Issue No.39 July 2014

The Wonder of Contemplation

and Effect, the great scientists and philosophers of today are all important “causes” as great thinkers. Regrettably, however, modern education does not place much emphasis on the teaching of critical thinking, but instead focuses mostly on applied sciences. The latter can be too rigid while the former is more versatile. When we are able to think and understand more broadly, we can be more resourceful in handling matters and more effective in applying our talents.

The renowned modern Chinese scholar, Hu Shi, once said, “Hypothesize bravely, and prove meticulously.” To Descartes once concluded “I think, therefore, I am.” hypothesize is to think, and to prove is to practice. Over Thinking is the driving force behind civilization. People the years, has made great strides in the fields of think in order to develop their wisdom. According agriculture, industry, business, and science. They are all to , “One should listen, contemplate, and the result of innovative thinking. Now that people in cultivate in order to enter into perfect meditative Taiwan enjoy wealth, material progress and scientific absorption.” Confucianism, on the other hand, teaches advancement, it is time for them to apply their thinking us to “put learning to practice,” and also that “learning to improving social harmony, resolving the political without thinking is useless.” unification issue (i.e., reunification with China), and even contemplating how to address the ills resulting The ultimate goal of contemplation is enlightenment. from the strife of five-thousand years of history. In seeking enlightenment, the Buddha went into deep in order to realize the truths of the We need to train the next generation to learn how to universe and life. Therefore, some people say that think at a young age. They should start with a question aside from being a great religious leader, educator and like, “What will I do when I grow up?” As they mature, philanthropist, the Buddha was first and foremost a they should ask themselves, “How can I contribute to great thinker. society and the country?” Every one of us needs to think, “How can we unite the strengths of people to In , practitioners become enlightened accomplish the best results?” In large organizations, by asking endless questions. In the pursuit of truth, the question should be, “How can we best share the they never stop thinking. So in reality when they are benefits of the organization with everyone?” Likewise, meditating, they are not just sitting there idly but parents should ask themselves, “How can the home be contemplating deeply. improved?”

A literary work takes much thinking and organizing The universe is not necessarily what we know it to be. to produce. A painting needs a lot of contemplating There are always deeper levels for us to explore and and planning before it can come to life on canvass. A consider. Pure lands and Buddha worlds are established sculpture requires not only the power of carving but by thinking. So we need to start thinking right now also the strength of the mind. A skyscraper is not just about how we can build a pure land in this world. In the result of the joint effort of hundreds of workers, other words, the question we need to contemplate is but also the vision of the architect’s design. how to establish a peaceful and harmonious society.

After all, thought produces reality, and as such, reality (adapted from Tending Life’s Garden, Between Ignorance and is the effect of thought. Based on the Law of Cause Enlightenment VI, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing) 1 Power of the Mind

On 7 June, Director Venerable Yi How to strengthen our mind to reach “true mind”? Kong, gave a talk at Concourse Civic Pavilion to 500 in Using verses from masters of the past, Ven. Yi Kong attendance. Often in our busy lives, we are stressed and shared that diligence, tolerance, making friends with anxious, leaving our minds occupied elsewhere. Ven. the virtuous, and saying good words are ways to Yi Kong using her wisdom wit and knowledge of the protect and strengthen our minds. These are simple and Chan gongans, talked about how everyday tasks we could do to rediscover our “true we can strengthen our minds and bring happiness and minds”. peace into our lives.

Based on the Awakening of Faith in and other Buddhist texts, Ven. Yi Kong introduced the different types of mindsets. Amongst all, “true mind” is the source of happiness. True mind is like the sun even when shrouded by clouds still shines brightly. Our delusions are like the clouds that cover the radiance of the sun. Often our six senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and mental objects distract our “true mind” like thieves entering a house stealing away the treasures within. Hence, it is important to protect our “true mind”.

Meditation in Daily Life

The next day, 8 June, Ven. Yi Kong gave a talk and explaining with gongans (Chan riddles and on Meditation in Daily Life. She pointed out that Chan stories), she showed how Chan could be practiced or meditation is very simple just as Buddhism can be as in our daily lives through daily tasks such as chores. simple. In our daily lives, we need to have meditative The skill of Chan is honed through the practice of concentration and reason to be able to overcome our compassion, letting go and focusing the mind, as well life challenges and worries. as simplifying our way of life. Then everywhere Chan can be found. Using her wisdom and knowledge in the Chan tradition

2 Exhibiting Art at Nan Tien

Nan Tien Art Gallery, also known as Fo Guang Yuan exhibited in and currently in Nan Tien Temple Art Gallerywas established by Venerable Master Hsing Hai Hui Hall. Yun for devotees and visitors to learn about Buddhist artefacts and about Buddhism. The first gallery and For more info on Mr. Chun and his art work, visit exhibition was set up in Tsunglin University in a small http://www.colorfullife.tw/en/about.php room with shelves located within the Taiwan complex. Venerable Master established these art galleries and exhibitions as a place for cultural arts exchange and enrich spirituality and life through art.

