The Founder of Fo Guang Shan Venerable Master Hsing
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at Darling Harbour Happiness and Peace 10th Sat 11th Sun May 10am-4:30pm 10am-4:30pm Organised by: 佛光山南天寺 國際佛光會雪梨協會 南天大學 Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple BLIA Sydney Nan Tien Institute Charity Trust were also established in 1970, he Founder of 1975 and 1987 respectively to nurture the T young. The Beautiful Life Television network Fo Guang Shan Venerable was established in 1997, and the first Buddhist daily newspaper ‘Merit Times’ was launched Master Hsing Yun in 2000. Master Hsing Yun was born in 1927, in Jiangdu, Jiangsu Province, China. At the age For more than a half century, Master Hsing of twelve, he became ordained under the Yun has devoted his efforts to transform the eminent Master Zhi Kai in Nanjing and had world through the practice of Humanistic “ undertaken studies at various monasteries Buddhism and to realise his vision: and encountered numerous grand masters. Let Buddha’s light illuminate three thousand In 1967, he founded the Fo Guang Shan “realms and Dharma water flow across the Monastery located in Kaoshiung, Taiwan five continents. and established Buddha’s Light International Self-understanding and discipline are the main Association for lay Buddhists in 1991. Under paths to conducting oneself in society. his direction and dedication to spreading the Tolerating and helping others is the balm in Dharma, Fo Guang Shan now consists of establishing good relationships. over 200 branch temples in five continents, 16 Buddhist colleges, Fo Guang University, Learning Buddhism is to learn mainly about Nanhua University in Taiwan, University of yourself; so you must search for, and inquire the West in Los Angeles and Nan tien Institute into the original mind. in Wollongong. Learning Ch’an is to apply your own mind; so In addition, nine art galleries, twenty-six you must investigate and study the real self. libraries, more than three publishing houses, In the pursuit of learning, have a joyful attitude. twelve bookstores, the Cloud and Water In the face of advice, keep an open mind. Mobile Clinic, over fifty Chinese language schools, sixteen Buddhist colleges, three In taking on responsibility, have courage. Secondary Schools and five Universities In dealing with others, remain respectful. have been established. A Children’s Home, Dharma words by Fo Guang Nursing Home and Fo Guang Shan Venerable Master Hsing Yun One-stroke Calligraphy “Everyone is a Buddha!”said Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Putting aside the question of “who is actually a Buddha?” it can at least be said that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a bodhisattva who never tires. Turning 88 years old this year, he has faced over 40 years of diabetes that led to a serious eye condition, along with retinal detachment. With unclear visions in both eyes, he can barely see. Despite having to write calligraphy with shaking hands, he still is able to let his heart guide his hands in completing the extremely rare “one-stroke calligraphy.” “One-stroke Calligraphy” means that every piece of calligraphy written by Venerable Master is done in one stroke. No discontinuation is allowed from beginning to end, as discontinuation will make it difficult to continue to the next character because his vision does not allow him to distinguish the distance between each character. 3 Message from Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Australia I would like to express my gratitude to all sponsors, City of Sydney, SHFA, media friends, Buddhist and interfaith friends, community friends, Buddha’s Light International Association of Sydney and all the volunteers for your support because this event would not be a success without you. The Buddha’s birthday is one of the oldest international birthday festival of an historical figure, also recognised by the United Nations. Buddhists around the world celebrate by bathing the prince Siddhartha. Bathing the Buddha serves as a reminder to cleanse our body, speech and mind with compassion, wisdom, and peace. To actualize the messages of the Buddha on compassion, wisdom, and peace, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, promoted the Three Acts of Goodness: Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts. Through these three Acts, we can develop harmony in our relationships, in society, and even in the world. May all be blessed with happiness and peace. Have a Happy Buddha’s Birthday! Man Ko Message from President of BLIA Welcome to our “2014 Buddha’s Birthday & Mother’s Day Celebration”. This year marks our 20th anniversary of celebrating Buddha’s Birthday at Darling Harbour. It is indeed a major milestone for all of us. This year, for the first time, the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration extends its venue along the Urban Stream with various attractive cultural stalls and exhibitions. Our celebration and presentation focuses on Fo Guang Shan’s four key values & objectives, including the Cultural