Movie Study Group- The Dharma Heals Body and Mind

On 7th August, Fo Guang Shan South Island held another movie study group. Over 20 people attended the group, including the committee members of BLIA South Island. During the study group, the focus was on healthy living, and was presented with a DVD of “Healthy Life” by Mr. Ji Fong Liu, who is a Professor of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, and is also currently a director at the Taipei Medical Department.

During his lecture on health, Mr. Liu conveyed his information and ideas in an interactive way. He discussed treatment strategies of applying natural medicine together with traditional medicine. Mr. Liu also demonstrated the way of using natural therapies, namely voice therapy and palm and nerve massage; which all contribute to keeping healthy; and how to attend to low blood sugar emergencies in people with diabetes and post-stroke patients.

Mr. Liu also suggests that spiritual healing through chanting the Medicine Buddha Sutra aides and facilitates the recovery of patients with illnesses. He proved this point with evidence from tests, and the results indicate that after several months of chanting the Sutra, some patients were able to recover from their illnesses. Everyone diligently took notes as they viewed the lecture, as they know that the knowledge they have gained may come in handy in the future.

When the lecture concluded, Venerable Miaoyu delivered a Dharma talk. Citing from Buddhist Sutras, the Venerable explained that any imbalances or mismatches in the body create health problems. For example, in regards to the five skandhas or senses, taste may cause damage to the mind and fragrances may cause damage to the lungs.

In fact, Buddhist Sutras and traditional medicine are closely related. Mr. Liu’s patience in studying the Medicine Buddha Sutra and applying what is learnt to health care is illustrates this connection. There are a thousand ways of maintaining good health. However, only with persistence in using the health improving techniques and therapies, is one bring upon themselves positive outcome; similarly with cultivation, we need to learn better ways of cultivation, and apply them. Everyone thanked Venerable Miaoyu for sharing the Dharma with them and for giving them guidance to overcome obstacles they are facing on their path of cultivation.