Category: 国际佛光会

（人間社記者馬來西亞沙亞南25日報導）
在雪蘭莪州大水災中受到重創的沙亞南太子園，受災雖已一周，但災民仍需要各方面的協助；因此馬來西亞佛光山佛光文教中心副住持如行法師秉持星雲大師「三好四给」的精神，在12月25日帶領佛光人到災區發放三好食物籃。
參與這次賑災行動者有佛光文教中心及国际佛光會马来西亚中马协会旗下的6个分会，也就是大学园第一分会、大学园第二分会、英文分会、加里尔峰分会、冼都分会及蒲种分会的幹部及義工共100人，出動19辆皮卡（Pick Up ）分6區发放1000個食物篮。
行動的总指导是馬來西亞佛光山總住持觉诚法师，由佛光文教中心副住持如行法师帶領，中马协会副会长谢木辉指導，而巴生分會會長陈山林和巴生新镇会长张锦华則是執行長。
發放團隊在9時出發前，做了新冠病毒自我检测，以确保大家的安全。3個小時后，1000個食物籃在中午12時全數發完。
马来西亚巴生河流域多個城鎮自上周五（19日）經歷连續36個小時的豪雨之后，頓成澤國，水位超過10尺，许多居民仓猝逃离，一夜之间无家可归，唯有暂时住進疏散中心，一些災民在雨停後甚至被迫爬到屋顶挨过一晚。佛光人本着菩萨慈悲精神，在新马泰印总住持觉诚法师带领下，多日来进出重灾区救济灾民。
今天的活动旨在分发1000份 “三好食物篮“ 给 雪州莎亚南太子园的居民。此住宅区居民说他们多年不曾遭水灾之苦，但这回家园被淹没数日，积水于24日方才全退，是巴生谷此次水灾最严重地区之一。
行动开始前，副主持如行法师开示， 感谢大家在聖誕節假期仍然发心出力，把礼物（食物篮）送给灾民，并叮咛大家务必照顾好自己，那才有能力照顾别人。中马协会会长杨翠蓮致词時給予鼓励，她说「大家都是一条心，共患难，为了做有意义的事而来。加油！」
灾後的积水雖然已在23日消退，但是屋內屋外到處都是泥泞，而且沿路盡是堆积如小丘的丢弃家具、电器、书本、破磚破瓦。许多车子在泡水後仍留在原地，覆盖着一层褐土。
佛光人开车进入灾区时，有些道路和小巷因堵塞或道路破坏，車子无法进入，尽管食物篮甚重（近15公斤），佛光人还是一箱箱抬着步行到有需要的居民府上。
放眼看去，許多災民正在清洗家园，虽然苦恼房子满是泥泞，但看见佛光人發放三好食物籃，他们都绽开笑容，聲聲感谢。一些災民说干粮来得正是時候，這都是所需要的，鼓舞了佛光人更发心地分发食物篮。

South Asia Humanistic Buddhist Study Group Report
Report writer: Dr. Karuna Laxmi Shakya
Name of Chapter: Kathmandu Sub- Chapter
The session was started by reading each paragraph by participants turn by turn. After that discussion started and participants participated in the group discussion. There were nine different guiding questions put by Ven. Mia Ru for discussion smoothly. The flow of report is accordingly each guiding question.
The first question was “What are four Immeasurables? Could anyone answer this?” – in this regard, participants told that the four Immeasurbles are loving kindness, compassion, Joy and Equanimity. Upholding four measurables not only will one’s merit and wisdom increases, it also eliminates afflictions.
The second question was on “How does the Immeasurable loving kindness benefit in your life? Any incidents that you want to share with us regarding this question?”. Participants shared their experiences in different perspectives like Sis Bashu (Nurse), Kathmandu Sub chapter member shared her experience of working with elderly people, who are suffering from dementia. If they are dealt with love and kindness, they behave well and cooperate well. Si Gu Ben Won said “I did dealing with community in Bodha Gaya with love and kindness, in the result they (community people) did not do toilet in our land”. Ven Mia Ru mentioned that even one has anger outside to get the things done, always keep compassion and love inside the heart for people.

Topic: Buddha-dharma: Pure and Simple — Three Acts of Goodness
A total of 33 readers joined this session facilitated by Venerable Miao Tan.
