At last, the Buddhism Explanation of Emptiness

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island English Basic Buddhism and Basic Meditation Class ended on October 30 with Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members Feifei Lei and Ding Lihson conducting 14 students into the class. Different with the other classes, this class was arranged for the students to practice the Relaxing Chan Meditation comfortably in 30 minutes. The class reviewed all sitting postures, concentration and controlling of mind.

The class continued with Ding sharing about “Emptiness” in Buddhism. Emptiness is a key concept in Buddhist philosophy. The phrase "form is emptiness; emptiness is form" is perhaps the most celebrated paradox associated with Buddhist philosophy. It is the supreme mantra. The expression originates from the Heart Sutra, which contains the philosophical essence of about six hundred scrolls making up the Maha Prajna Paramita.

Later on, the class discussed about how the way of life of Buddhism plays a part in a normal everyday life. Everyone was satisfied of all the eight classes of this term and was encouraged to continue the journey of Buddhism and meditation. In these classes, besides in meeting up new friends, they have also learned the basics of meditation, the basics of concentration, the basic of getting peace and learning in a harmonious way. Feifei and Ding both expressed that the class has improved since the first day of class but hoped that they could now practice self meditation into a greater improvement.

In the end, Venerable Miaoyu was invited to share some simple tips in warming up before meditation, walking meditation and encouraged everyone to come to the temple more often for more wisdom.