Download Oct 2014 - Chung Tian Temple

Edition 95
October 2014
BLIAQ Newsletter
Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia
Upcoming Events
Chung Tian Buddhist Temple
1034 Underwood Road
Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia
Website: www.chungtian.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 3841 3511
Fax: 3841 3522
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2014 BLIA World Headquarters General Conference
11 October 2014
Great Compassion
Repentance Service
12 October 2014
Commemoration of
Avalokitesvara
Bodhisattva’s
Renunciation Day
18 October 2014
Medicine Buddha
Repentance Service
23 October 2014
Commemoration of
Medicine Buddha’s
Birthday
26 October 2014
Baby Blessing Ceremony
1 November 2014
Buddhist Lecture by the
Most Venerable Hsin Pei
“Life & Chan in
Humanistic Buddhism”
1 November 2014
BLIAQ Annual General
Meeting
2 November 2014
Taking Refuge In Triple
Gems & 5 Precepts
Ceremony
30 November 2014
One Day Meditation
Retreat
 2014 BLIA World Headquarters General Conference was unveiled at Foguangshan, Taiwan on the 4 th of
October. More than 2,000 delegate members from nearly a hundred countries and areas in five continents
came and assembled in Foguangshan to participate in the five days conference with exchanges and
fellowship. Member representatives dressed in costumes of different countries to attend the flag-raising
ceremony in a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Advancing with the times, create a better universal value - With the advancement of science and
technology and information explosion, the value of pluralism has brought new challenges to the human
society, driving people to think of ways to respond and to face the future. The theme of this year’s
conference is ‘Future and Hope’ and Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founding Master of Foguangshan would
deliver a keynote speech on ‘Faith and Future’ on the 4th of October.
‘The Third Hsing Yun’s Humanity Forum’ would be held on the 7th, inviting Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Dr.
Charles H.C. Kao Founder and CEO of Global Views Monthly and Commonwealth Publishing Company,
Eric Yao Consultant of dX Creative House and Stanley Yen Chairman of Public Platform Cultural
Foundation to guide people to explore the ever-changing modern times with respect to beliefs, ideas,
creativity and education, and how one can advance with times matching with principles and opportunities to
develop a universal value and create a better future with hope.
Collective creativity and cultivation of culture, education and charity - Buddha’s Light International
Association was established in Los Angeles of United States on 16 th of May, 1992 and it opened a new
page for the internationalization of Buddhism. BLIA not only gives lay Buddhists the opportunity to dedicate
themselves to the faith but also through common beliefs, allows members to promote Buddhist charity, sow
the seeds of culture, propagate Dharma and cultivate Mahayana Buddhism. In this modern world where
there are mutual exchanges of civilizations and frequent contacts of people, they commit themselves to
extend the functions of the temple to reach the public mass and families, benefiting the country and
becoming a source of positive energy in society. Each time, ‘BLIA World Headquarters General
Conference’ is the event that members residing in the world’s five continents are looking forward to as it is
the moment to go ‘home’. Not only they can exercise their group creativity, exchange views with members
around the world and gather consensus for the work of the coming years, they also have the chance to
listen to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words of wisdom to help them in the propagation of Dharma. Since
2002, Venerable Master Hsing Yun invited global members every two years to go back to Taiwan to attend
the BLIA World Conference, hoping that members around the world could overcome barriers and learn from
each other by exchanging views and experiences. Also the event allows them to know more about Taiwan
and helps to enhance Taiwan’s international visibility.
Keynote speech: Concern of contemporary people’s thoughts - Every time in the conference, in order
to promote Humanistic Buddhism to be more earthly, modern, popular, artistic and cultural, Venerable
Master Hsing Yun would give a keynote speech, matching with the times and providing global members a
spiritual indicator and direction for their future endeavor. As in 2012, the theme was ‘Happiness and
Peace’. Venerable Master Hsing Yun encouraged BLIA members to cultivate a character of contentment
and modesty, a mind of kindness, compassion and tolerance, the freeness of letting go and a selfness
personality so as to create happiness and peace in this ‘Human Buddha-land’.
NGO members building a Pure Land on earth with love - After 22 years of hard work, BLIA in 2003 was
the first Chinese community to be granted the NGO association status by The Economic and Social Council
of the United Nations (ECOSOC) and Department of Public Information (DPI) under United Nations. BLIA
was then able to enter the United Nations and for years, it dedicated itself to promote all kinds of cultural
and educational programs to purify human mind and to actively engage in direct and close interactions with
NGO in backward countries and regions to promote general basic education and improve the quality of life,
e.g. Foguangshan Ru Lai Temple’s ‘Parenting program for children’ in Brazil, ‘No hunger scheme’ and
‘Resettlement scheme of preterm children’ in Paraguay, ‘Hope project plan’ in South Africa, ‘Safe wells plan’
in India, ‘Hope primary school set up plan’ in China etc. . A new page of history has been opened in the
propagation of Humanistic Buddhism and the establishment of Buddha’s Light pure land.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
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Venerable Master Husing Yun mapping out the Future Vision of BLIA
 Dharma Water of Humanistic Buddhism sprinkling over the Mainland – Venerable Master
Hsing Yun mapping out the Future Vision of BLIA - “The next step of BLIA is to bring the integrity,
peace and happiness of Humanistic Buddhism to 1.3 million people in Mainland China so that
they can also benefit from the Dharma and the light of wisdom.” In the Opening Ceremony of
2014 BLIA World Headquarters General Conference on the 4th of October, Venerable Master
Hsing Yun stated clearly the direction of BLIA’s future development and also strongly expressed
his wish of resigning from the ‘Presidency’. More than 2,000 people coming from five continents
of the world were happily waving their national flags amidst the singing of ‘We are one’, and with
a lotus hand gesture, proceeding into the Tathagata Building of Foguangshan.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun: All achievements attributed to the public - “65 years ago, I
alone left my hometown of Yangzhou in Jiangsu to Taiwan on foot, preaching the Dharma. 65
years later, we have BLIA delegate members from over a hundred countries and regions now
gathering in Foguangshan.”
Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of Buddha’s Light
International Association happily stated that all achievements were attributed to the public.
Buddha’s Light was able to shine over the world and because of everyone’s support,
he was conferred with nearly 50 Honorary Doctorates, Honorary Professor and eight Honorary
Citizen Awards though he was never subjected to formal education.
With words of encouragement, the Venerable Master said that in the development of BLIA in five
continents, winning awards was normal, e.g. the Queensland government in Australia not only
sponsored activities of Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ, but also recognized them with awards.
Similarly in Taiwan, it was a great honor that the Buddha Birthday Festival could be held in the
Presidential forecourt. “BLIA members bring glory to Buddhism.” The Master wished that with
everybody’s effort, let the integrity, peace and happiness of Humanistic Buddhism embark on
Mainland China, bringing hope and benefits of the Dharma to the 1.3 million people. In addition,
the Master who often stressed on the importance of heritage resigned from the Presidency on
spot, and in earnestness, he said that in this democratic era, he should have passed on the
position earlier to others in his 24-year term of office of presidency.
