Humanistic Buddhism Workshop at Fo Guang Shan, Discussion of “Cause and Effect”

On 1st November, a “Humanistic Buddhism workshop” was held at the temple, attended by locals, ESC members, students from the Srimala Institute and students from the Buddhist College, in total 60 people in attendance.

Venerable Abbess Manshin was especially invited to give everyone a talk on the subject of “Cause and Effect”, with main points being:
1. Cause and Effect encompasses all 3 time periods. Hence no how long, causes that were planted will certainly ripen into the corresponding effect. It’s results will certainly be revealed.
2. Cause and Effects differs from Fatalism in that Cause and Effect are determined by a person’s own actions. Hence it can positively motivate a person to improve themselves.
3. All beings, things and circumstances arise due to the Cause and Effect, the “Law of Cause and Effect” is not just a theory, but it encompasses all phenomena and is tightly related to our society and everyday life.
4. Everyone will experience the Cause and Effect given rise by their respective Karma. Power and authority cannot influence one’s Cause and Effect, which are completely dependent on a person’s own actions. Plant what Cause will give fruition to what Effect.

Inspired by the Abbesses, talk, participants further discussed the topic based their own life experiences. They discussed through the angles of “Cause and Effect’s influence on life and work”, “How do change one’s course of cause and effect?” and “How to change ourselves after this workshop?” Some members shared on topics such as: “Due to past car crash one will be afraid to drive later on. Hard headed personality will make it hard to get along with colleagues etc.” One should use humility and repentance to reflect upon one’s personal experiences and to look at Cause and Effect in a positive manner.

The Abbess further advised everyone that:
1. Do not dwell on trivial matters but to contemplate more on how to increase one’s wisdom.
2. Do not dwell on the matter of dietary choices; what’s important is to respect life.
3. Do not dwell in solitary self-indulgence, instead realise that servicing others can elevated one’s worth in life.
4. Do not veer away from good conduct, but should practice good habits so they become second nature.

The Abbess also encouraged everyone to plant wholesome seeds to grow into wholesome DNAs for life. One should also cherish the good causes and conditions of being able to learn the Dharma. Followed by diligently changing our unwholesome Karma into a life of happiness.

After the workshop, everyone expressed this session is a wakeup call for them to change their ways and to start anew by employing many methods of self-improvement.

Attendants of the workshop included AUT professor Chris Whittington and wife, Psychology Professor Mark Thorpe and Counsellor Janet Tottey. Look from the angle of Western Scholarship, they agreed with the “Law of Cause and Effect”. Professor Thrope expressed that this first visit to the temple allowed him to experience the venue’s tranquillity and uncover compassion and tolerance from his heart. He confirmed that recently in the field of mental health, negative connotations are being changed into positivity in term of providing treatment for patients. So it’s in accordance to “Spreading wholesome seeds” as spoken by the Abbess.

Event organiser Linda Daniell expressed that this workshop is only a beginning for establishing the foundation of holding more activities in the future.