in touch with Buddhism, we must make use of the Dharma to regulate ourselves so that our lives can rise to the next higher level. Don’t come to learn Buddhism only when you encounter troubles; don’t wait until someone in your family dies then only seek the help of Buddha; and don’t come to the religion only when you need its help because of disasters. Buddhism is not a religion to solve troubles, nor is it a religion to take care of the dead, let alone a religion to overcome disasters. On the contrary, Buddhism is a religion full of vitality, joy, positivity and hope. Therefore, we should live our lives the way of the Dharma, breathe the air of the Dharma, drink the water of the Dharma, talk the language of Buddha, and do the things Buddha did, so that we can be full of peace and happiness every day!”