Taiwan Vice President Wu Den-Yih: A world of great togetherness and harmony is a
universal value - “If Wang Xi-Zhi (the Sage of Calligraphy in China) were to participate in this
event, he would definitely write the ‘Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion’”
Vice President Wu Den-Yih who considered himself as a BLIA member humorously said. “The
reason why we gather here is because we all respect the Master’s broad mindedness, and we
generate Bodhicitta and practice the Bodhisattva way.” He shared that often in many political
occasions, he conveyed the Master’s teachings and used the ‘Three Mind, Three Goodness and
Five Harmonies’ to explain the meaning of Humanistic Buddhism and also used them as the
panacea of the present world. He further said that Humanistic Buddhism corresponded with
‘Building the Republic marches into the great unity and harmony’ in the national anthem and also
with ‘The Operation of Etiquette – Chapter on The Great Unity’ because a world of great
togetherness and oneness is a universal value.
Gratitude from the Premier of Queensland, Australia - Freya Ostapovitch MP from
Queensland, Australia humorously expressed that she felt honored and moved when attending
the event. When she saw the flying of different national flags down the stage, she really wished
to take a picture of the beautiful scene. In utmost respect, she conveyed the message from the
thank you letter of Campbell Newman MP, Premier of Queensland to the Venerable Master, and
this touched a lot of audiences.
Freya Ostapovitch MP read out the content of the letter with emotion to thank Venerable Master
Hsing Yun for establishing Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ in Queensland, and for holding
Buddha Birthday Festival and various community activities to allow local people to have the
opportunity to know about Buddhism. The Venerable Master’s Humanistic Buddhism has not
only enhanced racial harmony but also brought peace to the community that gained the
recognition of people in Queensland. The Premier specially expressed his gratitude to the
Master’s contributions whether they be the past, present or future as they have profound impact
on the community.
Presentation of awards – Seeing future and hope - In the presentation ceremony, certificates
were awarded to the newly formed associations, chapters, group members as well as new Elder
Advisor Leaders, Elder Advisors and newly appointed Dharma teachers. Everyone accepted the
certificate and flag with joy. It was like seedlings that were growing and developing and was the
starting point of passing on responsibilities with long-term commitment. From the moment of the
handover ceremony of new Presidents, they began to bear the mission of passing on Buddha’s
light in the propagation of Dharma and implementing the concept of ‘Three Goodness’ in different
places. At the same time, a strong lineup of new blood in Dharma propagation could be
witnessed.
In the meeting, awards of outstanding achievement, educational contributions, cultural creativity,
charitable services, association development etc. were presented to acknowledge the
achievements of 23 BLIA Chapters. Once when people saw their Chapters receiving awards,
loud cheers and waving of flags reached a climax that one could see into the ‘Future and Hope’.
Under the leadership of the Venerable Master, BLIA members worked together wholeheartedly
with collective creativity, heading to the milestone of world peace.
Joyce Meadows, Duncan Cameron and Qiu Jin-Chang coming from the United States expressed
their feelings on the passion of the big Buddha’s Light family. When they saw the reunion of
thousands of people, they were both amazed and surprised as they found it difficult to imagine
that the power of Buddhism could be so great. Especially when they saw many volunteers
serving people, they vowed to practice the Three Goodness and do their best to promote
Humanistic Buddhism to the world.  From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 2
BLIAQ Robert Friedler, The only Westerner to be newly appointed as Dharma Teacher
 I’m really not sure what to say about my trip to the BLIA conference. The whole
thing was larger than life. From the airport pick up to the last moment everyone was
very friendly and helpful. It is inspiring to be in contact with so many who are clearly
much nicer people than me. When the main meeting began the hall was full of
members from all over the word and I am glad to say that Australia was represented,
after the presentation was made, the BLIA news interviewed me about what it is like
and what my plan are. As far as teaching goes, I want to study and explain the
Diamond and Platform Sutras and to give practical advice about living Buddhism in an
office. Later the Master spoke about his health and the future of FoGuangShan. It was
an emotional moment for everyone there. Venerable Shan and Ralph and Ping Ping
were there and very helpful. Later I visited the Buddha Memorial and was very
impressed with the variety of ways the Dharma was through using modern art,
interactive computer displays and traditional wall murals.
 Robert Friedler
 The Opening Ceremony of 2014 BLIA World Headquarters General Conference was held on the 4th of October in the Tathagata
Building of Foguangshan. In the Ceremony, Vice President of BLIA World Headquarters Ong Shi-Jie presented Appointment
Certificates to newly appointed Dharma teachers of Chao Yuan-Xiu from Houston Chapter, Robert Friedler from Queensland
Chapter, Cai Qing-Hua from Taiwan Headquarters, Chang Yu-Shun from Malaysian Chapter and Li Mei-Xian from Hong Kong
Chapter. In future, they will propagate Humanistic Buddhism in different places. Robert Friedler of BLIAQ is the only Westerner
appointed as Dharma teacher. He has an enviable job as he is the General Manager of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which was
topped as the largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas in the Guinness Book of World Records.
When speaking about his cause of learning Buddhism, he smiled and said that more than ten years ago, he read a Buddhist sutra in
a Japanese hostel and was deeply attracted by the Buddhist philosophy. Thus when he returned to Queensland, he searched for a
Buddhist temple and he found Chung Tian Temple in Brisbane where he started his life as a Buddhist. His good friend once told
him that the biggest impact of studying Buddhism for over ten years was to transform himself from a ‘bad man’ to a ‘good man’.
Whereas for Robert Friedler, the biggest change in him after practicing Buddhism is to become more patient and compassionate.
He followed the Venerables in Chung Tian Temple to study ‘Diamond Sutra’, ‘Platform Sutra’ and meditation, and his greatest
reward is to understand the truths of cause and effect and impermanence that all things in life, whether good or bad, are everchanging.
Robert Friedler is particularly fond of ‘Platform Sutra’ and ‘Diamond Sutra’ and this has become a driving force to inspire him to
become a Dharma teacher in Foguangshan. He said in order to have in-depth study of ‘Platform Sutra’ and ‘Diamond Sutra’,
teaching enabled him to study at the same time and helped him to have a better understanding of the meaning of the sutra. From
teaching, he could examine himself the level of his understanding of the sutra. After being appointed as a Dharma teacher, Robert
Friedler hoped that he could continue to work hard to study sutra and wished to pass the faith to his children who could also learn in
Chung Tian Temple after growing up. It is worth mentioning that Robert Friedler is working on the translation of ‘Platform Sutra’ and
so far, he has finished three chapters. Though he encountered various difficulties in the work, however “as long as one likes to do
and is willing to do, one would be able to overcome difficulties no matter how big they are.” He is also making effort to learn
Chinese and he even showed off a few Chinese words, making everyone admire his determination and perseverance.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Congratulations to BLIAQ for awarded for Performance Progression Award

Congratulations to BLIAQ for awarded for Performance Progression Award in this year BLIA World Conference and also
congratulations to Mr Collins Liu and David Yang for re-elected as the Directors of BLIA. Jenniwaty Luhur, Christine Liu and Mrs Fu were
nominated in various positions within BLIA. Robert Friedler as the newly appointed Dharma Teacher. Well done guys. Below are photos
of BLIAQ’s members participated in various activities during the 2014 BLIA World Headquarters Conference in FoGuangShan, Taiwan. It
was great to see a few of BLIAQ members were assigned as the panellist/speaker during the 7 days conference in Taiwan.
