Download The Value of the Three Acts of Goodness

Issue No.31
October 2013
The Value of the Three Acts of Goodness
Fo
Guang Shan advocates the “The Three Acts of
Goodness,” which are say good words, do good deeds
and thinking good thoughts. Buddhism teaches that
the source of unwholesome karma comes from our
body, speech and mind. Therefore, in our cultivation, we
should start from these three areas.
To do good deeds is to generate good physical karma
by not killing, not stealing, not engaging in sexual
misconduct as well as not committing any illicit acts.
Instead, one should practice doing good by benefiting
others with kind and beneficial deeds. To say good
words is to cultivate good speech karma, which means
one should not lie, nor engage in duplicitous, harsh or
trivial speech. When one speaks, one’s words should be
kind, rational, wise and truthful. Bearing good thoughts
refers to cultivation of the mind. A mind should be free
of doubt, jealousy, greed, anger and hatred, and instead
have compassion, kindness, benevolence, motivation
and vows. Cultivating these qualities is the practice of
bearing good thoughts.
The three karmas of body, speech, and mind, as
explained by Buddhism, can be practiced both positively
and negatively. When we use these three karmas to do
good, then we can be reborn in heaven; if we use them
to commit wrongdoings, we may find ourselves in hell.
Therefore, following the three acts of goodness
affects our future immensely. It even affects the whole
community and nation, for the positive and negative
morale of a society depends on the three karmas of
body, speech, and mind of its citizens. If we all say good
words, then what we always hear will be music to our
ears. If we all do good deeds, then through helping
one another valuable friendships can be established.
If we all bear good thoughts, then we will find respect,
peace and harmony anywhere we go. The movement
to pursue the “Three Acts of Goodness” is one that will
purify and improve the morale of society. Therefore, if
one person cultivates the three acts of goodness, then
one person will find peace and freedom, and when a
country follows the three acts of goodness, then the
whole country will attain liberation.
In Humble Table, Wise Fare there is the following verse:
Say good words of compassion and kindness, for they are
like the sun in winter –
Encouragements and praises profuse like the scent of a
hundred flowers everywhere.
Do good deeds, for simple acts of kindness beget wondrous
merits –
Service and contribution shine like the full moon high
above.
Think good thoughts, for honesty and benevolence bring
good fortune –
With sages and saints in the mind, it is like reaping a good
harvest.
Let us all come together to pursue the “Three Acts of
Goodness,” always striving to say good words, do good
deeds, and think good thoughts.
(adapted from Let Go, Move On, Between Ignorance and
Enlightenment V, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing)
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‘Happy Camp’ Fun for Everyone!
More than seventy primary school students, along with
their parents and some school teachers, took part in this
year’s ‘Happy Camp’ at Nan Tien Temple on Saturday,
September 21st.
For many, it was their first time at the temple, and they
were able to learn about the shrines and Buddha statues
via the treasure hunt; as well as experience calligraphy,
meditation and vegetarian cuisine.
This year’s theme, the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’, was the
basis of activities including clay making, drama, and
print making.
The one-day event officially began with representatives
from each of the teams holding onto a ‘Three Acts of
Goodness’ balloon, which they released together watching as their vows flew into action!
Students were also asked to look after a single grain
of rice for the day. The aim of this special task was to
allow them to understand responsibility, and to show
gratitude to their parents and teachers.
The camp benefited from the guiding support of
Venerable Zhi Li, the efforts of temple volunteers, and
the energy of Sydney members of the ‘Buddha’s Light
Young Adult Association’.
The closing ceremony, which included a sharing session
and prayer led by Venerable Jue Ning, wrapped up a
creative, adventurous and truly inspiring day!
By Jasmine Yeung
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The Significance of the ‘Moon Festival’
The ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’, also known as the ‘Moon
Festival’, is a special time for family reunion, for the
sharing of blessings and auspiciousness with family.
And for around eighty young friends and volunteers,
the evening of Saturday, September 21st was also a
special time to enjoy eating ‘moon-cakes’, under the
full moon at Nan Tien Temple!
