Issue No.33 January 2014

Venerable Master ’s 2014 Letter to Protectors and Friends Abbot and Ceremony for the 49th Generation of the Linji School was held with Ven. Hsin Bao as the new Head Abbot, and with Ven. Hui Chuan, Ven Hui Lun, Ven. Hui Kai, Ven. Hui Zhao, and Ven. Hui Feng as Deputy Abbots. It brings me much assurance and comfort to see the new leader of the Order elected by system. My words for them were that Fo Guang Shan is humanistic, is open, is about team effort, and depends on a heritage. It is the entire order’s duty to create a new future, build a new milestone, and disseminate Humanistic in every part of the world. On the same day, 72 monastics from all Five Continents including Ven. Ming Guang, Director of the Buddhist Association of Taipei, and Ven. Jing Yao, Director of the China International Ceremony to All Buddhas became the Dharma Descendants.

Last year, after I completed Buddhist Affinities Across One Hundred Years under the invitation of Academia Historica, I continued my narrations and published a new edition in April. The new Dear Dharma Protectors and Friends, book set consists of 160 million characters in Chinese, a total of 16 volumes that come with a Auspicious greetings! collection of 1,600 pictures. The book launch took place at the National Library in Taipei. As we celebrate Fo Guang Shan’s 48th anniversary, I Later in October, the Simplified Chinese edition myself would also be turning 88 years old. Looking was also published in China by Beijing’s SDX Joint back to a life that involved much travelling, I can Publishing Company. For the book launch, I was truly feel the following to be true, “Hope and a invited to the National Library of China in Beijing, bright future come with willingness to reach out.” where I also gave a talk on “Seeing the Power of In time of the new spring, I wish you every success Dreams.” with your life and career pursuits. May you be like the noble steed which gallops into a bright future. As I look back on my life, everything still appears Keep striving forward, hope is right ahead of you! so real, and what I am most grateful for are the blessings given by the Buddha and everybody. Ever since Fo Guang Shan was founded, I have Having witnessed the wars, I truly feel that peace is been succeeded by Ven. , Ven. , so hard to come by, thus is very precious. If it were and Ven. Hsin Pei as the Head Abbot. Last March, not for the Dharma, how could I have remained the Inaugural Ceremony of Fo Guang Shan’s 9th strong and faithful despite being separated from 1 loved ones? Especially after all these years of and . devotion to the establishment and development of Fo Guang Shan and the Buddha Memorial I never went to school, and never saw a school Center, my emotions towards the Buddha has during my younger days, however, with much only become more sentimental. For this reason, gratitude to the support given by many, last year, I had written a poem, “Dear Buddha, Where Are Shandong University, Wuhan University, and You?” to express my feelings towards 80 years Renmin University of China each conferred an of searching for the Buddha’s whereabouts. As honorary doctorate to me. In addition, Macau has been said, “The world is but a creation of University and National Chung Cheng University the mind, so is the Dharma realm. Even into the also conferred an honorary doctorate in humanities, infinite future, the Buddha will always be in my and social sciences respectively. According to my heart.” May every affectionate Buddhist be able disciples, I have so far received such an honor from to establish a heart-to-heart connection with the 14 universities. Feeling undeserving for all of these, Buddha. I nevertheless hope to inspire people by telling them that even if they don’t have a chance for In light of the importance of Humanistic education, they must not give up on themselves. Buddhism to the future development of We do not have to rely on others to learn; as long Buddhism, the FGS Institute for Humanistic as we learn with our ears, and think, our efforts will Buddhism was established last March, and co- surely enable us to improve. organized the Academic Conference on the Practice and Theory of with Other than the above, I also had the opportunities the Center for Chinese Cultural Research Institute to visit various universities, colleges, and institutes. of Nanjing University. During my plenary speech, Last year, I was invited to lecture at Beijing’s National I expressed my hope for Humanistic Buddhism to Museum of China, Tianjin Library, Wulanqiate Grand be recognized as what Buddhism is: something Theater in Inner Mongolia, China Taiyuan Coal that symbolizes happiness, peace, joy, and Transaction Center, National Library of China, Zhong equality. May everyone work together to enable Shan Memorial Hall in Guangzhou, Zhudao Guest Buddhism regain its original intent. House, and the Yangzhou Forum. I also lectured at the Hainan Broadcasting Group on “Happiness and Fo Guang Shan has always placed a great Peace”; Shandong University on “Heaven, Earth, emphasis on education. My ideal is not just to and Humans”; Renmin University of China on “How establish a school, but to establish a good school. to Rediscover Ourselves” ; and at Nanhua ’s Last January, Dr. Ling Tsong-ming, former Deputy Caoxi Forum on “A Buddhist’s Dreams.” Minister of Education took the post of