 Meng
Page 3
Celebration of 20th Anniversary of Nan Tien Temple
Venerable Master Hsing Yun was awarded Wollongong Honourable Citizen Award
 On 28th of September, Nan Tien Temple in Australia celebrated its 20 th Anniversary cum Time
Capsule Ceremony. In the joyous atmosphere and thunderous applause, Mayor of Wollongong
Gordon Bradbery presented the Honorable Citizen Award to the Founding Master of
Foguangshan Venerable Master Hsing Yun to recognize his important contributions to the city in
establishing Nan Tien Temple and Nan Tien Institute. On behalf of the Master, Deputy Abbot of
Foguangshan Venerable Hui Feng received the award. Nan Tien Temple also donated
wheelchairs to seven local charitable and aged care organizations, carrying out its objective of
‘Benefiting society through charitable programs’.
From the video, Venerable Master Hsing yun wished Nan Tien Temple to “increase radiance of
Buddha’s light and continuously turning of Dharma wheel”. He also hoped that Nan Tien Institute
could foster outstanding students to successfully promote Buddhist philosophy and Chinese
culture, and to sow Bodhi seeds on the beautiful land of Australia that they would bloom and bear
fruit everywhere.
“As long as you have the mind to do it, there will be no difficulty,” the Venerable Master said. In
Australia, Foguangshan opened up land to build its temples. Nan Tien Temple is the Southern
paradise and Chung Tian Temple is the paradise in Brisbane. Now, from the completion of the
first phase of construction of Nan Tien Institute, it can be seen that the success of everything
relies on our actions.
In the joyous moment of celebration with nearly 3000 people, Federal Member David Coleman
MP on behalf of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott read the Prime Minister’s greetings to Nan
Tien Temple. In the message, he pointed out that religion was an important element of social
stability and the source for many people to seek the meaning of life and inspiration. He thanked
Nan Tien Temple for providing people in Australia a long term quiet and peaceful place for
cultivation and he witnessed the Temple as an important milestone in the past 20 years.
In conducting the Ceremony, Venerable Hui Feng said, “It takes ten years for a tree to establish
itself but a hundred years for men to establish. Twenty years’ time is a very short history but Nan
Tien Temple has achieved a lot.” Transplanting a tree to a foreign land needs hard work in
watering and trimming before it can thrive. The roots of Nan Tien Temple are Buddha’s
teachings and the Four Main Objectives of Foguangshan, and they are nourished by the Dharma
water of community resources and effort of the mass. From now on, it still requires to be irrigated
frequently before it grows to a tall and strong Bodhi tree to establish itself in society.
Nearly 3000 people gathered joyously in Nan Tien Temple, including devotees from Oceania,
BLIA representatives, people on pilgrimage and visitors. There was a vegetarian food fair near
the lotus pond. A lot of guests were gathering there making Nan Tien Temple as jubilant as the
New Year. Before the Ceremony, 700 seats in the Main Hall were full. In the evening, the late
comers could only sit in the Dharma Hall and Conference Room. Some even had to cluster on
the steps and the Path to Buddhahood, listening to the broadcast from the Main Hall, sharing the
bliss and Dharma joy.
Dignitaries attending the event included Federal Member David Coleman MP, Stephen Jones,
Sharon Bird, Chinese Deputy Consul-General in Sydney, and VIPs from political, educational, art
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
and literary circles.
Nan Tien Institute Time Capsule Ceremony – Leaving the Heritage of “Humanistic Buddhism”
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 Nan Tien Institute Time Capsule Ceremony was held on 28 of September in the new
campus forecourt. Amidst the loud beating of drums, lion dance, sprinkling of flower petals,
offering of music, incense and flowers as forms to praise and pay homage to the Buddha,
Deputy Abbot of Foguangshan Venerable Hui Feng was invited to conduct the Ceremony
and perform the Purification for the building of the Institute.
500 people filed in from different places, holding their offerings to participate in the
unprecedented event of ‘Nan Tien Institute Time Capsule Ceremony’. Walking in long
processions, they made their offerings of Buddha statues, Sutras, incense, chanting beads,
commemorative coins etc. to the time capsule, and with absolute sincerity to Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas, they witnessed together the precious moment in the history of education and
religion in Australia.
Venerable Hui Feng led the guests to place the Buddhist teachings, pictures of Venerable
Master Hsing Yun, the Prime Minister’s letter of congratulations, Wollongong
commemorative coins, Dharma instruments, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s hair relic,
cassock, alms bowl and one-stroke calligraphy etc. in the time capsule, leaving the
historical relic of ‘Humanistic Buddhism’ and wishing that Buddhism would forever thrive in
Oceania.
In the Time Capsule Ceremony, Venerable Hui Feng said, “Transmitting Buddha’s light,
Nan Tien shines on people of the world; Buddha’s light and Dharma water will forever flow
naturally.” In the closing ceremony, he explained the spiritual meaning of the time capsule.
Venerable Hui Feng said that after the nirvana of the Buddha, people placed His relic in
stupas as a tangible memorial in the veneration of the Buddha. The time capsule has a
similar significance. Placing meaningful symbolic artifacts in the centre of the building has
imposed on it the spirit of its long term duty and responsibility.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 4
Nan Tien Institute Key Handover Ceremony – New Milestone of Educational Institute
 Located opposite to Foguangshan Nan Tien Temple in Australia is a land of 29 acres
which was donated by the City Government of Wollongong to be used for the
establishment of Nan Tien Institute and Art Gallery. After 13 years of preparation,
planning and construction, the official Handover Ceremony of the first phase of the main
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building project of Nan Tien Institute was held on the 28 of September in the Main Hall
of Nan Tien Temple.
Nan Tien Institute Contractor, Site Director John Sullivan handed over the key of the
Institute to the Deputy Abbot of Foguangshan Venerable Hui Feng who transferred it to
Venerable Yong Guang, Director of Foguangshan Education Department, symbolizing
the new era of Foguangshan Humanistic Buddhist education in Australia. The key was
finally kept by Lin Cheng-Yi, Principal of Nan Tien Institute, marking the completion of
the first phase of construction and opening the milestone of Australia’s educational
sector.
“The building has great significance!” Site Director John Sullivan said. Having gone
through 13 years of planning and site preparation through continuous discussions on the
project, design and details with the Temple, the company and the Temple have
established a foundation of trust and friendship.
John Sullivan further stated that the major considerations of the Institute were the
practicality of all kinds of design, availability of open spaces and the use of variety of
colours in studying venues and building materials in order to create an environment to
enhance the spirit of students.
Venerable Hui Feng said that within the 20 years from the establishment of Nan Tien
Temple to the completion of the building of Nan Tien Institute, one could appreciate the
representation of both the traditional and the modern. It is the first Buddhist-run tertiary
institution to be built in Australia, representing that Humanistic Buddhism has passed to
Australia. In terms of education, it also represents local development.