In this passage, Venerable Master Hsing Yun emphasised the importance of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness — Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words and Think Good Thoughts, because according to Master, spiritual cultivation starts from cultivating wholesome physical, verbal and mental karma. It embodies the essence of the Buddha’s teaching and contain the profound Dharma that holds true to the original intents of the Buddha. Master also aimed to remind us that the Three Acts of Goodness is not just a slogan, but rather, it is a mission to put into action. He also transmits the message to us to cultivate good karma.
In this session, Venerable Miao Tan shared her views how we can cultivate good karma by applying the Three Acts of Goodness and practice with the Five Precepts.
1) Refrain from killing is a practice of compassion. One of the ways introduced by Venerable Miao Tan is to become a vegetarian. The wholesome effect of this practice is we will create a healthy ecosystem for everyone to live in harmony.
2) Refrain from stealing promotes righteousness. An example quoted by Venerable is, as Buddhist, we can contribute to save this Earth by not stealing lives from nature, such as cutting trees, harvesting pearls, minerals, etc…
3) No lying is to build trust by saying good words. Slandering or gossiping cause problems between people. Therefore, we must always say good or encouraging words and respect the reputation and credibility of other people.
4) No sexual misconduct is a practice of doing good deeds and in so doing, cultivating good thoughts. When one practice good conduct and behaviour, we create a harmonious society and build a trusted relationship with people around us.
5) No intoxication promotes the practice of speaking good words. Intoxicants are stimulants that poisons the body and mind. By refraining from intoxicants is to respect the health and intelligence of oneself and others, thereby enhances wisdom and forming good affinities with people.
In a nutshell, by upholding the Five Precepts, we are embracing all the Three Acts of Goodness; doing good deeds is to cultivate wholesome actions to purify one’s karma; speaking good words is to cultivate wholesome speech to purify one’s verbal karma; and thinking good thoughts is to cultivate wholesome thoughts to purify one’s mental deeds. One reader highlighted a good point that talking with the right intonation also promotes the act of speaking good words.
Master’s compassion is always with us as he remembered to offer advise to those who had unfortunately conducted unwholesome actions. The two ways that Master taught are to repent and make vows. By making sincere repentance, one can lessen the severity of unwholesome karma and by making vows to practice the Three Good Acts diligently, it will give rise to wholesome and virtuous thoughts. These three actions may seem simple but it contains the profound teachings that Master advocated in Humanistic Buddhism and, as reminded by Venerable Miao Tan, we must cultivate these virtues and pass down to our next generation so that society will become more harmonious and the world a better place. With that, the class ended with the Transference of Merit. May all be well and happy!

South Asia Buddha Dharma Study group discussion is started with brief introduction about facilitators of the Ven. Ru Ji and Ven. Ru Hong and other members. They gave a brief introduction about BLIA and Venerable Master Hsing Yun in spreading Dhamma, peace and love to all human and living beings.
The members started reading voluntarily the paragraphs of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gems from Book1 with enthusiastically. The discussion is moved on to discuss about the core of the Buddhist faith, Triple Gems – Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Members recollected three important conditions, which was mentioned in the theme by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to attain liberation. Many members shared their life experience like sharing knowledge and wholesome thoughts and actions, making a person more kind, compassionate about taking refuge in the Buddha is like building a power station in one’s mind. Also taking refuge in Buddha is helping to everyone to identify the weakness of each individual like anger and greed, fear etc.,
Ven. Ru Hong explained the importance of Samadhi, Sheela and Panya. Many members share their life experience about transformation and better way of life through Buddhism in family, society and work environment. The tolerance, calmness, preventing anger and stable in difficult situation was developed in a positive way to accommodate others view and action.
Members started discussing about Dhamma is like water that nourishes all beings and shared their events from their family and workplace to get the opportunity to serve and address grievances in the organization, common man in society and family members. Doing the official duty without bending or deviating from moral and ethical way in any form of pressure and directions. Dhamma gave the energy to serve more and more people and area with kind heart and transparent way in making decisions.
The members appreciated the Chinese saying like “There is Dhamma and There is a way” and discussed about the life transformation like courage to face issues strongly after attending FGS training. The Dhamma gives the will power to serve in COVID pandemic situation to the public along with medical staff and communities. Dhamma gives confidence to face difficult times like lost close relatives, unemployment and lost job and bring more positivity in life.
