Fo Guang Shan Weekly Dharma Class – Learning requires self-discipline

The latest Weekly Dharma class was conducted by BLIA board member Mrs. Hua Mei Gao, attended by 10 diligent Buddhist elders. The week’s topic is from Master Hsing Yun’s writing “Hsing Yun speaks gatha – Self discipline”.

By taking examples from Buddhist sutras, we are reminded to put 'teaching by action' before 'teaching by words only'. Before we teach and influence others we must have high standards for ourselves first. We should be self teaching, self reflective, be self aware, self motivated, and self realizing to monitor ourselves. Then we can teach others what is right and wrong, thus guiding them down the right path. Besides teaching with our actions we also must see the importance of teaching by heart. Educating others should start from the sincerity within our heart, and then our body’s actions can be expressed to touch others, becoming their role model.

After the class, all participants joyfully sang along to popular tones such as “Song of Fo Guang Shan” and “Fo Guang Karmic Conditions”. Then everyone gathered around to prepare for their performance for the Ullambana festival. Another weekly class thus completed in joy.