“Foguangshan education embraces the society, Sangha and followers. Nan Tien
Institute belongs to the type of social education,” Venerable Yong Guang said. Schools
established by Buddhism emphasize specially on character development and life
education. She hoped that in future, students from Nan Tien Institute could concentrate
on their studies and be able to contribute to society.
The Principal of Nan Tien Institute Lin Cheng-Yi said that currently, the Institute was
recruiting applications for two Master degrees of Applied Buddhist Studies and Health &
Social Wellbeing, and courses in English Language Centre. In future, faculties of
Business and Science & Technology will be established and scholarships will be
provided to attract people of outstanding talent to come to study. He hoped that the
Institute could build up its uniqueness in a happy learning environment.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Opening of Nan Tien Institute English Language Centre in Sydney, Australia
 In the Opening Ceremony of Nan Tien Institute Language Centre, Deputy Abbot of
Foguangshan Venerable Hui Feng conducted the Purification Ceremony. VIPs such as
Director of Foguangshan Education Department Venerable Yong Guang, Geoff Lee MP,
Sydney Aboriginal Leader Uncle Chicka Medder, President of Sydney Chinatown
Chamber of Commerce Chen Jiang-Qing, Nan Tien Institute Executive Director Fu
Sheng-Li, Nan Tien Institute Principal Lin Cheng-Yi and Vice-Principal John Loxton
together performed the ribbon-cutting for the opening of the Language Centre.
Attending the Ceremony were people from all walks of life in Sydney, dignitaries, the
media and BLIA members.
Nan Tien Institute Language Centre is situated in the city centre of Sydney. The
building has five floors, mainly providing intensive English training courses from
elementary to high levels. It is in the form of small group teaching with the course
divided into six levels, each lasting from 4 to 72 weeks. The emphasis is to train
students’ ability in English communication to quickly enhance their oral fluency and skills
in listening, speaking, reading and writing through overall practices.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Chung Tian Temple’s Devotees attended 20th Anniversary of Nan Tien Temple
 On 28 September 2014 about 20 devotees of
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Chung Tian Temple attended the 20 Anniversary
Celebration of Nan Tien Temple and the Time
Capsule of Nan Tien Institute Ceremony
accompanied by Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan.
It was a special moment for those that attended
the momentous event to mark the history making
moment. The Opening Ceremony of Nan Tien
Institute will be held on next year sometime in
March and hope you guys are able to attend and
witness this milestone event.
 Meng
Page 5
The Third Meeting of the Ninth Board of Directors cum Elder Advisors Committee of BLIAQ
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 On 13 of September at 1.30 p.m., BLIAQ held the Third Meeting of the Ninth
Board of Directors cum Elder Advisors Committee in the Wisdom Room of Chung Tian
Temple. It was conducted by President Kim Wu and 20 people attended including
Vice Presidents Arthur Liu and Stephen Chang, Andy Chen and other Directors and
Supervisors, Elder Advisor Committee members Lu Shu-Yuan and Peter Cheung.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan attended as advisor.
President Kim Wu led everyone to discuss motions and the matters reaching
resolutions were:
st
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1. 2015 Buddha Birthday Festival Celebration would be held from 1 to 3 of May in South Bank Parklands. The theme and new
creative activities were discussed and hiring of new Event Manager was confirmed.
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2. 2015 Chinese New Year activities would be held on 18 of February, including New Year’s Eve celebration, opening ceremony
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of exhibition in the Art Gallery and invitation of guests. The Cultural Open Day would be on the 22 of February.
3. Book donation activity to promote the Venerable Master’s book series of ‘Foguangshan Humanistic Buddhism’.
4. Setting up a team to be responsible for the application of various Government grants.
5. Organizing Nan Tien Institute Education Foundation and electing a team leader to care for matters arising from the Foundation.
6. Conducting seminars and book study of Humanistic Buddhism to train speakers for Humanistic Buddhism.
7. BLIAQ short term and medium term plans: with the experience of Directors and Supervisors, developing plans were drafted
such as recruiting of new members and youths, workshops for members, exploring BLIA in its heritage, innovation and
improvement of activities etc.
8. 2015 Australia & New Zealand Buddha’s Light Young adult Conference would be conducted by BLIAQ Young Ault Division.
Elder Advisor committee member Peter Cheung and Director David Chiu were to assist in this matter.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in her discourse cited from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Dharma Words Series’ of ‘Vitality’ -- Trees
without enduring strong sunshine and rainfall would not grow tall whereas talent without thoroughly tempered would not be perfected;
sludge can grow Lotus flower whereas a poor family can nurture a filial son; furnace can make strong steel whereas adversity can
achieve a great man; bitterness can brew to sweetness whereas affliction can be transformed to Bodhi. Busy is like a sharpened
sword of wisdom that cuts the vines of delusion; busy is like a pointing finger that can change stone to gold, transforming decadent to
magic; busy is like nutritional supplement that boosts up vitality. In life, there must be troubles and difficulties testing us. We have
joined the Buddha’s Light family for 20 years. Regardless of the positions held, the work and activities create opportunities to nurture
our growth and to allow us to enhance our lives. Though it was busy when involving in BLIAQ’s work, busy is nutrient. We have to
make more use of external opportunities to foster talent and continue to sow the seeds of Dharma with a mind of kindness,
compassion, joy and equanimity.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
2014 Annual General Meeting of BLIAQ Gold Coast Branch
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 On 11 of September at 10.30 a.m., BLIAQ Gold Coast Branch held its 2014 AGM
in a restaurant on the first floor of Australia Fair. It was conducted by Gold Coast
Branch President Cai Xue-Hong. 65 people attended including BLIAQ President Kim
Wu and his wife, Elder Advisors Even Chang and Andy Hsueh, BLIAQ Vice President
Arthur Liu and Stephen Chang, Loving Care Group Advisor Lu Shu-Yuan, Overseas
Compatriot Affairs Commission Lin Shu-Min and Gold Coast Branch members.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and Venerable Jue Tang attended as advisors.
Branch President Cai thanked the ardent support and contributions of all committee
members in the past two years. President Kim Wu and guests in their speech praised
President Cai for her enthusiasm in promoting Branch business and uniting the efforts
of members to assist in all BLIAQ activities. They encouraged the members to
continue their support in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. Then there was the
2013-2014 annual report of Gold Coast Branch, followed by the financial report given
by Liang Hui-Shen. As a result of election, Yang Chi-Kai was selected as the next
Branch President. Yang Chi-Kai thanked the blessings of Buddha and the members’
support for the opportunity to be elected as President. He was especially grateful to his
wife Cai Shu-Man for encouraging him to participate in the Joint Cultivation Dharma
Service every Thursday in Gold Coast Foguang Yuan for a number of years and to join
in big Dharma functions in Chung Tian Temple to strengthen his faith and accumulate
merits. As for the future plan from next year, apart from keeping the regular Thursday
Joint Cultivation Dharma Service in Foguang Yuan, he planned a series of activities
such as to promote vegetarianism and healthy living and to beautify life. He hoped that
in his term of office, he would dedicate himself to serve others and welcome all to give
him valuable advice.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in her discourse said: The Handover Ceremony of
President represented the heritage and allowed people to have the opportunity to learn
and assume responsibilities. Venerable Master in his ‘Inspiration: Humble Table, Wise
Fare’ said, “The value of life is to achieve the greater self, and the meaning of life is to
serve the public.” Good words are never too many as blissful words can make people
happy. Good deeds are never too much as we can serve the community and make
good affinities. Always having the kind heart of helping others in accord with conditions
helps to purify the mind and attain Buddhahood. She encouraged all to practice the
‘Three Goodness’ and ‘Four Offerings’ by sharing experiences and wisdom with the
new committee and be happy Bodhisattvas on earth. Finally, everybody sang the BLIA
song and the meeting was joyfully completed.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 6
Opening Ceremony of Calligraphy Art Exhibition ‘Zen within Brush
 The Opening Ceremony of Calligraphy Exhibition ‘Zen within Brush’ of
Professor Xiao Shi-Qiong jointly organized by Chung Tian Art Gallery and World
th
Arts and Multi-Culture Inc. was held at 1.30 p.m. on the 6 of September. It was
conducted by architect Lewis Liu OAM, and Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan,
calligrapher Professor Xiao Shi-Qiong, Honorable President of Worlds Arts &
Multi-Culture Inc. Melody Chen and VIPs were invited to perform the ribbon‘
cutting ceremony.