The members had discussed about role of Dhamma to overcome defilements arise in one’s mind. Recollected the service extended to relieve the affected people from Tsunami, Covid with the help of Head Quarters.
The importance of Sangha and to know & follow the Buddha’s Dharma with the guidance or instruction of Sangha is discussed. Sangha is helped to differentiate and identify wrong thoughts from right thoughts, guiding towards brightness from darkness. Sangha is the spiritual family, passing the Dhamma from one generation to another generation through Teachers in a committed way.
Discussion is continued further on finding safety from adversity through the power of contemplating the Triple Gem even when not in their presence, importance of spiritual treasure than worldly treasure, truly taking refuge in Triple Gem and its true meaning of taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Interestingly the youngest member from FGS Training School, Bodh Gaya has voluntarily shared her view about the benefits of taking refuge in Triple Gem. The best practice of their Bodh Gaya school to understand Triple Gem through stories and sharing the events in social media has showed the new way to others to utilize effectively modern communication and media to propagate Dhamma to all over the world.
Finally Ven. Ru Hong and Ven. Ru Ji had prayed for the flood affected people of Chennai and Tamilnadu along with members and shared merits to all. Overall the discussion is very interactive and members from various chapters participated actively. Discussion is elevated to next higher level by sharing their life experience.

Date: 23/10/2021 (Sat)
Time: 7.00pm-8.30pm (M’sia Time)
4.30pm-6.00pm (India Time)
Facilitator: *Ven. You Zong *
Topic: Buddha-Dharma: Pure & Simple —
Law of cause and effect across three times period
The topic started with reading of paragraphs by each one of the participants. At the end of the reading, ven. You Zong had put few questions for discussion to be the part of the topic. Which had explained very well by the participants as per their day today life experiences on law of causes and effects.
Question1 . what are common query people have regarding cause and effect?
Answered by Brother Mannan: common people think that if one person doing some wrong thing but he is giving happily, if a person living with pure heart and very simple but still he is in poverty are facing problems in a day today life. The questions are always there in their mind whether cause and effect really in theory or philosophy and these are the common queries in most of the people.
Question 2. Do your subchapter people face same problems?
As per Dr Karuna, The people think that whatever if one does good it comes back to good in life if one does bad then it comes back in later life, people believe that whatever they does good in the future.
Ven. You Zong added and shared her childhood experiences mentioned ‘’one reap what one sow’’ as per her mother but young generation always need to be explained and need to be proved.
Question 3. Which saying this describe the law of cause and effects and karmic retribution?
As per sis. Lilian present life experiences are the results of past life and present life cause of future life experiences.
Question 4 which example is this article explain cause and effect and karmic retribution example given by master?
Answered by Dr Karuna, example about the saving account every people committed crime but that is a kind of withdrawing from their own saving account.
Question 5. What is the world most just arbitrator?
Answered by sis Lillian is law of cause and effect is the arbitrator.
Question 6.if some one wish to changes the law of cause and effects over faith what one should do?
As per brother Mannan live in the present moment, and added by sis Lucy that to have remorse and try to live better life to have others to reach out people because our wholesome deed with compassion and with way we have others and helping ourselves better karmic results coming life.
Questions 7 share your experiences do you believe cause and effects? Give life experiences from your life that one reap what one sow that support law of cause and effects?
As per Mr Anban, by doing good deed, speaking good words and thinking good thoughts this is the example and ‘’golden words’’
Question 8 So, how you convince out of people?
As per Bro. Mannan by giving comparision between two students one study well and other not and how they get the result in their further life. He also added the example of public transport where offering a chair to the physically challenged and needy or lady with child where one can offer the help, during pandemic helping the people like sowing seeds without expectation and will get good reap in future.
Dr Karuna also added example and her experience while working with co-workers need a good environment by adding happiness, kindness and satisfaction which reflect hormony in the team and affect the life.
Ven.you Zong added that we work with the people and connected with lot of people, family and like working in a team so you give love, kind words, give smile which create hormony environment surrounding you.
Question 9 what is the effect of law of cause and effect and karmic retribution how do you explain ?