president at . When he invited me to On a different note, last February, I was invited to speak at the teacher and student training camp, visit Beijing with Lian Chan, Honorary Chairman of I reminded them of the university’s objective: to the Kuomingtan, along with a group from Taiwan. live righteously, think openly, act morally, and Inside the Great Hall of the People, I was one of the learn diversely. It is hoped that while acquiring three representatives to speak on behalf of the group knowledge, they will also understand the during a meeting with Xi Jingping, the General importance of enriching themselves spiritually. Secretary of the Communist Party of China. During the meeting, I proposed that other than political Other than the above, I was also invited by Fo and economic exchanges between the two sides Guang University’s president Dr. Yung Chaur-shin of the Strait, cultural and educational exchanges to the “102 National Conference of University and could also be enhanced. After that, I presented my College Presidents”, which was also attended by calligraphy to Xi, which says “Rise High Above, and President Ma Ying-jeou and over 100 university Look Far Ahead.” Not long after that, I also met with and college presidents. I have great expectations Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of in to become the world’s China, and then Jian Zhemin, former President of top center for Buddhist studies. In addition, with the People’s Republic of China in Yangzhou. People much gratitude to Dr. Wu Chin-shun, former said that I am the first Buddhist monk to meet with president, the university three generations of China’s leaders. Nevertheless, has developed consistently, and received new my only intent in such an accomplishment is for leadership in June from Dr. Stephen Morgan. I leaders from both sides to place greater value on also have good news to share with you all, that the and Buddhism’s influence on is, approval has been granted by the Philippine purifying human minds, so that Buddhism can Board of Education to establish the Lokavid contribute to greater peace and happiness for the University. This will be the 5th university of Fo nation, society, and the people. Guang Shan, and will focus on humanities, art, In March, I was awarded Lifetime Achievement 2 Award for Most Influential Chinese by the 7th Other than the above, the 5-day International Most Influential Chinese People’s Award co- Vegetarian Expo held at Da Jue Temple in Yixing organized by Phoenix Satellite Television and attracted a crowd of 300,000; while at Jian Zhen over 10 Chinese media companies. In April, I Library in Yangzhou for the first time, the Expo also received invitation to attend the Boao Forum for attracted a crowd of 180,000. This turnout was far Asia Annual Conference 2013, where I met with beyond Yangzhou government’s expectations, and Liu Changle, CEO of Phoenix Satellite Television gave them new perspectives on the influence of again and spoke on “The Strength of Honesty and vegetarianism. The Yangzhou Evening News even Integrity” together. After that, I was at the Asia published an article on “The Positive Energies of & Culture, Health & Tourism Roundtable hosted Volunteers Exhibited at the Vegetarian Expo” to by Jian Xiaosong. Initiated by 28 countries and praise the spirit, the well-organized manner, and attended by leaders of over a dozen countries, this the demeanors of volunteer workers from Taiwan. world economic and trade summit was integrated The Vegetarian Expo not only enhanced Cross-Strait with topics related to humanities. From this, we exchanges, but also promoted healthy eating and can see that no matter how our environment peace, which was indeed a “win-win” outcome. changes, how fast the economy grows, or how much our materialistic life is fulfilled, people still In order to fulfill my promise to return to Singapore hope to enrich their spirituality by turning to faith and Malaysia, in November, I visited again the in order to find reliance for the heart. Stadium Melawati Shah Alam in Malaysia, and held the “The -taking and In October, I was awarded the World Ecological Ceremony cum Prayer for the Public” inside Safety Award by the United Nations Ecological the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Seeing more Safety Collaborative Organization Executive than 20,000 youth’s faith and enthusiasm at the Committee, and then the Lifetime Achievement Marvellous Malaysia Buddhist Cultural & Dharma Award at the 11th Annual Global Views Business Blessing Function 2013, shows much hope for the Forum, which was awarded by President Ma future of Buddhism. Additionally, the ceremony in Ying-jeou. CCTV in Beijing has also awarded “The Singapore was graced by the presence of Prime Brilliance of China-Choice for Chinese Culture Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In his speech, Lee Promoter of the Year” to me recently. Such honor expressed his admiration in BLIA members who belongs to all Buddha’s Light members; I was have offered selfless services while overcoming only the receiver of their behalf. Without the religious and racial differences. As a token of Buddha’s blessings and everyone’s support, all appreciation for his kind words, I presented my the achievements today would not have been One-Stroke Calligraphy which says “Embrace the possible. World with Your Heart” to him.

