Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 30, 2023

On October 22nd, Bryon, the leader of the Cambridge University Buddhist Society (CUBS), led members from India, mainland China, Taiwan, and Vietnam on a visit to I.B.P.S. UK (London Fo Guang Shan Temple).

Venerable Jue Qian, representing I.B.P.S. UK, welcomed the visiting group and introduced them to the architecture and history of London Fo Guang Shan Temple. Venerable Jue Qian mentioned that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, highly values and respects history, religion, and culture. The building housing I.B.P.S. UK is a Grade II listed historical site, and London Fo Guang Shan Temple preserved some representative items such as Christian theological college plaques and rooftop crosses.

Venerable Jue Qian explained to the guests Venerable Master Hsing Yun's aspiration for propagating the Dharma: "The Buddha’s Light Shines on the Universe, the Dharma Water Forever Flows on the Five Continents." Accordingly, Venerable Master Hsing Yun established Buddha’s Light viharas across the five continents to promote the localization of Humanistic Buddhism. Following this vision, I.B.P.S. UK initiated activities such as the Bodhi Garden Children Dharma Class, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) YAD London, Dharma class, and community education classes. These efforts aim to propagate the Dharma and cultivate spiritual practice through collective ceremonies.

CUBS members transcribed Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma Words. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Qian introduced Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "One-Stroke Calligraphy" and explained the working creeds for Buddha's Light members, which are "The Four Givings : to give others confidence; to give others hope; to give others joy; and to give others convenience." Venerable Jue Qian emphasized that Humanistic Buddhism is a profoundly positive and empowering force, and the venerables provide spiritual counseling based on these creeds.

Venerable Jue Qian also introduced the Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha in the Triple Gem Hall, as well as the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's vow to "rescue living beings upon hearing their suffering" and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's vow that "shall never attain buddhahood until hell is emptied" left the visiting CUBS members in awe. The day of the visit coincided with the Sunday collective practice session, where the congregation recited the "Diamond Sutra." CUBS members also experienced the atmosphere of chanting sutras in the Main Shrine.

In the library, Venerable Jue Qian assisted CUBS members in experiencing 10 minutes of meditation and 15 minutes of sutra transcription. During the Q&A session, Venerable Jue Qian answered questions from CUBS members, including the differences and similarities between Theravada Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism, as well as Buddhism's perspective on vegetarianism.

CUBS members experienced sutra transcription. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Qian quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "Record of Teachings on Humanistic Buddhism," stating, "Humanistic Buddhism is that which was taught by the Buddha himself, that which is needed by human beings, that which is pure, and that which is virtuous and beautiful."

Venerable Jue Qian presented the CUBS members with an English booklet titled "Management in Buddhism" and small ornaments to develop affinities. The CUBS members expressed that this visit deepened their understanding of Buddhism and introduced them to Humanistic Buddhism. They look forward to visiting again in the future.