Nan Tien Art Gallery has been displaying an array of paintings by Mr. Chen Yang-Chun and currently on exhibit, Ms.Liu Yunhuan.

Mr. ChenYang-chun who was born in Taiwan in 1946, is known as the “Master of Colour Painting”. He is also a visiting professor in Tennessee University, USA, and has other positions in universities in Taiwan. Mr. Chen has done colour painting for over 40 years and has over time created his own technique called, “Reverie with Mistiness”.

His art draws the viewer into his paintings bringing out the arts, religion, life, ideas, and emotions of the scene. His paintings are like a fond memory coming to life. During his exhibition, he was generous to donate the funds from paintings sold at the exhibition to Nan Tien Institute.

‘Beauty of – Oil Paintings Exhibition’, were painted by Ms. LiuYunhuan. Born in China in 1962, she entered the China Academy of Art where she learned and studied under famous art teachers in 1999. Well known for her bright and bold use of colours, her paintings have travelled around the world to over 20 countries including Russia, France, Japan and Australia. Recently she has End of Term Presentations

On 22nd July, Nan Tien Temple held an End of Term presentation in the auditorium in front of 40 parents and friends.Special guests included Superintendent Ven. Juening and Ms. Cindy Lin, wife of Nan Tien Institute president. The first performance was by the Children’s Fun Class who amazed the audience with their drumming of the 24 seasons drum. The children then quizzed the audience with Chinese riddles bringing out laughter and wisdom. The English Self-Development and Cultivation Classpresented and invited the audience to join in. For the next few minutes, both the young and oldwere enjoying the tai chi together.

The last performance of the term was the Dunhuang dance who awed the audience with their performance. The dancers put away their years of experience in ballet to practice hard to learn the Dunhuang moves and gestures.

3 Giving and Service - the True Essence of Buddhism

Fo Guang Shan has always placed emphasis on extremely poor in his youth with nothing to his education. The Essence of Buddhism lecture originated name, however he was happy. Growing up in poverty from the enthusiasm of Mr. Lin, Tsong-Ming, Chancellor taught him to gain happiness through suffering and of Nan Hua University to establish an award that hardship. For him, ‘suffering and hardship’ is one recognises Excellence in Service to the Disadvantaged, and the same as ‘happiness’. ‘Suffering and hardship’ as well as the building of new facilities at the university is in fact nourishment for the heart, providing the campus. strength and hope of rising above one’s adversities. Hence, ‘suffering and hardship’ is the catalyst for In response to the devotees enthusiasm at the lecture, growth. Ven. Master Hsing Yun openly shared his personal lessons and offered great insights into Buddhism. He On Emptiness also took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support of Nan Hua University. Venerable Master Hsing Yun pointed out that emptiness is in fact to possess. The notion in Venerable Master Hsing Yun clarified that the amount of Buddhism that the world is void actually reflects a one gains is not measured by merely how much world of goods. When the pocket is empty, that’s one gives. The practice of giving (dana) must be in when more money can be inserted; with the land accordance to Buddhist principles, be pure and lawful cleared, that‘s when a building can be erected; the for merit to exist. cup must be emptied before it can be filled again; health is possible when the stomach is cleansed. Venerable Master is a joyful monk who enjoys giving When the mind is emptied, the fundamental truth to others. Hence, ’s motto is the Four can exist and one can accept the world at large. This Givings: so called emptiness or void is our inherent nature Give others confidence and one that must not be misunderstood. Give others joy Give others hope (adapted & excerpt from 高惠萍 report in the Merit Give others convenience. Times Newspaper)

On Growth Dharma Words from Ven. Master Hsing Yun: Venerable Master Hsing Yun explained that he was A life of receiving is poor. A life of giving is rich.

4 Recommended Reading Living Affinity

Nurturing the Environment, Our Relationships, and the Life of the Spirit

By Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Living Affinity examines the complex web of relationships that make up the communities in our lives. Exploring our relationships with others, with the natural world, the world of wealth, the world of time and space, and with Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun shows us the inherent potential for forming meaningful affinities.