In Chinese culture, ‘moon-cakes’
completeness - like the moon.
symbolise
The full moon is also significant in Buddhism. A popular
analogy is of a finger pointing to the moon; with the
moon representing the Truth, and the finger as the
expedient means of reaching it. Buddha taught that we
should not rely on the provisional means of attaining
Truth, but on the definitive means - Truth itself.
The mind is also referred to as being like the autumn
moon - completely untainted and pure. In attaining
awakening, the minds of Chan practitioners settle in
peace and tranquility, becoming bright - like the moon
full of wisdom.
“The Moon of Wisdom is Always Complete.” Thus,
the full moon reflects perfect wisdom or ‘Prajna’
wisdom. Unlike ordinary wisdom, ‘Prajna’ wisdom is
an understanding of the reality of life as it is - like a
camera bringing a picture into sharp focus. It is the
light which dispels the darkness of ignorance.
So, the next time you see a full moon, enjoy its beauty
- but let it also be a reminder to seek wisdom from
within.
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Rise & Shine Clean up
It was messy work, but the ‘Rise and Shine Clean-Up’
was wonderful, writes Dale Longmore…..
“Oh! What’s that horrible smell?” someone shouted.
It was the natural smell of rotting mangrove tree
roots and dead fish…all rolled into one! And it was a
highlight of my day at the ‘Rise and Shine Clean-Up’ at
Puckey’s Estate, near Fairy Meadow Beach on Sunday,
September 15th.
Waking to a bright, sunny morning, thirteen members
of the ‘Buddha’s Light International Association,
Wollongong’ and ‘Nan Tien Friends’ headed off for
some messy work; carrying our garbage bags, gloves,
hats, water and a snack.
We split into two teams - one heading towards the
ocean, the other up into the estate and then onto the
beach. Beginning on the board walk, we moved along
the edge of the river and mangroves. For some, it was
their first look at a river and ocean together.
While uncovering the usual rubbish like soft drink
bottles and cigarette packs - and even a pair of old
socks - the day soon became a lesson. Some of the
team members were overseas visitors, who had not
seen or heard of the local wildlife. We discovered
crab holes, beautifully coloured shells, sponge corral
and cuttle fish; and noticed a tall tree by the waters,
stretching its roots far out to survive.
We also observed a Bower Birds’ nest, so close to the
entrance of the boardwalk you could almost touch
it! Blue objects were scattered everywhere - another
new experience for our Dharma friends.
So, though it was messy work, the time spent cleaning
the environment was wonderful.
It was Buddhism in practice - teaching us to give, and
to help each other as part of a team.
National Leadership Conference
Early in the afternoon, Venerable Miao Zhe led a
brief session outlining the benefits of meditation to
everyday life.
Nan Tien Temple was invited to participate in the
annual ‘National Leadership Conference’, attended
by 150 students, at the University of Wollongong on
Saturday, September 28th.
This year’s conference theme was ‘Change’ - inspiring
young leaders to create positive changes to the
world.
Venerable Jue Wei then presented an inter-active
‘Mindfulness and Leadership’ workshop, introducing
the two “I’s” - ‘Impermanence’ and ‘Inter-dependence’
- and highlighting the importance of understanding
these key Buddhist concepts. She explained that
mindfulness of the inevitability of change, and of the
connections we have with each other can elevate
our leadership skills; while being an effective leader
also means caring for team members.
To further illustrate caring for others, she introduced
the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ - do good deeds, say
good words, think good thoughts - noting that
“mindfulness of our behaviour, speech and thoughts
is essential to lead others, and ourselves, well.”
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Painting Buddhas Within…the art of Wanda Grein
Every Saturday, from morning to early afternoon,
Kiama artist Wanda Grein sat in Nan Tien Temple’s ‘Hai
Hui Hall’ painting her latest work. Curious passers-by
often asked, “What is your inspiration?” “Why did you
choose to paint Buddhas and Bodhisattvas?” “What do
you experience during the process of painting?”
