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On the 25th of August, Buddha’s Light International Association of Solomon Islands (BLIASI) held a sutra calligraphy and Humanistic Buddhism study group activity to commemorate Fo Guang Shan’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Birth Anniversary. The event was held on the auspicious date of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s birth and was led by BLIA Queensland Elder Advisor, Jenniwaty Luhur, and President of BLIASI, Hii Yii Ging. A total of 15 members participated. Many BLIASI members experienced sutra copying for the first time, using this opportunity to commemorate Venerable Master Hsing Yun while transcribing the Heart Sutra as a way to purify their hearts and minds. The study group focused on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s article on the basic thoughts of Humanistic Buddhism to explore and share what Humanistic Buddhism is; and inspire wisdom from dialogue and reflection to deepen members’ understanding of Humanistic Buddhism.
BLIASI Director, Andy Ngu, who prepared for the study group by reading and reviewing the article beforehand, participated in sutra calligraphy for the first time. He expressed that he focused on cultivating calmness and concentration throughout. Additionally, he saw the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom as human traits that we all possess as everyone has Buddha nature. He further shared that by practicing the “Three Acts of Goodness” - Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words and Think Good Thoughts - and following the “Four Givings” - giving confidence, joy, hope and convenience to others - as advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in daily life, we are cultivating the heart of the Buddha. In turn, this can lead to a life filled with less worries and more happiness.
BLIASI member, Junior Pau, shared that practicing sutra calligraphy deepened his connection with the Heart Sutra and brought him peace and focus. He believed that in the face of life’s hardships, one can learn from the Buddha’s teachings on how to let go with courage, and through tolerance and support, bring more joy to those around him. BLIASI member, Wu Chaobi, also shared that the content and essence of the Heart Sutra deeply resonated with her, bringing her a sense of inner peace and fulfillment afterwards. She expressed that Humanistic Buddhism is modern, akin to the selfless contributions of volunteers and successful entrepreneurs. Additionally, through her participation in several study groups, she realizes that Buddhism is a vast academy of knowledge. She hopes to delve deeper into the Buddha’s teachings and learn from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s broad-mindedness, gaining wisdom from Buddhism.
BLIASI members, Lih Tong Lau and Lawrence Lau, expressed that it was their first time participating in sutra calligraphy, and they experienced peace and focus during the process. They both shared that understanding the Buddha’s life and teachings helped them to grasp the essence of Humanistic Buddhism, that the Buddha’s teachings are in everyday life, from clothing and food to shelter and transportation. BLIASI member, Leon Kho, also joyfully shared that the Buddha’s teachings can be seen and felt everywhere, not just in family life, but also in everyday experiences, bringing him confidence, positivity and hope.
BLIA Queensland member, Vicky Leong, conveyed that by transcribing the Heart Sutra she felt at ease and a sense of improved concentration. The meaning of the Heart Sutra resonated with her life experiences, particularly in understanding the Buddha’s teachings on non-attachment, which help in transitioning through life’s cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. She emphasized the importance of practicing the Dharma to improve oneself and live a life of perfect ease. BLIASI member, Huang Yaochi, added that he felt a sense of peace and support from the inclusiveness and compassion of Buddhism. BLIASI member, Lulu Chen, shared that she found the Buddha’s teachings to be both humanistic and practical. Through actively practicing mindfulness and viewing all situations with a positive outlook, one can achieve happiness and peace.
Following the study group discussion, BLIASI Secretary, Lung Yun Zhang, concluded the session by teaching members two songs written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun from Sounds of the Human World - “Three Acts of Goodness” and “Half and Half”. The songs selected resonated with the theme of Humanistic Buddhism as she explained that Buddhist music has evolved beyond traditional chanting in order to meet the needs of modern society and the integrated approach of Humanistic Buddhism in spreading and practicing the Dharma.
At the conclusion of the study group, Vicky Leong prepared two exquisite crystal-carved flower jellies for members to share. Her flower jelly, which she has taken the time to refine, is a representation of the path of cultivation to perfect wisdom. In life, one must persevere in practice in order to improve oneself. Going forward, BLIASI members have a deeper understanding that the Dharma must be continually incorporated and practiced in daily life, which is the core of Humanistic Buddhism.
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