Professor Ya Zhong Zhang Discusses Localisation of Humanistic Buddhism in New Zealand Over a Cup of Tea
On 24th January, Professor Ya Zhong Zhang from Taiwan University’s Political Studies Department came to Fo Guang Shan with his wife to share interesting discussions with BLIA Member over tea. The topic of this discussion is “Propagating Humanistic Buddhism Locally” It was attended by Venerable Abbess Manshin, North Island Minister in Charge Venerable Juehao, South Island Minister in Charge Venerable Juexi, BLIA North Island President Stephen Xu, Advisor Dolly Tsai and Yuan Yung Yang and other BLIA Member, in total 80 people in attendance.
Create Values that are needed
Professor Zhang’s observed that in western countries religion plays the role of stabilising society. Looking from the angles of politics and human civilisation, Buddhism can benefit the whole world. Utilising its deep multicultural and life educational capabilities, New Zealand Fo Guang Shan have created values needed by the local government, which expressed results of localisation.
“What has Fo Guang Shan done for the local society? What will the organisation do in the future? Humanistic Buddhism isn’t just a component of multiculturalism; it has actually benefitted the advancement of local society.” Professor Zhang continued that under the guiding lead of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Venerables of Humanistic Buddhism seeks to propagate the Dharma everywhere by travelling deep within society. This implies Humanistic Buddhism has returned to what the Buddha has original intended, which is to bring peace and harmony to all people.
Professor Zhang emphasised that the temple is a “school” that explains sutras and teaches the way. Besides compassionately propagating the Dharma, it even more so teaches people how to cultivate one’s body and mind, how to serve and give. So by committing actual actions with sincerity, BLIA can hope to positively influence others and the wider society. The Professor further encouraged everyone to themselves out here and treat Fo Guang Shan as their real “home”, where everyone should bravely take responsibilities to become individual owners of the temple. Monastics propagate the Dharma by their display of virtuous practice, so protecting the Dharma is the responsibility of every BLIA member. We should be proud of supporting and protect the temple and become Human Bodhisattvas.
Discovering Stories that touches the heart
Professor He Tang affirmed New Zealand Fo Guang Shan’s achievements. Even though there isn’t much man power, but many multicultural activities that were held has contributed greatly to the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism locally.
The professor also expressed her admiration toward the temple’s environment. Not only has it kept to traditions, but it also conglomerated with the local culture, which was indeed a wonderful surprise.
Many people were touched by the views of the two learnt scholars, which reinforced their faith and determination toward Humanistic Buddhism.
After the discussion, BLIA Committee Members invited the Professors talk further in the meeting room. English sub-chapter Chairperson Stuart Morrison and Vice-chair Eduard Reuss expressed there is the need for more locals to join Fo Guang Shan to share the unity, light and harmony of Humanistic Buddhism.
Venerable Abbess thanked Professor Zhang and Professor Tang’s sharp views and analysis, for they have elucidated the value of Humanistic Buddhism in this land. The Abbess further encouraged everyone to read more to obtain more eloquence. Buddhism is vast, so only by falling within one can penetrate its depth. The human life is short; hence only elevating the life’s qualities can one succeed.