Professor Xiao Shi-Qiong is currently teaching at Taiwan Asian University. For
more than forty years, he had a profound study in the different Chinese
calligraphy scripts like the seal script, clerical script, traditional regular script,
semi-cursive script and running script, using a modern style to display traditional
calligraphy. At present, he commits himself to the teaching of calligraphy and its
creativity.
150 people attended the Opening Ceremony including VIPs Queensland State
Members Mrs. Freya Ostapovitch MP and Mr. Mark Stewart MP, Michael de
Brenni on behalf of Federal Member Dr. Jim Chalmers MP, Duncan Pegg on
behalf of Mr. Graham Perrett MP, Brisbane Council Cr. Steven Huang, Director
of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Mr. Lai Wei-Zhong, Taiwan
Legislator Hsu Tien-Tsai, Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Stewart, Head of
Asian and Pacific Art at Queensland Art Gallery Russell Storer, BLIAQ President
Kim Wu, Chairman of Queensland Daily Huang Su-Chen and representatives
from various organizations.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in her speech thanked Australian Aboriginals
and welcomed all the guests for coming. Since 1994, the Founding Master of
Foguangshan Venerable Master Hsing Yun has started to set up Art Galleries
around the world, using them as a bridge for the cultural exchange between the
East and the West.
The exhibition of ‘Zen within Brush’ by Professor Xiao Shi-Qiong not only allowed
people to see the beauty of Chinese calligraphy but also enabled them to
appreciate a taste of Zen in many of his writings on Zen poetry and Buddhist
gatha. Venerable Chueh Shan sincerely invited all guests to enjoy the exhibition
and thanked all the volunteers of Chung Tian Art Gallery and World Arts & MultiCulture Inc. for achieving the event.
Speeches were given by State Members Mrs. Freya Ostapovitch MP and Mr.
Mark Stewart MP, Federal Member representative, Director of Taipei Economic &
Cultural Office Mr. Lai Wei-Zhong, Council Member, Taiwan Legislator Hsu TienTsai and Head of Asian and Pacific Art at Queensland Art Gallery. They felt
honored to be invited to Professor Xiao’s calligraphy exhibition and after seeing
his creative work, it was really like ‘painting in calligraphy and calligraphy in
painting’. Professor Xiao’s breakthrough and innovation enabled the integration
of traditional and contemporary calligraphy, forming a ‘life calligraphy’ which
could merge with our living to beautify our mind.
According to scientific research, the brain energy waves when writing calligraphy
and practicing meditation are the same, thus calligraphy is similar to cultivation
and every life activity can be a kind of cultivation. From the works of Professor
Xiao throughout his 40 years of life experience and the creative combination of
traditional calligraphy with modern aesthetics, viewers could feel the flow of
vitality in them. Thanks to Chung Tian Temple for the promotion of various
exhibitions which can enhance the artistic appreciation of the social community
and promote East-West cultural exchange in Queensland.
Calligrapher Professor Xiao Shi-Qiong in his speech shared his experience in the
preparation of the exhibition. He thanked Chung Tian Temple for the ardent
invitation and the enthusiastic support of World Arts & Multi-Cultural Inc. to
enable the smooth running of the event. He stressed that every age, whether the
past, present or future had its own calligraphy style. Every calligrapher should
seriously think about this and be able to express the calligraphy art of the times.
He considered that the current creativity in calligraphy was to establish a modern
classical style calligraphy based on the traditional. He thanked Chung Tian Art
Gallery for giving him the opportunity to display his works for the first time
overseas and be able to interact with cultural and arts sectors abroad.
Finally, Professor Xiao presented the collection of his calligraphy works to the
guests and autographed on-site. A group photo with all the guests was taken to
mark the memorial moment of the ‘Zen within Brush’ exhibition.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 7
2014 ‘Good Affinities’ Three Good Deeds Chung Tian Children’s Happy Camp
 The 2014 "Good Affinities" Three Good Deeds Chung Tian Children's Happy
Camp took place over Saturday and Sunday 27th and 28th September, and the
Chung Tian Temple. The theme of this year's camp was "Good Affinities" and the
main planning committee were the members and volunteers of BLIA YAD QLD (BLIA
Young Adult Division, Queensland Subdivision). More than 160 children aged between
4 to 12 attended the camp over the two days, and there were more than 60 volunteer
Group Leaders ranging from fifteen to late-twenties, and more than 20 staffs
committees from QLD YAD.
The 2014 Happy Camp Planning Committee structured the programs around
Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book "Living Affinity", and designed a range of activities
and classes around the topics and stories in the book. Throughout the two days,
children were able to learn about "Three Good Deeds", "Four Gives", living affinities
with families/each other/community as well as the environment.
The children learnt about Humanistic Buddhism and building good affinities through
innovative and fun activities, for example, writing acrostic poems to understand what is
good affinities, doing arts and crafts of lotus petals containing good affinity words, and
learning about treasuring our environment and making a wish on a recycled cardboard
tree about how to make good affinities with our environment. In Day 1, through
learning about "How can we build affinity?" the children were split into 4 rotational
session, in activities and Venerable's classes, and learnt about the 'Four Allembracing virtues'. In Day 2, the children were given an opportunity to undertake
mediation, walking mediation and learn Buddhist Etiquette in a rotating session
structured around "Living Affinity in Community".
The main performance of the camp this year was "Buddha In Our Hearts", a song
written by the Taipei YAD Music Group, and also the theme song of 2014 ANZBYC
Melbourne (Australian New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference) and IBLYAC
(International Buddha's Light Young Adult Conference). Children and Group leaders
created their own hand gestures for their song verses, and all learnt the main chorus
of the song. The song were practised throughout the camp, and showcased during the
Closing Ceremony.
The QLD YAD planning committees used 8 characteristics that links to forming good
affinities, to name the eight teams of children this year. The team flags this year were
designed by Michael Lin, and he designed special cards similar to the flag designs
that contained Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Dharma words, to share with the
children as their souvenirs.