Answered by sis Lucy that no one can escape from one’s karma, evey deed and action accumulated for like how every you nurture and nourish your body and mind because everything is connected.the teaching of Dharma is available all around us but how we use it and understand make us who we pick up and virtue and wholesome deeds that nature becomes you. That why they say that we need to save water, plant, and free use of biodegradable things and don’t waste natural resources and revalue and deeds to save for later generations.so we need to take care of everything and are connected. Because with single kind words transforms a person life. So, everything like cause and effects and karmic retributions that we need to develop and nurture.
Question 10 we as a Buddhist always say live in the present moment so, what represent live in the present moment and is so important in three time period what do you think?
Answered by Mr Steven, Buddha always advices that as per the Dharma that we must live in the present, where the past is always a past and the future is not there whatever the present which is most important moment, In our life we also live in three time periods that we accumulated good that we do, so in present you are planting a lot of good seeds then you are looking good fruits in future. But the future is not yet here but present in how do you live. When there is lot of negativity around us we should be thankful as we are clearing our debts, so we should be thankful to negativity also and so we should see good. That’s the teaching of Buddha.
Question 11 do you believe to find challenging a single thought that turn sadness to happiness? How do you stop? Is it possible in single thought have face that? How much sadness it takes?
As per brother steven shared his experiences before coming to Buddhism always negativity in his mind, and as per him you can not let go but after learning Buddhism after practicing 4 universal vows that is
1) Sentient Beings are limitless, I vow to liberate them.
2) Afflictions are endless, I vow to eradicate them.
3) Teachings are infinite, I vow to learn them.
4) Buddhahood is supreme, I vow to attain it. ,
you apply in your family which find useful and you thanks causes and condition when let it go. Everyday need to practice and meditation so that good habit that we develop our mind. And our daily challenges we are able to turn negative to positive.
Ven. You Zong added, your practices and you make habit , you practice, you make compassion then you let it go every easily. Everyone have Buddha nature inside you. In the begining its looks difficult but if you believes in yourselves keep doing it, repeat it make it a habit. Then you will find everything in the present moment would transform into a lot of negativity in to positivity.
Question12 while facing life challenges do you have lucky escape? Which seems like contradiction? Do you believe in lucky escape?
As per bro. B.k. Maheshwary. That I believe that nature of law is supreme and you can escape this moment but the next moment result will there as what I have done my karma earlier. If tomorrow I will be waiting then it will come with interest.so , I don’t believe that any one can escape from the laws of cause and effect every one has to pass though 100%. I can not escape from the law of nature.
Ven. You Zong added yes there is no escape at present moment, put in positive mind if it happen tomorrow one day to change law of cause and condition with right view face with positive mind.
Question13 how does the cause and effect the article across the three time period help you in your life?
As per Madam Ganga, by giving example of when we throw a black ball , black ball return when we throw white ball return white ball is the example of cause and effect.
Dr Tushar added, the cause and effect its purifying our mind and it keeps opening our mind that we should be focused we should keep on doing the good work, wholesome deeds should be continued , common people they get bad karmic result after doing good deed. We should keep doing good work, even we should encourage other also for not to worry of bad karmic out put but to keep continue positively in the life. Be more optimistic, hopeful for the future, its keep up moving ahead and it giving us fearlessness work and keep doing our great work.
Another sister added, we should speak good words with mind do good deed, speak good word and think good thought that that is the good karma.
Mr Anban added, the cause and effect are the heart of Buddhism the hear teaching of Buddhism. So, everyone should practice, so this is our life not only for Buddhism but for everyone whole world this is the formula.
Brother mannan thanked for sharing life experience working place and many people. And about interaction session about the fearless life while practicing Buddhism and law of cause and effect.
Ven. You Zong added her temple experience, that lot of people in south Asia people they pray to the Buddha or bodhisattvas during the Chinese new year, they bring apples to the Buddha they want to pray for safety of family they want to pray for prosperity. Common people they don’t graps the meaning they take like insurance that if Buddha bless me good happen to me these belief don’t work that happen to your surrounding to you, same thing bad happened so they blame Buddha . they think religion don’t work they need to change . how it happen to my son, my next generation. I think this is up to the superstitious.
Mr. Steven added a business man story who was chanting Buddha and loss money in share market, where a beside standing venerable asked that he chanted Buddha name amitofo as insurance but this is mistake, it could be want to reborn in pureland. But the mistake the karmic happening between the Buddha name and doing business when you do business you mixed up karmic happening.
