Inaugural Humanistic Buddhism examination organised by Fo Guang Shan North Island New Zealand to enhance faith, wisdom and facilitate self-assessment.

The first inaugural Humanistic Buddhism examination organised by Fo Guang Shan North Island New Zealand was held on 10th July in the Prajna Hall. More than a hundred members, youth and children took part in the examination.

The examination was divided into 5 segments, each catering for the beginners, the intermediate learners, the advanced learners, the English speakers and the Children. The main subject focussed primarily on Master Hsing Yun’s book entitled [Hear Me Out message from a humble monk]. Before the start, participants were seen doing last minute revisions, testing one another, reciting and refreshing what they have learnt. Everyone seemed very keen to test their knowledge.

To ease tension, Venerable Rulian told a few jokes and said a few words of encouragement. She emphasized that this examination was just a self-assessment. It encouraged participants to work hard, cultivating right view and right thought. It encouraged participants to have a better understanding of the principles of Humanistic Buddhism and Fo Guang Shan’s ideology.

With the soft music playing in the background, participants were seen working through the examination paper diligently. With the help of teacher Elaine reading out the questions, children were seen happily matching drawings to answers. Regardless of age and level of understanding, everyone seemed to be happy and confident, without any sign of pressure.

Member Chen Qiu Xing said she registered for the exam only a week ago. When she received the intermediate study paper, she found that it was too easy and straight away registered for the advanced learner section. The advanced section required participants to fill in the blanks, not just answering True/False or Multiple Choice questions as in the beginners or the intermediate papers.

Student member Wei Xiao Jing felt that preparing for the exam within the temple environment helped to purify her body and soul. The day was also the end of the Buddhism school term. Taking part in the exam provided a self-assessment of one’s progress to date.

After the exam, a Catholic member, Ruspian Andkaji expressed her admiration of Fo Guang Shan’s ideology of improving education through culture. She commented that a lot of similarities exist between Humanistic Buddhism and Catholic. Both emphasize on benevolence, self-improvement, right view, right action and right livelihood. She said that Buddhism examination is a very meaningful activity. It not only incites everyone to read and learn, it also brings fun and happiness.