A post camp dinner took place at the Temple after the Camp on Sunday 28th, and
were attended by more than 30 volunteers/QLD YAD staffs.
It was a memorable camp for both the young volunteers, the children, their parents, all
the temple volunteers, Venerables, and the Committees who attended. A couple of the
children told their mother (who was a QLD YAD many many years ago) that they truly
enjoyed happy camp, and when they grow up, they also want to help out in QLD YAD!
The smiling faces of all who attended and the happy words shared by the children,
really showed that good affinities were formed during the camp, with the children, with
temple, and all who participated.
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to all who helped with the camp: Abbess Chueh Shan and all
Venerables for the temple venue and all their teachings and attendance. BLIAQ
volunteers and all Temple Volunteers who helped with the camp and gave
encouragements, or attended the event. Special thanks to Venerable Miao-Lai,
Venerable Miao-Xin and Venerable Hui-Jin for being our guest lecturers.
Venerables, Chung Tian Chinese School Vice Principal Tsai, and Meng of BLIAQ
English Newsletter, and Michelle of BLIAQ Chinese Newsletter, for helping with prior
marketing of the camp!
QLD YAD 2014 HAPPY CAMP COMMITTEE - KEY PLANNING STAFFS
Guiding Venerable: Venerable Miao-Xin; 2014 QLD YAD Representatives: Kally
Chen (QLD YAD-1 President) & Linda Chang (QLD YAD-2 Vice President);
Education Team: Claudia Hii, Linda Chang, Kally Chen, Alice Liang; Group Leader
Workshop: Claudia Hii and QLD YAD committees; HR Team (recruitment and
assistance of Group Leaders): Melinda Lim, Katie Hsu, Jennifer Huang; Admin Team:
Louise Chen, Linda Chang, Jenny Chng, Cassie; Activities Team: Diana Chan, Kevin
Lam, James Yuan, Tina Lung; Logistics Team: Ken Chen, Rolf Chen, Ken Huang;
Living Affairs Team: Jane Zhu, Chris Chen; Marketing Assistance: Kally Chen,
Louise Chen, Linda Chang, Kevin Lam, Alice Liang, James Yuan, Jenny Chng, Katie
Hsu, Jane Zhu, Claudia Hii; Ceremony Team: Kally Chen and Alice Liang; MCs: Tina
Lung and David Pham; Duty Officers: Alvin Jiang and Andra Ly; First Aid: Esmond
Hii and Kenny Cheer. Also, big thanks to all Registration volunteers & Kitchen
volunteers, and all volunteers who assisted in various aspects of the camp who
helped made this camp possible. All Group Leaders who spent their weekends with
the children!
 Kally Chen
Page 8
China Pilgrimage Trip
 Recently my wife and I were able to travel to China with Ven. Tang and 17 other
devotees from Chung Tian Temple. The trip went from the 21st September to the 29th
September and we visited many historical Buddhist temples and other places of interest.
The trip included two of the four sacred mountains in Chinese Buddhism which were
Mount Jiuhua and Mount Putuo, the others being Mount Wutai and Mount Emei. These
two places were the highlights of the trip.
We visited Mount Jiuhua first which is located in the Qingyang County of the Anhui
Province and covers more than 100 square kilometres in area. The Shiwang Mountain,
the main peak, is 1342 meters above sea level. Mount Jiuhua is usually known as the
Number One Mountain of the Southeast and has attracted many Buddhist monks looking
for a domain to preach their doctrines. In 719, or the 7th year of the Kaiyuan reign of the
Tang Dynasty, Kim Gio Gak, scion of the imperial family of one of the three Korean
Kingdoms came to settle down in a hermitage on Mount Jiuhua. He acquired a large
following and was called the Cave-Dwelling Monk. In 793, on July 13th (Chinese Lunar
Calender) of the 10th year of Zhenyuan Reign of the Tang Dynasty, Kim died at the age
of 99. People regarded him as the reincarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Mount
Jiuhua thus became the domain of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva which triggered many temple
constructions on the mountain, lasting from the Song Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty.
Today, 78 ancient temples still survive, with a total of 6300 Buddhist statues and more
than 2000 Buddhist artefacts. We visited some of these temples including Huacheng, the
Hall of Sacred Remains, the Hall of Longevity and the Temple of the Heavenly Terrace.
The last temple as the name suggests is quite high up, more than a thousand steps to
get to it, but the effort is well worth it as the view is quite spectacular. At the time we
were in the area the temples were holding a Water Land Dharma Function so all the
temples had many monks involved in the chanting ceremonies, it was quite special.
Mount Putuo is an island situated southeast of Shanghai and it is covered with many
temples and monasteries, both large and small. Many monks and nuns from all over the
country and abroad go to great lengths to live and practice there and today there are
more than 30 major temples located there. Why is this so? Well for the Chinese people
the island is considered the home of Guanyin. How did this come about? Well the story
is told as follows; In 863 there was a Japanese monk named Huie visiting and studying
on Mount Wutai in China. When it was time for him to leave the mountain, he asked to
take a Guanyin statue with him, to be worshiped in Japan. Huie carried the sacred statue
carefully by himself, and travelled by land to Kaiyuan Temple at the port city of Ningbo.
He planned to take a boat from here back to Japan. When he tried to board the boat,
however, the Guanyin statue suddenly became very heavy, and he couldn’t move it by
himself. So he asked help and eventually about a dozen people worked together to lift
the statue onto the boat. The boat soon arrived at the Lotus Sea near Mount Putuo. To
everyone’s surprise, the calm ocean waters suddenly turned into mountainous waves
and there was no way the boat could continue to sail on. At night, Huie had a dream and
in the dream a monk told him: “as long as you let me stay in this mountain, I’ll give you
the wind that will send you back to Japan”. That woke Huie up and he told the dream to
his companions. After worshiping Guanyin, they were able to move the boat to the shore
of Mount Putuo, and Huie built a simple straw hut near Chaoyin Cave to house the
Guanyin statue. The boat was then able to leave the Lotus Sea, and Huie was back to
Japan. Because the Guanyin statue didn’t want to leave for Japan, it was named
“reluctant to go” Guanyin. A local resident, Mr Zhang, learned of the story and modified
his own house into a small temple. The statue was moved to the temple and he named
the temple Reluctant To Go Guanyin Temple. People believe that it was Guanyin himself
chose Mount Putuo as his place for teaching Buddhism. Not long after, the story spread
across China and East Asia.
Many stories have been told about Mount Putuo over the centuries. One story was told
by “the father of modern China” – Sun Yat-Sen. On August 25th 1916, Mr Sun toured
the naval base in Zhoushan and paid a visit to nearby Mount Putuo. He went on to the
peak of Mount Foding and was impressed by its natural beauty and the open view.
Notified by his companions that it was time to leave, he walked towards Huiji Temple.
Suddenly, a glorious archway appeared in front of his eyes, from which a group of welldressed foreign looking monks came out to welcome him. At the same time, there was a
large flying wheel spinning rapidly in the sky. In surprise, Mr Sun called out to his
companions next to him, but they couldn’t see anything unusual. Mr Sun was an atheist
and he couldn’t explain what he had seen.