Throughout last year, my One-Stroke Calligraphy The Buddha Memorial Center has celebrated its was subsequently exhibited in the museums of 3rd anniversary now. Each year, a total number Hainan, Tianjin Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, of 12 million visitors is attracted to the center, Gansu, Xian, Henan, Guandong, and Yunan. In which, compared to the annual visitor’s number particular, the local media informed me that I was of 8 million at the Louvre in Paris, has become an the first Buddhist monk to ever hold an exhibition alternative “miracle” in Taiwan. at the National Museum of China. I owe this to the support of many who have allowed me to develop Last year alone, the Buddha Memorial Center affinities with the world through my One-Stroke hosted various international conferences, Calligraphy. Buddhist Wedding and Bodhi Couple Vow Renewal Ceremony, Buddhist Hymn Concert, Taiwanese In October, in order to fundraise for Da Jue opera performances, and children’s dramas. Temple’s Repository, a charity auction was There were also the “Humanity and Love - Touring hosted by Yang Lan, Chairperson of the Sun Exhibition of Li Zijian Oil Paintings”; “ Culture Foundation, Cui Yongyuan, CCTV host, Along the Silk Roads: Light Shines on the Universe” and Zhou Libo, Shanghai Style Small Talk Stand- co-held by 16 museums in China; “None Other Than up Comedian. For the charity, I had donated all the Compassion – 26 Years of Lazurite Exploration in gifts I have received across the years, and there the World by Yang Hui-shan and Chang-yi”; and were also people who came for my One-Stroke “Life Protection Paintings by Master Hongyi and Calligraphy. I find joy in that people are able to Feng Zhikai” by the Cross-Strait Cultural Heritage look beyond my writing and see my heart, and are Festival. willing to contribute by accumulating merits for themselves and leaving wisdom behind as their In September, the 2013 Fo Guang Shan family legacy. International Book Fair was organized by the 3 government and hosted by the Philippines. Each time, BLIA mobilized immediately Buddha Memorial Center. Mayor Chen Chu to provide emergency relief aids. In particular, attended the Book Fair by hosting a story- Mabuhay Temple in Manila established the “Typhoon telling session for the children. On the other Haiyan Disaster Center” to offer aids to the victims. hand, Professor Charles H.C. Kao, founder of At the same time, the Fo Guang Shan Academy of Commonwealth Publishing Group, organized Art of the Philippines performed “ – A the 2nd Hsing Yun’s World Forum, during which Musical Journey to Enlightenment” in Manila, Los Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Mo Yan, gave Angeles, and San Francisco to fundraise for the a speech on “A Literary Writer’s Dream.” displaced people. May Buddha bless and comfort these people, and give them the strength to rebuild Furthermore, a marathon that linked the their homes and get back on their feet. Buddha Memorial Center to Mount Beatitude not only presented the message of love, but In August, one of Fo Guang Shan’s honorary also commemorated the respectable Cardinal benefactors, Pan Xiao-rui, passed away at the age of Paul Shan S.J.. Producer Liu Jia-Chang also held 93. Pan and I have been friends for more than half a a three day “It’s Great to Have You: Liu Jia-chang century. Ever since the founding of Fo Guang Shan, Concert,” where the proceeds went to cultural he has unconditionally supported our endeavors and educational projects. There was also a in care for the old and young, emergency reliefs, “Buddha and Gods Gathering” to promote temple construction, as well as education and interfaith harmony as well as the diversity of cultural projects. He always kept a low profile and the Chinese culture. Such wonderful and joyful never boasted about his contributions. My unending happenings take place at the Buddha Memorial gratitude to his kindness. Center every day. I believe that education and culture will exert greater influences to the world Over the past year, due to my continuously and will allow people to see the truthfulness, deteriorating physical body, I have had to visit the goodness, and beauty of Humanistic hospital on several occasions. Nevertheless, Dharma Buddhism. propagation is bigger than the self, so I have continued to give my best in following past masters’ steps by For 5 consecutive years, we have organized the continuing to give Dharma talks, write calligraphy, National Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day receive guests, write books, and teach. Yet, despite Celebration on Ketagalan Boulevard in front my efforts, my physical conditions are limited, with of the Presidential Office. This year, in order to blurred eye-vision and hearing difficulty, and if I am respond to the World Book Day, FGS and BLIA no longer to oblige everyone’s wishes, all I can ask Chunghwa donated more than a thousand for is your forgiveness and understanding. titles with reference to Humanistic Buddhism to the universities and colleges of Taiwan. I dare not claim to have any profound understanding The donation ceremony was initiated by both of the Dharma, but regarding the current President Ma Ying-jeou and myself. This was situation of Buddhism as well as many popular then extended to the National Library of China misinterpretations of Buddhist terminology, I have in Beijing, Beijing Normal University, Tsinghua had many realizations. For this reason, I will be University, and many others in hopes that the giving a talk this year on the “New Interpretations of knowledge of reading can be spread far and the Dharma” to share my experiences in the Dharma wide. with you all.

