Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple
June 28, 2023

On Saturday, at 10 AM on June 17th, Venerable Miaozang, Superintendent of Hsi Fang Buddhist Temple, and Dennis Braun., Ph.D., Temple member and Professor of Sociology Emeritus, delivered a talk at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego.   The talk addressed how Buddhism can help us in dealing with negative emotions that may accompany being an elder.  The presentation, entitled “Embracing the Golden Years: Challenges and Self-Empowerment,” was held both on Zoom and in-person on the church’s campus.  About 37 persons attended, some of whom had never been exposed to any knowledge about Buddhism.

The presentation, entitled “Embracing the Golden Years: Challenges and Self-Empowerment,” was held both on Zoom and in-person on the church’s campus. photo/Hsi Fang Temple

Brief introduction of Fo Guang Shan and BLIA by Ven. Miaozang. photo/Hsi Fang Temple

Dennis began the talk detailing how the culture and norms of American society are hostile for seniors in thought, word, and deed.  He detailed how U.S. health care has inadequately addressed the needs of elderly patients, resulting in higher death rates and lower life expectancy.  Those over 65 years old have the highest poverty and suicide rates rate of any age group.  Becca Levy’s research was also discussed—which reveals that negative attitudes toward the elderly can come to be accepted by seniors themselves, leading to early death.  Asian countries such as China and Japan, with a pronounced Buddhist heritage, had much better memory and health functioning among their elderly compared to seniors in the U.S.  In short, being old in America is more dire than being an elder in countries where Buddhism is more heavily represented.

Venerable Miaozang then shared on the life of the Buddha, highlighting on how Prince Siddhartha’s launch toward enlightenment by discovering old age, sickness, and death. The venerable explained in details on the Truth on dependent origination and the impermanence we experience every moment both physically and mentally. It is important for us to understand the reality we live in, accept as it is, and self-empowerment in how we view this life and being content with what we have and what we experience everyday.

Venerable Miaozang then shared on the life of the Buddha, highlighting on how Prince Siddhartha’s launch toward enlightenment by discovering old age, sickness, and death. photo/Hsi Fang Temple

Venerable Miaozang mentioned, it is important for us to understand the reality we live in, accept as it is, and self-empowerment in how we view this life and being content with what we have and what we experience everyday. photo/Hsi Fang Temple

One of the attendees, Betty, commented on the serenity she felt and ask how one can achieve that state of mind amidst of so many happenings. Steve also commented that Ven. Master Hsing Yun’s reminder of contentment is very important in appreciation everything one has, especially our loved ones. By the end of the presentation, the participants’ responses were both enthusiastic and curious.  Many participants indicated their desire to find out more about what Buddhism could offer to help alleviate negative mental suffering.

Discussion after the talk. photo/Hsi Fang Temple