Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
March 15, 2024

The Humanistic Buddhism Academy of FGS Christchurch, commenced classes on 28th February, 2024. The sessions were led by the Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, focusing on the study of the Vimalakirti Sutra, with nearly 20 students enrolled. Continuing from the previous term, Venerable Juexi elaborated and reviewed the concepts in the scripture, including the principles of the Mind-only Pure Land, Beyond Comprehension Approach to liberation, and the perspective of seeing everything from the perspective of Dependent Origination.

Venerable Juexi elaborated and reviewed the concepts in the scripture, including the principles of the Mind-only Pure Land, Beyond Comprehension Approach to liberation, and the perspective of seeing everything from the perspective of Dependent Origination. photo／FGS NZ

Venerable Juexi guided the students to a deeper understanding of the wise dialogues between bodhisattvas and Buddha’s disciples. This included how bodhisattvas perceive sentient beings, the practice of twenty-nine types of kindness, and the implementation of compassion, joy and equanimity. By taking bodhisattvas as role models and practicing mindfulness, students learned to cultivate and attain the wisdom that is fearless of life and death.

Venerable Juexi guided the students to a deeper understanding of the wise dialogues between bodhisattvas and Buddha’s disciples. photo／FGS NZ

The scripture mentions Establishing all Dharma from the Standpoint of Non-abidance, indicating that only through non-attachment and non-greed can one return to one’s pure original nature. Venerable Juexi encouraged students to apply the spirit of compassion, joy, and equanimity in daily life, emphasising the importance of treating oneself kindly as a prerequisite to treating others well.

The students expressed gratitude to Venerable for guiding them through the deeper aspects of the scriptures, thereby strengthening their faith and motivation in learning and practicing Buddhism. The Subchapter Senior Advisor of the BLIA South Island, Louisa noted that through the insightful teachings, they learned how bodhisattvas guide their minds towards the Pure Land and inspired their diligent practice towards achieving liberation towards the Pure Land of their minds. Student Crystal shared that they had been initially intimidated by the scripture’s complexity, but thanks to Venerable’s thoughtful explanations, the content of the scriptures was vividly brought to life, making them look forward to each class.

The students expressed gratitude to Venerable for guiding them through the deeper aspects of the scriptures, thereby strengthening their faith and motivation in learning and practicing Buddhism. photo／FGS NZ