Lotus Link Humanistic Buddhism Class

Daily News – Wednesday 22 July

Twelve members participated in the Lotus Link Dharma class. Georgina Jarvis, leader of the choir, led the group as they practiced chanting the Dharini of Great Compassion which they will perform for the Recitation of Dharini of Great Compassion competition on Sunday 9 August. The group also began to plan and organise their performance for Sangha Day. They discussed ground rules that are important to the harmony of the group which everyone should observe during the class.

The guiding Reverend, Venerable Miaoyu, collected registrations from members who will participate in the Eight Precepts Retreat and encouraged members to take Refuge in the Triple Gem during the Great Compassion Repentance Dharma Function in August.

To deepen their understanding of Humanistic Buddhism the class discussed one of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s articles ‘Connection of Hearts and Minds’ from ‘Between Ignorance and Wisdom’. The main points of the article are: that everyone should establish a common understanding and share goals like learning, cultivating and practicing Humanistic Buddhism to gain inner peace and share this experience with others. The second point said that we should establish common ground in our way of thinking; to understand and follow the theme and aim of Fo Guang Shan to obtain right view and the Buddha’s teaching. Third, we should rely on each other in spirit; be trusted and give other opportunities to others. Fourthly, we should share in joy and sorrow; understand feel and experience joyfulness so we can share and understand what others are feeling.

The article suggests that we should remain loyal to each other, even in the face of death. The sixth point says that we should go through times of honour and disgrace together. We should develop tacit understandings and make no distinction between self and others.

The group took time to consider each point and share their understanding; questioning some of the words and their meaning in this context. A sense of shared understanding grew as the members analysed the meanings and came to an agreed interpretation of each point.