“Each of us, like a fine strand in a web, is a part of the overall picture. Take a look at the five fingers of the hand. They are all different in length. Without these differences, we will not have the dexterity that we take for granted. Each finger by itself cannot exert much force. However, if we combine the force of the five fingers into a fist we can really pack a punch. Celebrating the differences in people while viewing everyone through the eyes of oneness nurtures powerful connections and creates a place of existence where everyone is mutually supportive and respectful.”

Ullambana Festival– Day of Joy and Filial Piety In ancient India during the Buddha’s time, the rainy season would last for three months from 15th day of 4th lunar month to the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. As it was inconvenient for the monastic community to go out for alms and walk long distances because of the flooding and harm of insects, the Buddha decided that all monastics would enter a rain retreat to practice diligently indoors. During this period, many monastics studied and meditated diligently on the teachings of the Buddha. Many even attained enlightenment. On the last day of the retreat, disciples would gather to share their personal insights and progress within the last three months. The Buddha rejoiced over his disciples’ attainment. Hence, this day is also known as “Buddha’s Day of Joy” or “ Day.”

It also happened during this time, Buddha’s disciple, discovered his mother was suffering terribly in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Maudgalyayanasought the Buddha for advice, after having tried many ways to relieve his mother’s suffering without success. The Buddha instructed Maudgalyayana to make an Ullambana to the Sangha, monastic community, on the 15th day of the 7th lunar. On this day, everyone would receive blessings. With the blessings, he could transfer the merits to his mother and relieve her from suffering. Hence, the day is also known as “Day of Filial Piety,” day of paying respect to parents.

5 Nan Tien Temple Aug ~ Sept 2014 Upcoming Events Date Time Activities Venue

Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Exhibition 09/08~10/09 Tues~Sun 9am~4pm Hai Hui Hall by Kim Hoa Tram

10am Ullambana Festival Main Shrine

10/08 Sun

1pm Amitabha Triple Contemplation Service Main Shrine

Nan Tien Institute Free Seminar: Don’t Forget to 269 Sussex Street 16/08 Sat 2pm Breathe! (Ven. Huifeng) Sydney

17/08 Sun Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Birthday (founder) Nan Tien Temple

Sun 11am Ksitigarbha’s Birthday Offering Service Main Shrine

24/08 A Day in Chan – One day youth meditation retreat Sun 10~4pm Nan Tien Temple with Ven. Huifeng*

6:30~7:30pm Basic Buddhism Class (Beginners & Intermediate)* Nan Tien Temple

03/09~15/10 Wed

7:30~9:00pm Meditation (Beginners & Intermediate)* Nan Tien Temple

5:00~6:00pm Tai Chi (Introduction)* Nan Tien Temple

05/09-10/10 Fri

6:00~7:00pm Tai Chi (Continuation & Refinement)* Nan Tien Temple

12~14/09 Fri~Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat* Nan Tien Temple

13/09 Sat 4:30pm~8pm Moon Festival Friendship Gala Evening Nan Tien Temple

28/09 Sun Starts at 10am Nan Tien Temple 20th Anniversary Celebration Nan Tien Temple

*Requires registration, contact 4272-0600 or register online at www.nantien.org.au

6 The road to an enlightened education Free Seminar Don’t forget

to breatheThe road to an enlightened education Guest Speaker

Venerable Huifeng

Assistant Professor (, Taiwan) Vice-Abbot (, Taiwan) Member of Association of Member of Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies PhD (University of Hong Kong, HKSAR), MBS (Master of Buddhist Studies) (University of Hong Kong, HKSAR) BE (Mechanical) (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Monograph Work: Chiasmus in the Early Prajñāpāramitā Translation Project: Kumārajīva’s Xiăopĭn Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Chinese to English trs.) Translation Project: Yìnshùn’s An Investigation into Emptiness (Chinese to English trs.) FreeChiastic Seminar Structure of 16 August 2014 Date:the 2:00pm, 16 VessantaraAugust 2014 (Saturday) Jātaka: Venue: Nan Tien Institute Sydney 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW New Approach to Criticism & For more information: Tel:Hermeneutics +61 2 4272 0648 Email: [email protected] of a ClassicFind us on: Buddhist Text Fax: +61 2 4271 7862 Online: nantien.edu.au/Events facebook.com/NanTienInst @NanTienInst