Something special happened as recently as 1997 at the blessing ceremony of the newly
erected 33 meter high Great Guanyin Statue. This statue is mostly made out of brass
except for the head which is made of six and a half kilos of gold. On this occasion the
weather was heavily overcast and raining, but when Abbot Jieren announced the start of
the celebration, a ray of sun shined through the heavy clouds and onto the statue. The
statue suddenly brightened up and reflected dazzling golden sunshine.
The display lasted about 20 minutes and was widely regarded as Guanyin Buddha
answering the prayer. Mount Putuo is quite a special place. I found the whole trip very
educational and at times inspiring and wish to thank Ven. Tang for organising this
adventurous pilgrimage.
 Brian Kemp
Page 9
Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival
 BLIAQ organized a hiking recreational activity from the University of Queensland to
th
Dutton Park to celebrate the Moon Festival on 7 of September. There were nearly a
hundred participants including Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, BLIAQ President Kim Wu,
Elder Advisor Andy Hsueh, Vice-President Stephen Chang and members of Gold Coast
Branch, West Branch, North Branch and Logan Branch.
At 9 a.m., everybody assembled in the University campus. President Kim Wu welcomed
all to the hiking activity. Venerable Chueh Shan cited from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s
book of ‘Humble Table, Wise Fare' about 'The Way of Life’ -- “Spring is not season but the
heart; life is not body but the mind; elderly is not age but the mood; life is not years but
eternal. ….. From a grain of sand or gravel, we see the infinite world. From the turbulent
water flow in falls and streams, we hear the voice of truth. ….. From the bright moon and
breeze, we realize the serenity of our self-nature.” She encouraged people to appreciate
the meaning and significance of life in this hiking activity. Vice-President Stephen Chang
was the leader, guiding people to walk from the University campus to Dutton Park where
they enjoyed moon cakes and fruit at the peak area. Wu Ju-Fen led everyone to do a
healthy exercise to relax physically and mentally in the natural environment of the woods.
Members brought their families with them, some of three generations and some with their
grand-children. The activity enabled them to enhance their friendship and pass their faith
onto the younger generation. After a group photo, they walked back to the University
campus to end a happy memorable day.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Volunteers in Water Drop Teahouse organised Moon Festival & Father’s Day Celebration
th
 On 7 of September at 5.30 p.m., youth volunteers arranged an activity of celebrating
the Australian Father’s Day and Moon Festival in Water Drop Teahouse in Chung Tian
Temple. About 50 people participated including Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other
Venerables, BLIAQ Director Meng Hong, Secretary So Ling-Ling and volunteers.
Venerable Miao Neng first explained the background for holding this Moon Festival
recreational activity. Venerable Chueh Shan thanked all volunteers of Water Drop
Teahouse for their assistance in cooking and wished all fathers there a happy Father’s
Day. She said that volunteers serving people with joy, obligation, willingness, compassion
and dedication without complaint were Bodhisattvas on earth.
Wilson Eng and Linda Chang were moderators. There were ‘Words guessing game’ when
the fathers had to guess the Dharma words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun such as
‘Three Goodness’, ‘The noble steed gallops into a bright future’ through sign language,
prize quiz about reasons of the Venerable Master establishing Water Drop Teahouse, and
singing of ‘Song Dedicated to Fathers’ to celebrate Father’s Day. Also they celebrated the
birthdays of four volunteers Meng Hong, Wu Mu-Ying etc. by cutting birthday cakes in a
joyful atmosphere. A rich vegetarian buffet with satay, grilled corn and various dishes was
prepared by volunteers. The Temple also provided different kinds of moon cakes. With
tasting of moon cakes in the full moonlight, everybody spent a happy Moon Festival.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine
Taking Refuge in Triple Gem and Observing Five Precepts
 Taking Refuge in Triple Gem – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha - All Buddhists following the proper practice should take
refuge in the Triple Gem as their first step. Taking refuge means to ‘return and rely’. Triple Gem is the collective name for
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha which are the gems of spiritual life beyond the bounds of this world.
Buddha is a Sanskrit word for the Fully Enlightened One who is enlightened to all the truths of the universe. He is enlightened
himself and he is able to help other sentient beings becoming enlightened through his teachings. The word Buddha implies ‘the
spirit of awareness and enlightenment’.
Dharma refers to Buddha’s teachings to overcome ignorance, ill-will and desire in order to liberate people from sufferings of life
and death. The word Dharma implies ‘right views and right understanding ’.
Sangha refers to the Buddhist monastic community which provides an ideal environment for people in learning the Dharma and
cultivation. It is characterized by their common goal of ending all attachments and achieving group harmony by unity in thoughts,
equal rights, equal financial standing, common interests, kind words, and considerations and goodwill to others. Thus the word
Sangha implies ‘purity and harmony’.
By taking refuge, one declares that he is the disciple of the Triple Gem and marks the beginning of his commitment to the Buddha
as his teacher, the Dharma and the Sangha. Only those who have taken refuge in the Triple Gem can truly call themselves as
Buddhists.

To the Buddha I return and rely, returning from delusions and relying upon Awareness and Enlightenment.

To the Dharma I return and rely, returning from erroneous views and relying upon Right Views and Understanding.

To the Sangha I return and rely, returning from pollution and disharmony and relying upon Purity of Mind and Harmony.
Benefits of Taking Refuge in Triple Gem
1. One will become a formal disciple of Sakyamuni Buddha. 2. One will not fall into evil realms. 3. One will gain self-esteem and
dignity in character. 4. One will be protected by devas. 5. One will be respected by others. 6. One will accomplish good deeds.
7. One will accumulate more merits. 8. One will always be in the company of virtuous people. 9. One will establish foundations
of taking further precepts. 10. One will reach Buddhahood.
Page 10
 Observing Five Precepts – Starting point in cultivation - Morality is the basis of all spiritual growth and is the most basic
injunction taught by the Buddha. The Five Precepts are the basis of Buddhist morality and the beginning of all real growth as a
human being. They are rules or principles of behavior that serve two basic functions: keeping us from harming other sentient beings
and helping us create good karma or merit for ourselves. Rather than seeing morality as a kind of burden, we should see it as an
opening onto a much higher life to distinguish us from beings in the lower realms of existence.
The Five Precepts
1. No Killing – Cultivation of respect for all lives - Intentionally killing a sentient being is an extremely serious way of harming.
Even mice, mosquitoes, ants and other small animals should not be killed if it is possible to avoid, as all living beings have
Buddha nature. By respecting even the smallest and most helpless creatures, we foster in ourselves an attitude of respect for all
other beings. This kind of respect is the basis of all good merit. Since Buddha said that human life is especially precious, the
worst form of killing is to kill another human being. The karmic retribution of killing will result in poor health and short life span.
2. No Stealing – Cultivation of respect for other people’s property - When we steal from others, we harm them by violating both
their property and their trust in the integrity of the world around them. ‘Stealing’ is defined as taking anything that does not
belong to you. Whether this is done by trickery, by actually removing a physical object from someone’s possession, or by
legerdemain, it is still stealing. Sutra says that serious acts of stealing will lead to rebirth in the lower realms and even when
reborn as a human being, one will suffer from poverty.
