Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 1, 2023

Invited by Dharma Bum Temple, Venerable Miao Zang, the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Hsi Fang Temple San Diego Buddhist Association, went to the temple to give a lecture, attracting an attendance of 70 people. She shared her own journey of learning Buddhism and engaged in a Q&A session to help the community understand Buddhism and how it can contribute to their well-being in their daily lives.

Venerable Miao Zang shared her experience of learning Buddhism. She mentioned that she came to realize the omnipresence of "Impermanence" when her family member passed away. Everything in the world undergoes change, much like computer software or legal regulations that adjust with time and circumstances. However, the truth realized by the Buddha has remained applicable for over two thousand years, transcending time and being relevant to the past, present, future, and other realms.

Venerable Miao Zang shared her own journey of learning Buddhism. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Miao Zang also explained how to implement the truth in daily life. She shared a personal experience of the kindness and compassion of the people in San Diego. One day during a vegetarian breakfast event, she couldn't open the lid of a jam jar. She stood in the pathway in front of the temple and asked passing individuals for help. People patiently stopped to assist her in opening the jam jar lid. This is an example of how Buddhism can be practiced in everyday life.

At the seminar venue, the most frequently asked question was "How to choose the path of life." Venerable Miao Zang responded, "Your present life is the result of the past life. Your next life will be a consequence of this life." She emphasized that when facing difficulties, one should not deceive themselves, but rather pause, take a step back, and carefully observe the causes and conditions. She also shared the story of "A blessing in disguise," encouraging the audience to cherish the present moment and be thankful for change. When choosing a life path, others cannot decide for you; everything must be sought from within oneself. When encountering challenges, one should find a way through.

Chris inquired about the differences between life before and after renunciation. Venerable Miao Zang explained that life before renunciation is characterized by external richness and diversity, while life after ordination is enriched by inner diversity. The secular "Happy Hour" occurs after work, in bars, but after renunciation, every moment spent practicing Buddhism becomes a "Happy Hour."

The organizer of this lecture, Jeffrey Zlotnik, expressed gratitude for Venerable Miao Zang's presence and lecture, which provided a different learning journey for the Buddhist friends of Dharma Bum Temple.