Venerable Huifeng The road to an enlightened education Date: 1:30pm, 8 August 2014 (Friday) Venue: Library Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley (), 2506, NSW

The Vessantara Jātaka is not only perhaps the most popular of all the Buddhist Jātaka tales, but is an important Buddhist text in the tradition as a whole. While considered as displaying the epitome of the bodhisatta’s perfection of giving (dānapāramī) according to the Theravāda tradition, and has appeared in modied forms in other traditions, scholars have Chiastic Structure of sometimes felt diculty in explaining the popularity of the text and how its renunciant content has been the Vessantara Jātaka: popularly thought to convey worldly power and benet. New Approach to Criticism & 8 August Hermeneutics of a Classic Buddhist Text Free Seminar 2014

Venerable Huifeng Date: 1:30pm, 8 August 2014 (Friday) Venue: Library Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley (Wollongong), 2506, NSW 7

The Vessantara Jātaka is not only perhaps the most popular of all the Buddhist Jātaka tales, but is an important Buddhist text in the tradition as a whole. While considered as displaying the epitome of the bodhisatta’s perfection of giving (dānapāramī) according to the Theravāda tradition, and has appeared in modied forms in other traditions, scholars have sometimes felt diculty in explaining the popularity of the text and how its renunciant content has been popularly thought to convey worldly power and benet.

8 August Free Seminar 2014 EDUCATING LEADERS OF TRANSFORMATION The road to an enlightened education Australia’s rst government-accredited tertiary institution grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom Health and Social Wellbeing subjects Upcoming NTI community events Three core subjects for NTI’s new Health and Social Wellbeing are coming up in Semester 2. ‘Introduction to Buddhism’, ‘Mind-Body Maritime Buddhism FREE Seminar Wellness’ and ‘: Theory and Practice’ are already attracting Speaker – Professor Lewis Lancaster signi cant interest. The new program has so far been received very 1 August positively by students. Enrol now. Buddhism via the Maritime Silk Road www.nantien.edu.au FREE Seminar Speaker – Dr Ananda Guruge New Campus update 2 August Nan Tien Institute International The structure of Nan Tien Institute’s new Tertiary Campus, Cultural Centre and Art Gallery is Conference complete, and building t-outs are now underway. Completion is on schedule for October. Mindfulness, Education & Interesting facts of the building include: Transformation The walls consist of 169 unique concrete panels. 5-7 September The heaviest panel is 15.5 tonnes. Nan Tien Institute Sydney: 6 shipping containers of glass are being installed. O cial Opening and Launch of NTI English Language Centre The project is employing between 27 September 135-150 full time construction workers. Nan Tien Temple 20th Anniversary www.youtube.com/user/NTIAU Celebrations 28 September NTI in the community NTI Wollongong O cial Campus NTI is proud of its place in the and Sydney communities. NTI sta engage regularly in Opening and Information Day community activities, and actively create activities and events aimed at community development 8 March 2015 and enrichment. NTI reached out to the community with two well-attended free seminars over the NTI 2015 Graduation Ceremony past month – Dr Andrew McClelland, NTI Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Program gave a 8 March 2015 seminar in Chatswood on ‘Mind-Body Wellness for a Ful lling Life’, and Dr Tamara Ditrich, NTI Head of Applied Buddhist Studies Program gave a seminar in Wollongong on ‘Mindfulness and Education’. Register now for these events: www.nantien.edu.au/content/events www.nantien.edu.au/content/events English Language Centre Upcoming NTI Subjects Introduction to Buddhism 28 Jul-4 Aug Nan Tien Institute Sydney is opening this month with NTI’s new English Language Centre oering Development of Chinese Buddhist quality accredited ‘Intensive English’ classes for international students. The Sydney CBD building Schools 18-22 August includes multi-purpose classrooms, library and student common room facilities, with advanced computer services and ultra high-speed bre connections. NTI also plans to oer business courses at Mind-Body Wellness 25-29 Aug this facility in the future, including a Business Degree and Master of Business Leadership. Tradition and Change 15-19 Sept www.nantien.edu.au/elc www.nantien.edu.au/study/lecture-timetable English Language Centre LATEST TECHNOLOGIES|MAXIMUM LEARNING|ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT

Intensive English English For Working Holiday Visa Students Custom Designed English Language Study Tours

Enrol now 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, Australia The road to an enlightened education email: [email protected]

180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley (Wollongong), NSW Australia 2506 Tel +61 (2) 4272 0648 Email [email protected] CRICOS: 03233C ABN: 80 139 338 819 8