3. No Lying – Cultivation of respect for other people’s trust - ‘Lying’ is defined most simply as not telling the truth. Lying may
also be defined as any kind of deceit, duplicity, forgery, distortion, or presentation of misinformation. An outright lie or withholding
information with the intent of deceiving someone is a form of lying which can be serious, leading to the creation of serious bad
karma. There are three categories of lies: great lies, less serious lies and lies of convenience. A great lie is defined as saying
that you are enlightened when you are not or saying that you have psychic powers when you do not. A less serious lie is all
other forms of lying. A lie of convenience refers to a lie committed with good intention. If we are sure that we are doing more
good than harm by such a lie, it is not a violation of the precept.
4.
No Sexual Misconduct – Cultivation of respect for other people’s body - Sexual misconduct is defined as any sexual
behavior that violates the laws or morality of society. In addition to this, incest, unreasonable sex at the wrong time and wrong
place, or any sexual act that harms or violates the rights of another, is also considered to be a form of sexual misconduct.
Sexual misconduct can lead to the creation of serious bad karma.
5. No unreasonable use of drugs or alcohol - The use of drugs and alcohol is not in itself evil but the Buddha cautioned us about
them because the consumption of mind-altering substances too often leads to serious lapses in good judgment and a violation of
the above precepts. Anything that clouds the mind or dulls reason is bound to diminish both our wisdom and our self-control.
A Matter of Course
 In worldly affairs, be it between right and wrong, good or bad, some
are a matter of course and others are not. For those that are a matter of
course, we would not pay too much attention to them, but for those that
are not, we reject them or grumble about them. As a result, we would be
ill at ease. When we are faced with prosperity we may take it as a matter
of course. So in facing setbacks, we should also consider them a matter
of course. Because "taking adversity with peace" would also bring us a
lot of joy.
In Nature, warm breezes could foster the growth and development of all
living things. Similarly, frost and snow also help them mature and ripen.
In the journey of life, our parents may he strict with us so we could grow
up to be somebody; our teachers may push us to work hard so we could
achieve good grades. These are all a matter of course. Between
classmates, there would of course be competition, for when there is
competition there is progress. When others are cool and aloof it is also a
matter of course, for then we would be able to actualize life to its fullest.
The Spartan training of the armed forces is a matter of course, for the
battlefield allows no mistakes. When the boss requires his workers to
work overtime, it is also a matter of course, for profit is only possible with
increased production.
It is a matter of course that children require their parents to nurture and
educate them, because that is the responsibility of parents. When poor
friends ask for a loan of money, it is also a matter of course, because
they need help in their situation. If we take all that is not a matter of
course to be so, then we would have peace of mind and would not
complain. Just as it is a matter of course that flowers bloom in spring,
the weather gets warm in summer, the land becomes grey in autumn,
and the world appears lifeless in winter.
Others' wealth may be due to their hard work - that is a matter of course.
Or when others are prosperous, that is because of their merit, good
causes and conditions. The neighbors next door are harmonious and at
ease, because they are well educated and cultivated. Or if someone is
doing well in their career, it is also a matter of course, for they have
excellent qualifications and good fortune!
When we talk about suffering, we should take it as a matter of course without the bone-chilling cold of winter, the plum blossoms would not be
profuse in fragrance. We should therefore consider taking the short end
of the stick as a matter of course. Within "a matter of course," there is so
much merit and accomplishments! In the course of life, as long as we
strive hard, taking everything as a matter of course, then there is no
problem that could not be resolved
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Page 11
2014 Term 4 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple
Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Level 1
Every Sunday
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
9:00am - 10:00am (Meditation)
10:10am - 11:00am (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term - Booking is required
Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Level 4(Free for BLIAQ members)
Every Sunday
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
10:00am -11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm(Buddhist talk)
$20 per term – booking is required
Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level: Level 2
Day: Every Sunday
Date: 12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am(Buddhist talk)
11:10am - 12:00pm (Meditation)
Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required
Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class
Buddhist Sutra Study Class
Sutra: Surangama Sutra
Discussion Classes
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Level 3
Every Sunday
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
10:00am - 11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term-Booking is required
Day:
Every Sunday
Date: 12 Oct ~ 23 Nov
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Chung Tian Temple
Cost: Free
Every Sunday
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
11:10am - 12:00pm
Free Donation
Tai Chi Class
Tai Chi Class
Tai Chi Class
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Every Wednesday
9.30am – 11.00am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
 To book for the Buddhist classes, an
application form must be completed and
returned to the Chung Tian Temple’s
reception together with full payment at least
a week prior to the course
commence date.
Every Saturday
9.00am – 10.30am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
Bodhi Class For Children
Teenager’s Buddhist Class
Ages:
Ages:
3 - 12 years
13 - 19 years
Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am
Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am
Date:
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
Date:
Cost:
$20 per term
Cost:
12 Oct 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
$20 per term
Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be
free.
Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free.
 For all enquiry please contact
3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday,
or email: [email protected]
www.chungtian.org.au
Thank you.
Every Sunday
8.30am – 10.00am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
 Children are taught Buddhist morals and
ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are
backed by fun activities which include: simple
meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories
and virtues, craft activities and team-building
games.
 The intermediate Dharma class builds on
and expands the basic foundations of
Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical
approach and solutions to challenges issues
faced by young people today.
Hand Chime
 The hand chime is constructed of a small inverted bell attached to the top of a long handle.
A long metallic needle of almost the same length, tied to the handle by a string, is used to strike
the inverted bell to produce a high pitch ring.
This instrument is used to coordinate the vocal and physical actions of the assembly during
Buddhist ceremonies. It is struck to keep rhythm during the chanting of certain passages of a
religious text and also to signal when a transition is about to be made from one section of the
text to the next. The chime is also used to let the assembly know when to bow and when to rise
during the performance of prostrations.
In some cases, the use of the chime is also considered beneficial when used in chanting for
those who are nearing death.
 Source: IBPS Vancouver
Date
Day
Time
Program
11 October 14
Saturday
9.30am
Great Compassion Repentance Service (In Mandarin)
12 October 14
Sunday
11.00am
Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Renunciation Day (In Mandarin)
18 October 14
Saturday
9.30am ~ 3.30pm
Medicine Buddha Repentance Service (In Mandarin)
23 October 14
Thursday
10.30am
Commemoration of Medicine Buddha’s Birthday,
chanting Medicine Buddha Sutra (In Mandarin)
24 October 14
Friday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
26 October 14
Sunday
2.00pm
Baby Blessing Ceremony
1 November 14
Saturday
10.00am ~ 12.00noon
Buddhist Lecture by Most Venerable Hsin Pei - “Life & Chan in Humanistic
Buddhism”
1 November 14
Saturday
2.00pm
BLIAQ Annual General Meeting
2 November 14
Sunday
2.00pm
Taking Refuge In Triple Gems & 5 Precepts Ceremony
7 November 14
Friday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (15 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
30 November 14 Sunday
9.30am ~ 3.30pm
One Day Meditation Retreat
Every Sunday
9.00am ~ 9.40am
English Buddhist Chanting
Every Saturday
10.30am ~ 12.00noon
Buddhist Service (in Mandarin)
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