Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 11, 2023

On May 2nd, Venerable Hui Chuan of Fo Guang Shan preside over the "Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony" held by the Bukouzan Housuiji in Japan.

This was the first time Bukouzan Housuiji held the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts ceremony after the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 followers from Tokyo, Yamanashi, Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya and other places participated in the ceremony with a sincere, grateful, and hopeful attitude, formally becoming disciples of Buddhism.

Venerable Hui Chuan lectured that taking refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) is to take refuge in one's own Buddha nature, which is the foundation of becoming a Buddhist. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is the starting point for learning Buddhism, while taking Five Precepts is the practice. Venerable Hui Chuan encouraged all Buddhist practitioners to apply the Five Precepts in daily life, and he emphasized that precepts are not restrictions, but rather can lead to ultimate physical and mental freedom.
Venerable Hui Chuan lectured that taking refuge in the Triple Gem is the starting point for learning Buddhism, while taking Five Precepts is the practice. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Hui Chuan also encouraged everyone to "do no evil, practice all wholesome deeds, uphold all that is good," and to uphold the Humanistic Buddhism philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, practicing the "Three Acts and Four Givings", and become the practitioners of Humanistic Buddhism.

Several teenagers and children also took the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts ceremony, representing the inheritance of Humanistic Buddhism.

Mr. Fu Changbao from Fukuoka said that taking refuge and precepts filled him with dharma joy and reminded him of maintaining a right mindfulness. By doing so, not only could he become a better person, but also bring the benefits of Buddhism to those around him.

Fo Guang Shan Tokyo Temple followers Ms. Yamanoue Emi and her husband participated in the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts ceremony together. They happily listened to Ven. Venerable Hui Chuan's lecture and learned about Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism. They vowed to study Buddhism diligently and uphold the Five Precepts.
Participants became disciples of Buddhism with sincere, grateful, and hopeful attitude. photo／The Life News Agency