Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
June 26, 2023

On June 17th, members of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Bangkok subchapter 2nd, 4th, and 5th gathered at IBPS Bangkok and jointly organized reading groups, studying the articles written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. This event attracted more than 50 enthusiastic participants, including chapter presidents and members from various subchapters. The atmosphere at the venue was lively, and everyone was filled with joy and delight in the Dharma.

There were two Chinese-language groups and one Thai-language group. The Thai-language group studied "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment." The Chinese-language groups studied "The Many Matters of Life" and "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment" respectively. The facilitators led discussions and encouraged group members to share their insights.

During the sharing session, Fo Guang member Huang Ruizhen expressed that regardless of occupation or social status, each person must make their own judgments about right and wrong. For example, bringing family members to Fo Guang Shan is a correct activity.

Fo Guang member Meng Li stated that how we interact with others is a lifelong learning process. By following the guidance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings, such as "You are wrong, I am right; You are important and I am not; You enjoy happiness, while I embrace suffering; You can obtain, while I forsake," one can create positive relationships and obtain good karmic connections. The articles by Venerable Master Hsing Yun inspire boundless wisdom.

Fo Guang member shared her insights. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Ru Hui concluded that the purpose of readinggroup is to "become a better person, become more understanding, understand causes and conditions, know our hearts." By learning through the stages of "hearing, thinking, practicing, enlightenment," one can unlock inner wisdom and apply it in daily life. This is the objective of Humanistic Buddhism reading group. Each branch should promote the reading of the "Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun" to purify people's hearts.

At the end of the event, Abbess Venerable Jue Ji delivered a Dharma talk, stating that a good reading group is equivalent to a collective cultivation practice. It allows participants to learn from others' wisdom and gain life experiences that they lack. Venerable Jue Ji expressed that every aspect of life is a result of causes and conditions, and it is not easily obtained. Venerable Master Hsing Yun often encourages Fo Guang members to read more, and he hoped that the culture of reading will permeate more Fo Guang families, so that they can become wise and virtuous Fo Guang members.