Ven. Youzong added that lots of people loss the faith due to bad things happened. Because the fundamental law of Buddhism. We are extremely lucky who keep emphasizing on Buddhism.
At the end of the class merits were distributed by Ven You Zong.

11/10/2021 – Joyful Dharma Reading Club
Topic: Buddha-Dharma: Pure & Simple—Understanding Generosity
A total of 35 readers joined the reading club facilitated by Venerable Ru Xing.
According to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, giving should be done in accordance with the Buddha-Dharma. It should not bring suffering or affliction to oneself. However, Venerable Ru Xing pointed out that sometimes we may do things that are not right or unwholesome, therefore we need to understand how to actualise the act of true ‘generosity’ based on the Buddha-Dharma.
Based on discussion and understanding of the readers, true generosity means giving without expecting returns, without notions or non-attachment, simply encapsulated with ‘joy’; the joy of giving by the giver and the joy of receiving by the receiver. The giver also possess a heart of gratitude and thankfulness that the receiver presents an opportunity for him to perform this act of giving.
Venerable Ru Xing agrees with the readers’ view points and she extracted a teaching from the ‘Paramita of Generosity’ which illustrates the three stages of Bodhisattva’s path to attain Buddhahood:
The first stage—perspective of the ‘Giver’. The Giver must perceive the whole act of giving to fulfil his merit to attain Buddhahood.
Second stage—the Giver needs to understand the things that he is keeping is temporary only; the person he is giving to is claiming back the things.
Third stage—in terms of the Receiver, he must have the thoughts of the Giver as his good and knowledgeable Teacher, one who teaches him how to give in an appropriate way and in accordance with the Buddha-dharma.
With these three thoughts in mind, we can cultivate the perfection of generosity by recognising there are no givers, no receivers and no gifts. This is also in accordance with the teachings in the Diamond Sutra.
Among the many examples of generosity in Buddhist sutras, there were ancient stories of the Buddha’s previous lives sacrificing his body and flesh to feed tigers and eagles. A few readers opined that while these acts are unrealistic and significantly difficult to emulate, but we can still practice these virtues by donating our blood or pledge to donate organs after death. These virtuous acts exemplify the highest state of generosity and according to Master, in actuality, accomplishing the first part of the saying—the “wish for all beings to be relieved from suffering” — is sufficient enough.
Some readers shared examples of activities they had done in actualising the giving of weath, giving of Dharma and the giving of fearlessness. An advice to take back from this article is that, in the course of every individual’s practice, there is no cultivation which is done in vain, everything has its causes and effects; all wholesome deeds have favorable outcomes. What is important is our understanding of the Buddha’s teachings—the Buddha expounded the Dharma to inspire, teach and benefit all beings and with this, we hope this Dharma session has enlightened everyone with joy and equanimity. The session ended with ‘A Prayer to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva for Safety and Protection’ and transference of merit.
May all beings live with peace and happiness!

Meditation with 🍵 tea
Yesterday afternoon we gathered online for our Meditation with Tea, organized by Dharmapala – Spritual & Cultivation sub-group. In total there were 23 participants who attended the session.
It was guided by FGS SS3 PJ Centre’s meditation guidance monastic, Venerable Miao Dao.
Venerable Miao Dao started off the session, with a brief run-down of the items required for this tea meditation session such as tea vessel, tea cups, tea leaves, and hot water flask.
Also requested was to have some sour plums or raisins for this session, which plays a part in the tea meditation.
Venerable reiterated that this is a Tea Meditation session and is not about Tea Art.
Therefore, we do not need to be too particular about having a full tea set with all the accessories or specific type of tea cups. As in meditation, there are many forms of meditation which include sitting, walking, standing so even drinking tea can be a form of meditation.
Venerable then guided us step-by-step of relaxing every part of our body from head to toe, and then into the counting of our breath technique.
The class then sat in meditation for about 5 minutes, quietly counting our own breathing.
After which, we were again guided on how to “wake up” from meditation with the warming- up movements on parts of our body.
We then moved on to the next process of meditation – with Tea.
Venerable explained the process from putting the tea leaves into the tea vessel, pouring hot water into it, pouring the simmered tea into tea cups and drinking it.
Each of the step is a meditation process in itself, as we are to observe the appearance and sound of the tea leaves, when in dry form and after hot water is poured over it.