For Wanda, it all began three years ago when she took
a trip to Thailand. As she read more about Buddhism,
she discovered that Buddhist teachings such as the
five precepts, compassion, no self, and no attachment
are meant to be applied in everyday life.
Then she started painting Buddhas, quickly discovering
that painting the face of a Buddha requires more than
just technical skill. In her view, to paint the Buddha,
one must be able to submit themselves to open
mindfulness, and be willing to ‘let go’ of what the
conscious mind dictates, gently allowing the spirit
and soul to guide the painting hand. Her interest in
Buddhist Art developed from there, and today she
enjoys creating Buddha paintings which tell stories
about Buddhism, its history and teachings.
A visitor once asked Wanda why she named some
of her paintings “Baby Buddha?” She explained that
Buddhism’s founder, Sakyamuni Buddha, said that
we all have a ‘Buddha nature.’ Venerable Master
Hsing Yun also encourages everyone to publicly vow,
“I am Buddha.” Hence, every child, youth, or senior
can attain Buddhahood without discrimination. This
is the Buddhist concept of equality.
Wanda, an art teacher for over 25 years, says her
students have also participated in the “painting
Buddhas trend”. She hopes everyone can learn
about Buddhism, though they may have different
faiths and cultures; and feels that as long as we open
our hearts and accept the religious perspectives of
others, we can learn more - especially about respect
and tolerance.
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Endless Knot
Venerable Master Hsing Yun on Living, Dying, and
Learning - By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
We all can be bound up by life’s big questions: where
did we come from, where are we going, and why are
we here? In Endless Knot, Venerable Master Hsing
Yun unravels such questions to reveal the teachable
wisdom at their core: How can we protect life and
help it grow? How can we prepare for death, and what
lessons can we learn from it? What can we do so that
our lives become joyful, meaningful, and beneficial to
all living beings?
Equal parts Buddhist tradition and modern-day
pragmatism, Master Hsing Yun reflects on these
questions and more in a down-to-earth conversational
style. Endless Knot is sure to provide you with gentle
words and some new ideas to carry along with you
on your path.
“I often wish that with just this body of mine, with
this single life and mind, that I can diligently expand
my life to encompass the whole world, like a drop
of water following the current into the ocean until
it expands into the limitless beyond. Just as a single
drop of water helps a plant to grow beautifully, so too
can something as small as one person’s life blend into
a country, a culture, even the whole universe until all
existence is one.”
Translated by FGS International Translation Center
5.5 x 8.25 inches, paperback
ISBN: 978-1-932293-71-5
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Use kind, compassionate heart to care for all living beings;
Use kind, compassionate eyes to look at all things;
Use kind, compassionate words to rejoice in and praise others;
Use kind, compassionate hands to do good deeds broadly.
~Humble Table, Wise Fare by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Nan Tien Temple 2013 Oct ~ Dec Upcoming Events
Date
6/10~11/11
Time
Sun
Activities
2:30pm~4pm Children’s Buddhism Class
Nan Tien Temple
6/10~20/10 Tues~Sun 9am~5pm
Life at Nan Tien Buddhist College
3/10~17/11 Tues~Sun 9am-4pm
Being in the Moment: Art and Mindfulness
Hai Hui Hall
Exhibition
12~13/10
Sat~Sun
Weekend Meditation Retreat
Nan Tien Temple
19/10
Sat
11am
Guan Yin Bodhisattva Renunciation Day Light Offering Dharma Service
Front Shrine
26/10
Sat
9am-4pm
2pm
One Day Meditation Retreat
Baby Blessing Ceremony
27/10
Sun
10am – 4pm
Nan Tien Institute Graduation Ceremony
& Information Day
2/11
Sat
10:30am
Medicine Buddha Dharma Service
06/11
~11/12
Wed
6:30pm
7:30pm
English Buddhism Class Term 4
Meditation Class Term 4 (Beginners & Advanced)
Nan Tien Temple
9~10/11
Sat~Sun
Weekend Meditation Retreat
Nan Tien Temple
23/11
Sat
One Day Meditation Retreat
Nan Tien Temple
12~15/12
Thu~Sun
25,26&
28,29/12
9am-4pm
Museum
Nan Tien Temple
Main Shrine
Auditorium
& Conference
Room
Main Shrine
All Branch
Temples
Nan Tien Cultivation Retreat & Taking Refuge in
Nan Tien Temple
the Triple Gem Five Precepts Retreat.