Having taken more than a decade’s work, In the coming New Year, I wish for everyone to: Encyclopedia of World Buddhist Art was acquire firm faith, be your own mentor, stay strong finally completed last May. In these ten plus in the face of adversity, and strive forward with years, under Editor-in-Chief Ven. Ru Chang’s courage. leadership, scholars and volunteers from around the world have helped collect, validate, May you be blessed with galloping hope, peace, and edit, and proofread the data. auspiciousness.

As fragile and impermanent as the world can be, unforeseeable natural disasters and manmade calamities occur very often. Last April, an Hsing Yun earthquake measured at 7 on the Richter scale New Year’s Day, 2014 struck Yaan in Sichuan, China. In October, a 7.2 Founding Master’s Office earthquake occurred in Cebu, Philippines. In November, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the 4 Dr. Ananda Guruge Visits Nan Tien Institute & Beauty of Nan Tien On November 24th, visiting scholar from the competition. The wining photos and University of the West, Dr. Ananda Guruge honourable mention photos were displayed gave a seminar on ‘Venerable Dr. Hsing Yun and in the conference room for all to see that day. Contemporary Buddhism’. He shared stories Venerable Miao You, on behalf of Nan Tien about how he got to know Venerable Master Temple, stated each photo says a story and Hsing Yun and became a professor of University encouraged all to take in the beauty of Nan of the West in Los Angeles, United States. Dr. Tien Temple home. Ananda Guruge has authored 53 books including Humanistic Buddhism for Social Wellbeing in promoting Humanistic Buddhism as part of daily life. He used a story about harmony to show the Five Harmonies that Venerable Master promotes.