Feel the warmth of the tea cup in our hand, smell the aroma of the tea and the taste of the tea in our mouth. Through these processes aside from using our eyes, ears, nose and mouth…we should also contemplate on the origins of the tea leaves which will help us to raise up our grateful/compassionate heart.
Then we were to put either the sour plum or raisin into our mouth and to savour the texture and taste from not chewing on it till the time we chew on it. Just as in the process of brewing tea, we should learn to contemplate the different stages.
Venerable further explained that through these processes we learn to focus, be more observant, and appreciate everything we have and do in our daily life. Using this practice or mind set, it will definitely help us as BLIA members in carrying out our tasks/duties.
Everyone enjoyed the session and we ended with a sharing of personal feedback/experience from each participant around the table whilst learning the process of tea meditation.

Topic: Buddha-dharma: Pure & Simple — Letting Go
A total of 41 participants joined this reading session facilitated by Bro. Andy Ooi. Tonight, we are honoured to have Ven. You Zong as our guest. The class started off with a 5-min meditation lead by Ven. You Zong, to allow participants to relax and focus a moment to calm our mind.
As quoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, letting go does not mean we end up having nothing. On the contrary, only by letting go can one be at ease and liberated. Master also opines that people nowadays find it hard to let go of even a comment or a person—all due to lack of inner strength.
The facilitator raised a question to the room — how do we manage a relationship between letting go and giving up. Some readers shared their views that couples should consider to compromise and maintain family harmony and especially if they have children, they should not give up but, let go of their ego or stubborn behaviours to accommodate each other. From Ven. Ru Xing’s perspective, it is not a matter of letting go or giving up but rather, their attitude towards love. A very subtle monastic view indeed! Venerable recommended a book titled “The Road Less Traveled” written by a psychologist, M. Scott Peck, as reference how to apply the psychology of love and spiritual values to manage a relationship. Venerable described her definition of letting go is “a way of accepting and adapting, and progress for the better from that moment onwards”.
From the Buddhist perspective, attachment is craving, which leads to “clinging” and pursuing of worldly materials. From the sharing of readers, in order to detach ourselves from such cravings, one should apply and practice the Buddha’s teachings and reflect on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination as a guide.
On another discussion how we look at life and death with detachment, some readers shared that we should cherish quality relationships with family members so that when impermanence happens, the family members will be able to reflect on happy moments spent together and use it as a source of strength and inspiration to move on. A reader also shared some stories to exemplify how we can detach from attachment by letting go of the burden that we carry on our backs and follow the Middle Path. Venerable Ru Xing reminded everyone to contemplate and recite the Amitabha Buddha’s name so that we can aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land.
Venerable You Zong was invited to share her experience about “letting go”. Before coming back to Malaysia, she had affinities to serve at the Buddha Museum in Taiwan and New York. In spite of her vast experiences and having served at well-established temples, she had a desire to serve the communities in India and willing to give up the comfort of her present environment. Unfortunately she was unable to realise her dreams due to unfavorable conditions in India at the moment. Instead, she was advised by Chief Abbess Venerable Jue Cheng that although she cannot go to India to serve physically, she could still do great things to help them by gathering resources from Malaysia and send it to those needy there. This is exemplary of letting go and picking up with ease so that one can still achieve great things, as long as one has a magnanimous mind.
We hope all readers are inspired and constantly reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and learn to let go of our sack to truly experience a carefree life. The session ended with ‘A Prayer Before Retiring for the Day’, followed by transference of merit.

Topic: 04/10/2021 Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple — Four Advices from Four Sutras
A total of 32 participants attended this reading session facilitated by Sister Lillian Chang.
In this article, Venerable Master Hsing Yun particularly extracted four advices from four sutras for us to use as reference for interpersonal and social interactions that are worthy of reflection and practice.
1. Never forget one’s initial aspirations (Avatamsaka Sutra)
Master highlighted this phrase to serve as encouragement for one not to lose confidence in the face of adversity and instead, one should reflect on his initial vows and aspirations and strive to move forward with perseverance and strength until the goals are achieved. And this is also an important attitude in our practice to remind us of our initial aspirations to cultivate our bodhi mind.
