Humanistic Buddhism & Life Seminar by Professors

The Chairman of the Chinese Integration Association and Professor in Political Science at the National Taiwan University - Professor Chang Ya-Chung humbly visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZs’ Cloud Water Cottage on January 21st to give a talk together with Professor Tang He on an event named “Tea Session with Prof Chang and Prof Tang”. The event focuses on how the professors view Humanistic Buddhism in life where it was attended by FGS NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin, FGS south Island supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ President See-Shen Lee, Advisor John Lai and Sandy Liao, Dharma Lecturer – Rona Ku and 50 more BLIA members.

Firstly, Prof. Chang introduced the researches done on “Study of Humanistic Buddhism”; with the example of FGS managing system compromising with western laws, following FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing-Yun’s teachings of self-practice and the understanding of cause and conditions and how it could be a model to be used in the corporate world.
Prof. Chang added how Venerable Master has given his life into cultural and education, initializing temples as schools to teach and nurture talents. As FGS belongs to the community, BLIA would also be the same, acting like the Thousand Hands Thousand Eyes Guanyin Bodhisattva in propagating Dharma and to assist venerables in the teachings of Buddha.

Prof. Tang then shared his experience in the aspects of the generally unknown rumors and stories, and with the right cause and conditions, he joined in the “Study of Humanistic Buddhism”. He expressed that FGS true senses are to implement the concept of equality which includes gender equality and no double standards. Prof. Tang was also inspired by the event of “Gods Pilgrimage Reunion” as Venerable Master successfully brought the spirit of “Respect of Differences & Live in Togetherness” into a concept of multi-ethnicity.

In the end, Prof. Chang concluded that Venerable Master has shown the heart of equanimity with everyone and everyone should also use the heart of equanimity to protect FGS, moreover, learn more in the attitude towards philosophies, lifestyle and way of living from Humanistic Buddhism.