9am~5pm
Nan Tien Cultural Festival
Nan Tien Temple
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The Road to an Enlightened Education
Nan Tien Institute (NTI) is Australia’s newest accredited tertiary education provider
grounded in Buddhist wisdom and values. 2013 is NTI’s third year of postgraduate
programs, offering an increasing number of students a unique and holistic education.
Plan your unique education journey for 2014
NTI has announced its’ timetable of 2014 subjects. Now is the time to enrol in a Masters, Graduate Diploma
or Graduate Certificate in the Applied Buddhist Studies program. Or to secure your place in individual
subjects of interest in NTI’s Non-Award Program.
An increasing number of students are discovering this insightful education opportunity and using it to
forge new career paths and enhance their personal lives.
2014 will include a comprehensive range of inspiring subjects grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom.
The year will start with core subjects to build a solid foundation of understanding. You will then have the
opportunity to build on this by learning the skills to further study Buddhism and develop original
research; and enhance your studies further with fascinating special-interest subjects. There are also plans
to hold a Study Tour in India – The Heartland of Buddhism at the end of the year.
The Timetable can be found at www.nantien.edu.au/study/lecture-timetable
NTI’s upcoming 2013 subjects
NTI’s upcoming subjects will stimulate students intellectually and offer practical insights into the
contemplative world of Buddhism.
‘Mindfulness and Cognitive Science’ (21-25 October) is an opportunity to learn about recent developments
in the area of the study of the human mind. This subject positions mindfulness into the context of modern
scientific research, and explores how these two paths of inquiry into the human condition complement
each other. Lecturer: Professor Urban Kordes (international cognitive science specialist from Europe)
‘Interfaith Seminar: Buddhist-Christian Dialogue’ (18-22 November) combines perspectives from
humanities and the social sciences, and applies them to Buddhist and Christian religious topics. Ideal for
anyone interested in the study of comparative religions. Lecturers: Dr Douglas Golding and Ven. Dr Juewei
FEE-HELP is now available for all NTI subjects. See www.nantien.edu.au/content/nti-fee-help.
Teaching, health and research scholarship applications for 2014 closing
Applications for study scholarships starting in 2014 are closing on 2 December. The scholarships are
designed to support qualified professionals in the fields of Health and Education, as well as students
interested in an Applied Buddhist Studies research pathway, who want to study a postgraduate
qualification at NTI.
There are 12 scholarships, valued at between AUD$3,400 and $10,200, available for 2014.
Graduation opens paths for new students
NTI’s Graduation Ceremony and Information Day will be held on Sunday 27 October 2013. A range of
sessions designed to inform potential new students about an NTI education – including presentations,
lectures, and an art exhibition launch, will be followed by a Graduation Ceremony.
All are welcome and entry is free. Bookings are essential for catering.
Visit www.nantien.edu.au/information-graduation for details.
Melanie Duncan, One journey
Art exhibition – ‘being in the moment: art and mindfulness’
NTI’s third art exhibition will continue to explore and develop the conversation and related themes of
Australian Artists in the Asian Century. ‘being in the moment: art and mindfulness’ will feature contemporary
local artists whose works respond to teachings about mindfulness, and the concepts of attention and
awareness.
The exhibition will be held at:
NTI Art Gallery, Hai Hui Hall, Nan Tien Institute Temple Campus
3 October – 24 November (not open Mondays)
Contact NTI now:
Tel: +61 (2) 4272 0648
Email: [email protected]
Entry is free and
all are welcome.
ABN: 80 139 338 819
CRICOS: 03233C
www.nantien.edu.au
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