Francis Wong
February 17, 2024

On 4 February, Nan Tien Institute launched its first online "Community of Practice" of the year, marking the beginning of a two-month series of events. Members from the local community were invited to talk about their feelings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and to share insights into the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan. 26 guests from various fields participated, including UNESCO Southeast Asia Director, Emeritus Professor Stephen Hill of Wollongong University and advisor to Nan Tien Institute’s Humanistic Buddhism Center, Cecile Manikan, Executive Director of the Philippine Humanistic Buddhism Research Center, Dr. Priscilla Wong, and Venerable Jue Wei, the Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Center at Nan Tien Institute. Together, they explored stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in an effort to learn from him when facing life difficulties with courage.

Venerable Jue Wei emphasized that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is not only a symbol of innovation in Buddhism but also promotes the idea of "Humanistic Buddhism," advocating for Buddhism to meet societal needs. Venerable Master Hsing Yun unites communities with compassion, wisdom, and innovation, leading social change. Venerable Jue Wei expressed gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun's establishment of the University of the West in the United States, allowing followers to continue in the master's footsteps and contribute to education and talent development.

Members from the local community were invited to talk about their feelings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and to share insights into the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／The Life News Agency

The "Community of Practice" utilized group discussions for topics such as " In honour of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's legacy of fearlessness in the face of adversity, what is one courageous action you can take in the coming year to contribute positively to your life or community?" and " How would his teachings and exemplar guide you in overcoming doubts or obstacles along the way?" This stimulated in-depth exchanges as participants shared how they faced life's challenges by incorporating Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings and integrating Buddhist wisdom into their daily lives, embodying the true essence of "where there is Dharma, there is a way."

Emeritus Professor Stephen Hill experienced venerable  master's great wisdom and courage, making compassionate and wise choices in every aspect of life, providing inspiration for learning and contemplation.

Dr. Cecile Manikan deeply experienced that venerable master never complains. He transforms "suffering" into a force for helping others. Venerable master's compassion is about sensing the suffering of sentient beings, willingly enduring and offering oneself for the propagation of the Dharma. She aspired to learn from venerable master's compassion and serve society.

Liam Carver pointed out that venerable master's two books, "Perfectly Willing" and "Where there is Dharma there is a way," are highly motivational. Through venerable master's life experiences and wisdom, one can overcome despair and challenges, regaining confidence. Nhan Phan reads venerable master’s book "366 days with Wisdom" daily as a guidance for life, experiencing the wisdom of "where there is Dharma, there is a way."

Dr. Priscilla Wong found that venerable master’s two sayings, "Choosing the right or kindness with choosing the kindness" and "Facing and solving problems with compassion," were deeply impactful. Nilanka Tilbrook expressed gratitude for reading the venerable master's book "Ten Paths to Happiness" and finding motivation for learning and practicing Buddhism through venerable master's one-stroke calligraphy "Find joy in busyness."

In conclusion, Venerable Jue Wei noted that facing life's challenges and suffering is part of life's learning and experience. Venerable master's wisdom can expand perspectives and lead to a life filled with hope and meaning.

Participate in Nan Tien Institute ‘s "Community Practice" by registering online: https://community.thebbep.org/2024-sunday-check-in/.