Before Professor Ananda Guruge’s seminar, Nan Tien Beauty Competition held an awards ceremony. Eighty-eight participated in

Buddha’s Light Shines in the Blue Mountains The Abbess of , Venerable ManKo, The ‘Buddha’s Light International Association’ was along with a delegation of temple Venerables one of the first Buddhist organisations to offer and members of the ‘Buddha’s Light International assistance to Blue Mountains bushfire victims. Association’(BLIA), travelled to the Blue Mountains, west of on Friday, December 6th to deliver a very special gift.

BLIA executive officer Andy Chin explained: “In response to the Blue Mountains bush fires of late October, Master Hsing Yun offered a prayer to those affected. A fundraiser was subsequently held, and branch in Sydney collected funds for bushfire relief.”

At the local council offices, a cheque was presented to the ‘Blue Mountains City Council Bushfire Relief Fund’. Mayor, Mark Greenhill gratefully accepted, saying the fires were “some of the worst experienced in NSW in the past decade, with 212 homes destroyed. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but it left a big hole in the community.”

Blue Mountains resident, 67 year old Kaye Curley, lost her home of many years to the fires. She was presented with a cheque, and a copy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book ‘Let Go’ - words of wisdom for facing everyday life challenges. Kaye tearfully shared memories of her former home, and spoke of the difficulties of starting over. With Venerable Man Ko’s encouragement, she now looks to the future with hope.

5 Celebrating International Volunteer Day in Nan Tien ‘International Volunteer Day’ highlighted make quite as many these days, she still whole the contributions of temple volunteers. heartedly makes them for all the big temple As Vanessa Selva reports, it was also very events. Isn’t that inspiring? inspiring….. After lunch, we separated into two groups - one for Chinese speakers, the other for English - to ‘International Volunteer Day’ was held at Nan Tien discuss what volunteering is, and how it affects Temple on Saturday, December 7th. I registered society. A spokesperson from each group then early, settling into the Ghanda Hall at 11 o’clock summarised what had been discussed. that morning. I soon noticed a few new faces, and looked forward to having a nice chat with At the end of the day, we each had to give some new friends. feed back. When the microphone reached my hands, I was already quite nervous, but was able Reverend Jue Ning then welcomed everyone, to express how glad I am to be a volunteer; and saying that if it wasn’t for the time and effort of how happy I am to assist Venerable Master Hsing volunteers, many temple events wouldn’t even Yun’s mission to spread Humanistic Buddhism. be able to run. Quoting the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, she said: “Volunteers are , who have the spirit to devote themselves, without asking for anything in return.”

Next, we played an ‘ice-breaker’ type game, involving a ‘time line’. Everyone stood in a line - without speaking - in order of the length of time they had been a volunteer at the temple. There was a vast range, with some having volunteered for many years, others just a week or so. It didn’t really matter how long we had each been volunteers, we were all connected somehow...

Everyone enjoyed getting to know each other. There were many interesting stories of how and why different people became volunteers at the temple.

What stood out to me was a lady, now in her 60s,who has produced countless thousands of homemade spring rolls in the Nan Tien kitchen over the past 16 years! Although she doesn’t

6 Harmony Day 2014

Sunday 9 February Join us for 2014 Harmony Day a celebration of faiths and social harmony 2014 Interfaith Festival of Interfaith Seminar – Music and Dance for ‘Ethics and Social Harmony: a dialogue’ Social Harmony 3:30pm (Conference Room, Nan Tien Temple) 1:30pm (Main Shrine, Nan Tien Temple) A panel of religious groups invited Events include: to present followed by a Q&A session: Aboriginal Elder Welcome to Country and Dance Aboriginal Christianity Prayer For World Peace Bahai Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Sacred songs and dances from Interfaith Communities Catholicism Bookings Essential (for catering purposes) email: [email protected] tel: 02 4272 0648

