Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 3, 2023

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple(I.B.P.S.) held a "News Writing and Photography Training Camp" in late April, attracting nearly 40 members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) LA to register.

Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, said he hoped that the participants in this event would gain inner purity through Buddhist practice and observe things with "Journalistic Eye", leaving a historical record for Humanistic Buddhism, which is a true Bodhisattva practice.
Venerable Hui Dong hoped the participants in this event would observe things with "Journalistic Eye", leaving a historical record for Humanistic Buddhism. photo／The Life News Agency

President of BLIA LA Wu Shuailun praised the event for helping participants to spread positive news and create good affinities, comparable to the Buddha's "Sign Broad and Long Tongue", speaking truthful and pure words.

Venerable Hui Kai, the lecturer who guided the participants on news writing, said that the guidelines for news writing are "writing reality, not fiction" and "the report must base on truth and has a source." Venerable Hui Kai also provided examples of common mistakes and taught the participants how to maintain objectivity, and hoped that the participants would improve themselves.

Venerable Hui Dong(right) gave a speech at "News Writing and Photography Training Camp." photo／The Life News Agency

Photography instructor Zhang Zhicheng explained the three essential elements of composition, including lines, light, and color blocks. Another instructor, Xu Huiyun, is a senior media professional. She shared her experience and guided the "Basic News Video Shooting," including basic knowledge of shooting, interviewing skills, the differences between videos and short films, and basic knowledge of shooting with a mobile phone.

Ko Yuqin, Chief of the supervisory committee of BLIA LA, said, "Recently, I have been thinking a lot about what I can do for Fo Guang Shan and Humanistic Buddhism at this stage of my life. I learned a lot from these courses, and I am willing to make a vow to play a role as a cog in the machine of humanistic news."