2. Be an unexpected friend (Vimalakirti sutra)
The Vimalakirthi Sutra emphasise the teaching of non-duality and interconnectedness. Hence, Master advise us to learn from this sutra to “be a friend who offers support without being expected” and give causes and conditions to the world whenever one has the capability. This, in turn helps one to develop broad affinities and create helpful causes and conditions which can be timely support that comes along in our cultivation path.
3. Never hold an old grudge (Sutra on the Eight Realizations of a Bodhisattva)
The core concept of humanistic Buddhism is loving-kindness and compassion. This is particularly why Master Hsing Yun picked this phrase from the sutra to remind us to be virtuous people—remember and repay the kindness from others and not to hold any grudges or hatred towards anyone. To purify our mind, one should generously forgive, since one may also offend others.
4. Remain unchanging in following conditions (Sastra on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana)
Master Hsing Yun picked this quote from the sastra, which emphasised the essentials of Mahayana, to remind us to do “what is appropriate”. Although “following conditions” means to go along with causes and conditions present, but Master reminded that we should be mindful not to forego our principles or rules, otherwise it will become an attachment and hinders one’s future development.
In summary, we can reflect on these four advices and use it as references in our daily life to develop wisdom and be more flexible in dealing with interpersonal relationships. To wrap up this session, each reader took turns to share their thoughts and take back from this article and inspire each other with their experiences so that we can all work together to continuously improve ourselves.
The session ended with Transference of Merit and may we all find joy and make peace with every encounter in our life.

27/09/21 – Joyful Dharma Reading Club Report
Topic: Buddha-Dharma: Pure & Simple — Four Reliances
A total of 33 participants joined this session facilitated by Venerable You Deng.
In this passage, Venerable Master Hsing Yun advised that as true Buddhists, we should not abide in the Six Sense Objects nor the Five Desires as these would cloud our intrinsic nature. Instead, we should follow the guidelines taught by the Buddha, i.e. by abiding in the Four Reliances, which are:

1. Rely on the Dharma, not on individual teachers,
2. Rely on wisdom, not on consciousness,
3. Rely on meaning, not on the words,
4. Rely on ultimate truth, not on relative truth.
   Venerable You Deng lead the class through an interesting discussion and shared some insights how to approach the Dharma based on these four reliances.
   Firstly, the Buddha teaches us to rely in the Dharma to understand the Truth instead of relying on individual teachers. Venerable You Deng explained that some teachers may learn the wrong concepts and mis-apply their learnings. Therefore, by abiding in the Dharma, we will not follow the wrong teachings and make mistakes. The Buddha has always emphasised that we should rely on ourself, rely on the Dharma and rely on nothing else, to attain proper understanding of the truth.
   Secondly, the Buddha taught us that wisdom already lies within us and therefore, when we study the Dharma, we must be aware of this inherent wisdom and not rely on the consciousness, namely the six sense organs — eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind, as well as the manas consciousness and alaya consciousness. Seeing the truth is wisdom; knowing about the truth is knowledge. However, knowledge alone cannot help us break our delusions. But by relying on wisdom, we see the true reflection of our Buddha nature.
   As for relying on meaning and not on words, Venerable You Deng pointed out that although the Dharma is prescribed by words but, we we should apply our wisdom to understand the true meaning of the Dharma. Language is just a tool and although different Schools use different languages and dialects, the meaning of the Dharma is still the same—there is only one truth. By following the meaning, we will remain free from the boundaries of languages.
   Lastly, by relying on ultimate truth instead of relative truth, we will devoid from understanding the shallow meaning of the Dharma. The Buddha has always adopted expedient means to spark interest in teaching the Dharma to benefit sentient beings. Venerable You Deng defined ultimate truth as ‘definitive meaning’ and relative truth as ‘provisional meaning’. In this sense, expedient means are relative truth, which aims to bring joy, liberation and transcendance to life, but we should aim to follow the Buddha’s footsteps and elevate our spirit and magnanimity to that of the universe. ThIs is the ultimate truth that reveal the true path to liberation.
   As a reflection and take back from this topic, some readers shared their thoughts and views to inspire each other towards self-awakening. In a nutshell, learning Buddhism is about understanding the profound meaning of the Buddha-Dharma to provide us a clear direction of practicing Buddhism in our daily life. Hence, we should apply the Four Reliances as basic guidelines for us to practice and develop our faith. With that, we concluded the session with “A Prayer Before Retiring for the Day”, followed by Transference of Merit.