Nan Tien Temple Feb~ Mar 2014 Upcoming Events Date Time Activities Venue Ven. Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy & 1/12/13~31/3/14 9am~5pm Hai Hui Hall Tea Chan Exhibitions 1/12/13~31/3/14 Tues~Sun 9am~5pm Tea Pot Exhibition Museum 31/1~14/02 9am~5pm Chinese New Year Celebrations Nan Tien Temple Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians 8~9/2 Sat~Sun 8pm~2am Main Shrine Dharma Service 11am Light Offering Dharma Service Main Shrine 9/2 Sun 1:30pm Multi-Faith Harmony Day Nan Tien Temple 14/2 Fri 11am Transfer of Merits Light Offering Ceremony Main Shrine 15/2 Sat 10am~2pm Lantern Festival – Riddles Competition Corridor 10:30 ~ Starts 16/2 Sun Self Development & Cultivation* Hall 11:30am 22/2 Sat 9am~4pm One Day Retreat* Nan Tien Temple 8-9/3 Sat~ Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat* Meditation Hall 12/3-16/4 Wed 6:50pm Buddhism & Meditation Classes Term 1* Nan Tien Temple 11am Guan Yin Dharma Service Front Shrine 15/3 Sat 1:30pm Baby Blessing* Main Shrine 19/3 Wed 11am Guan Yin ’s Birthday Main Shrine 22/3 Sat One Day Retreat* Meditation Hall 30/3 Sun 10am Qing Ming Dharma Service Main Shrine *Requires registration, contact 4272-0600 for more information or to register online at www.nantien.org.au 7 UNIQUE LEARNING | ENHANCED CAREER | ENRICHED LIFE

Nan Tien Institute (NTI) will embark on its’ fourth year of postgraduate teaching in 2014, and increasing numbers of students are discovering Milestone on NTI construction project this government-accredited tertiary education provider, grounded in NTI celebrated a signi cant milestone at the close of 2013 in the Buddhist values and wisdom. construction of its’ Tertiary Campus, Cultural Centre and Art Gallery. The rst 14 tonne concrete slab was lowered in by cranes and Students are taking advantage of this unique and visionary education positioned as part of a total of 156 slabs that will piece together to opportunity, and are using it to forge new career paths and enhance form the walls of the new development. their personal lives. They take the skills and new outlook they develop to Venerables from the Nan Tien Temple gathered at the construction site their careers, and have a unique edge in diverse areas such as human to witness and perform a Buddhist Blessing ceremony to celebrate. resources, management, health care and teaching. Personal lives have also been enhanced with the skills, knowledge and state-of-mind The installation of the walls is a signi cant symbolic milestone for the acquired at NTI. project, which culminates 12 years of vision and Students are attracted to NTI because of its “incredible and inspiring” planning. The architecturally location, world-renowned lecturers and researchers, and unique unique and innovative teaching programs and methodologies. As NTI gears up for the facility will be a regional completion of its’ new Tertiary Campus, Cultural Centre and Art Gallery landmark that draws at the end of this year, students have the nal opportunity to study at national and international the serene, authentic and stimulating environment of the Nan Tien visitors. Construction is Temple. on-track and Stage One is 2014 will see NTI’s new Health Faculty oer postgraduate Masters, and scheduled for completion in Graduate Certi cate and Diploma quali cations in ‘Health and Social late 2014. Wellbeing’. This joins NTI’s established ‘Applied Buddhist Studies’ program that has already graduated two groups of alumni. The two courses will provide a comprehensive and varied range of subjects that Key upcoming dates can be taken as part of the postgraduate programs, or as non-award special-interest subjects. 10-14/2/14 SEMESTER 1 COMMENCES Introduction to Buddhism subject NTI is taking Postgraduate Program and Subject 3-7/3/14 : Theory and Practice subject enrolments now. Download the 2014 Timetable by scanning this 24-28/3/14 NEW Mind-Body Wellness subject QR code. 31/3-4/4/14 Selected Readings of Buddhist Literature subject

Where will your learning journey take you in 2014?

Postgraduate | Masters | Diploma | Certi cate | Short Courses | Professional Development HEALTH AND SOCIAL APPLIED BUDDHIST WELLBEING STUDIES

ENROL NOW www.nantien.edu.au

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