Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 14, 2023

On September 10th, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) of Toronto organized the "Venerable Master Hsing Yun's profound impact on my life" forum at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. The event featured BLIA instructors Kuang Jia Feng and Chen Shu Fen, BLIA of Toronto board member Chen Sheng Chang, and White Elephant Executive Chen Mei Ling from the subchapter of the Transmission of the Lamp. Over 90 Fo Guang members attended the event, providing them with insights into how Venerable Master Hsing Yun has influenced two generations of people.

BLIA of Toronto's Supervisor, Chen Wei Tsai, delivered a speech stating that the four speakers, despite their 30-year age difference, have unique experiences and perspectives in their Buddhist learning journeys, making them valuable sources of learning for everyone.

BLIA of Toronto's Supervisor, Chen Wei Tsai, delivered a speech. photo／The Life News Agency

The hosts, BLIA of Toronto Vice President Chen Jing Yi and Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Group Coordinator Yang Pei Xin, invited the speakers to address four main topics: How did they establish a connection with Venerable Master Hsing Yun? What has been the most profound influence of Venerable Master Hsing Yun on their lives? What aspects of Venerable Master Hsing Yun do they admire the most? And what are the most cherished memories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun after his passing?

These four speakers each had different ways of connecting with Venerable Master Hsing Yun. One of them attended Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Buddhist lectures in the 1990s, another participated in the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony at the BLIA World Conference, where they listened to Venerable Master Hsing Yun explain Buddhist teachings. Additionally, one of them became acquainted with the Master's teachings through his written works.

Chen Shu Fen mentioned that the most profound impact Venerable Master Hsing Yun had on her was teaching her to change her way of thinking and to be grateful. On the other hand, Kuang Jia Feng shared that Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught her to be optimistic, not superstitious, and to face life's challenges with a positive attitude.

BLIA of Toronto board member Chen Sheng Chang shared that "BLIA young adults are the future of Buddhism." photo／The Life News Agency

Chen Sheng Chang shared that he witnessed how the Venerable Master moved BLIA young adults around the world through his leading by example. Chen Mei Ling shared that she came to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto when her mother was ill and felt warmth and support. She expressed her gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for establishing the temple in Toronto, providing spiritual comfort to everyone and helping them understand the meaning of life and living.

When it comes to "the most admirable qualities of the Venerable Master," Chen Shu Fen said that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is incredibly eloquent and articulate when expounding on scriptures and the Dharma. He can easily address the doubts and questions of his followers and sentient beings.

Kuang Jia Feng expressed that what he admires most about Venerable Master Hsing Yun is his numerous written works and recommended "The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha" authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Kuang Jia Feng shared that Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught her to be optimistic. photo／The Life News Agency

Chen Mei Ling mentioned that Venerable Master Hsing Yun has addressed life's perplexities for people of different ages and backgrounds. Chen Sheng Chang shared that in the past few years, his grandfather and mother passed away one after the other. They relied on the faith and strength from Fo Guang Shan to help their family get through these difficult times.

Chen Mei Ling shared that she came to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto when her mother was ill and felt warmth and support. photo／The Life News Agency

Chen Shu Fen said, "Venerable Master Hsing Yun will always live in our hearts." Under the leadership of Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, she aspires to "Emulate the Buddha's Heart and Uphold Our Aspirations," spreading Humanistic Buddhism to every corner of the world.

Chen Shu Fen mentioned that Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught her to change her way of thinking and to be grateful. photo／The Life News Agency

Kuang Jia Feng stated that, much like the Buddha, Venerable Master Hsing Yun helps us understand the truth of life. As long as we have the Buddha and Venerable Master Hsing Yun in our hearts, and practice the principles of Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings, and Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings, we can resonate with Venerable Master Hsing Yun in return.

The host summarized, "Fo Guang Shan is the refueling station on our life journey, giving us the confidence and strength to start anew." "Where there is dharma, there is a way." "Happiness is like perfume; it brings joy and sunshine to people." "BLIA young adults are the future of Buddhism." "Don't be afraid of change; embrace challenges." "I am a Buddha." "Learn from the Buddha, act like the Buddha, become the Buddha."