Buddhism College at Fo Guang Shan North Island – Understanding the Truth Taught Through Buddhism

The 3rd class for Fo Guang Shan North Island Buddhism College was held on 25th March. It was held inside Prajna Hall and attended by 25 BLIA members. The day’s lesson on “Buddha speaks the Sutra in Forty Two Sections” was taught by Venerable Rulian. She used stories of “Past causes and conditions between the Sage Practicing Forbearance and King Kali”, “Sakyamuni Buddha’s relationship with the Elder Kaundinya”, and the Ch’an public case of “Three Kind of Minds that cannot be obtained” etc. The Venerable also used her own personal examples to teach the meaning of “It’s very difficult to witness Buddha Sutras”. She also encourage her students to use the method of “turning your thoughts” to face all world’s phenomena, so one can always turn wrong into right and cherish all existing fortunes.

Three students of the class who are Bodhisattva Preceptees shared their personal experiences after observing the Precepts. One member called Crystal expressed that after she obtained the Precept Body of the Bodhisattva, she became more adapt at adjusting and taming her mind through practicing forbearance. By keeping a compassionate and big heart toward all work, life and volunteering issues, she felt even more of the joy that Buddhism can add to life.

After the class Venerable Rulian took everyone to do chores around the garden. This was a reminder to everyone that “Both understanding and practice are equally important” during Buddhism cultivation. She also hoped everyone can truly comprehend the motto of “Humanisation of Buddhism”, where every part of the Buddha Dharma should be applied to daily life to increase happiness and reduce afflictions.