Activities, Education, Charity, and Purifying Hearts & Minds. Our theme for this year’s Buddha’s Birthday Celebration is “Happiness and Peace”. Indeed, happiness and peace are mostly sought after by individual, families, organizations, the society and the world. How can we achieve happiness and peace? Buddha taught us to be compassionate, tolerance, acceptance thanks-giving. As a Buddhist, my view of happiness is simple – contentment and satisfaction, serving the society, helping others to achieve their goals, giving, and appreciation. Buddha also taught us equality, respectful and forgiving. We can work our way progressively to achieve peace by respecting each other, be kind and be forgiveness to each other, to build a harmonized relationship with each other. Working together, we can achieve happiness, we can contribute to change the world for a better place. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, our reverends, our distinguished guests, our sponsors, media friends, BLIA members and all our volunteers for your support, efforts and contributions to organize this major event. Francis Wong 5 What is Humanistic Buddhism? Buddhism is a philosophy, a moral code and a religious faith which provides teachings and The Four Principles of the guidance to liberate mankind from suffering, integrating spirituality into people’s daily lives so Buddha’s Light International that it is a ‘practical’ way of living, not just a practice for reclusive hermits. Association Humanistic Buddhism encourages one to cultivate and integrate the Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity into our daily life for the benefit of all • To propagate Buddhism beings. It is to build a harmonious society through helping those in need, radiating those virtues through culture from within ourselves to our family, society, nation and the world at large. • To foster talent through education When we give faith, hope, joy, and service, we are helping all beings as well as ourselves. When • To benefit society through charity we actualize altruism, joyfulness, and universality, we are practicing the fundamental concepts of Humanistic Buddhism. • To purify body and mind through With an emphasis on “not needing to go some place else to find enlightenment”, we can realize spiritual cultivation our true nature here and now, within this precious human birth and this world. That is the true practice of Humanistic Buddhism. Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. The temple’s activities Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien are very diverse. Besides Dharma services, there are also regular classes such as tai-chi, vegetarian cooking (ALSO KNOWN AS IBAA) Temple and meditation to suit people from all walks of life. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order was founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. With On 11th September 2001, the City Council of Wollongong over 200 branches worldwide, its primary donated a parcel of land just opposite Nan Tien Temple aim is to promote Humanistic Buddhism. on which Nan Tien Institute is built. The Institute is in Nan Tien Temple is situated at Berkeley – an outskirt an exquisite setting and combines the best features suburb of Wollongong in the state of New South Wales. of Western and Asian cultures. It will enhance the It is one of the branch temples of Fo Guang Shan educational environment of Wollongong and complement Buddhist Order. “Nan Tien” in Chinese, literally means the cultural diversity of the city. Nan Tien Temple will “Paradise of the South.” It is the biggest Buddhist temple continue its endeavour in bridging the gap between in the southern hemisphere. cultures and religions, as well as creating a pureland Since the grand opening in 1995, Nan Tien Temple has on earth under the following objectives: to propagate enthusiastically been providing religious, educational, Buddhist teachings through cultural activities; to foster community, charitable and cultural services to both talents through education; to benefit society through charitable programs; and to purify human hearts and minds through Buddhist practices. 南天寺 NanTienTemple • 02-4272 0600 180 Berkeley Road Berkeley NSW 2506 南天講堂 IBAA Parramatta • 02-9893 9390 22 Cowper St, Parramatta NSW 2150 北雪梨佛光緣 IBAA Chatswood • 02-9410 0387 4 Spring St, Chatswood NSW 2067 南雪梨佛光緣 IBAA Kogarah • 02-9553-6533 247 Princes Highway, Kogarah NSW 2217 www.nantien.org.au 7 BLIA Sydney What Is BLIA? BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association) is an organisation consisting of lay Buddhists who observe the practice of Humanistic Buddhism in daily life. Its primary objective is to serve all beings, to spread a joyous spirit amongst people and to nurture the virtue of compassion. It places emphasis on education, culture, cultivation and service. Over 100 BLIA chapters have been established around the world to date, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, India, Brazil, Argentina, Africa and other regions. There are currently more than one million members worldwide.