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GuangMingTempleWelcomesYou
Whatatumultuousyear,atimeofconfusion,anger,fear,pain,division…..atimeof
uncertainty for our personal and our country’s future. Our temple serves as a refuge
fromtheoutsideworld.Yet,Buddhismteachesusthatwemustengageintheworld,
findingpurpose,confidencejoyandhope.Evenduringuncertaintimes,ifwebelievein
ourfellowman,ifwelettheBuddha’steachingsguideourthoughtsandactions,wecan
experience an inner peace that in turn allows us to be strong in adversity, lead with
compassion,andtherebybeapositiveforceintheuniverse.
WebeginthisnewyearwithmanyopportunitiestobuildourGuangMingfamily,to
learn, and to serve. This issue of the Digest introduces you to the happenings for the
firstquarterof2017.
Winter2017
January–March
AQuarterlyPublicationofGuangMingBuddhistTempleandCenterforHumanisticBuddhism
inOrlando,Florida
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page1
GuangMingDigest–Winter2017
InthisIssue
IntroducingtheVenerableMaster
WhatisHumanisticBuddhism?
BuddhistCeremonialHappenings
ThisQuarter
RingintheNewYear
“RisingDawnofSuccess”
NewClassesforEnglish-Speakers
NewMeditationClassSeries
VenerableHueiKaiLecture
LayDharmaLecturersCertified
RememberingaManofPeace
HappyYearoftheRooster
BLIALotusSub-ChapterNews
OldDogsDon’tNeedtoLearnNew
Tricks
WelcometoGuangMing!
AboutGuangMingDigest
andGuangMingTemple
The Guang Ming Digest is an English publication of
Guang Ming Temple, a branch of Fo Guang Shan,
whichisChineseforBuddha’sLightMountain,which
islocatedat6555HoffnerRoadinOrlando,Florida.
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, headquartered in
Taiwan, was established in 1967 by Venerable
MasterHsingYun.FoGuangShanhasevolvedfroma
small monastery atop a mountain of bamboo forest
to become the largest Buddhist monastery in
Taiwan.
UnderVenerableMaster’sleadershipFoGuangShan
has flourished and now includes over 200 temples
worldwide as well as colleges, hospitals and other
social serving organizations. He has inspired the
selflessdevotionofover1.000ordaineddisciplesas
well as gained the ardent support of many lay
devotees to assist him in bringing faith, happiness,
hope and convenience to others. Serving others
through the objectives of Fo Guang Shan is the
hallmarkofHumanisticBuddhism.
ThefourobjectivesofFoGuangShanare:
1.
To propagate Buddhist teachings through
cultural activities; 2) To foster talent through
education; 3) To benefit society through charitable
programs; 4) To purify human hearts and minds
throughBuddhistpractice.
Everyone is invited to participate in the many
devotional, educational and cultural activities that
occurthroughouttheyearatGuangMingTemple.
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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IntroducingTheVenerableMaster
IfyouarenewtoGuangMingTemple,
or even if you have been here for
sometime,youmightnotknowabout
HsingYun,ahumblemonkwhoisour
founderandleader.
VenerableMasterHsingYun,hasmade
numerous contributions in the field of
Buddhism although he began as the
sonofasimple,middleclassfamilyina
smallChinesevillage.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun was born
inChiangsu,Chinain1927andentered
a monastery near Nanjing at age
twelve after his father went missing,
presumedkilledinanuprisingwhenhe
wenttopurchasesuppliesforhissmallincensebusiness.Buddhismhasmanysects,orschools,
allbelievingthesameteachingsbutpracticingabitdifferently.TheVenerableMasterwasfully
ordainedin1941,andisthe48thpatriarchoftheLinchiCh'anschool.
In1949,amidtheturbulenceofcivilwar,theVenerableMasteraccompaniedmanymainland
ChineseastheyleftthemainlandChinaforTaiwan.Hefirstservedthemaspartofthemedical
corps.
In Taiwan, the Venerable Master began fulfilling his long-held vow of promoting Humanistic
Buddhism, which takes to heart spiritual practice in daily life. He teaches us that Humanistic
Buddhism is actually true to the original teaching of the Buddha – to be compassionate and
servehumanity.Foroverahalfcentury,VenerableMasterHsingYunhasdevotedhiseffortsto
transformingthisworldthroughthepracticeofHumanisticBuddhism.
With an emphasis on not needing to "go some place else" to find enlightenment, he tells us
thatwecanrealizeourtruenatureinthehereandnow,withinthisprecioushumanbirthand
this world. When we actualize altruism, joyfulness, and universality, we are practicing the
fundamentalconceptsofHumanisticBuddhism.Whenwegivefaith,hope,joy,andservice,
wearehelpingallbeings,aswellasourselves.
VenerableMasterHsingYunisthefounderoftheFoGuangShanInternationalBuddhistOrder,
headquarteredinTaiwan.ThroughhisleadershipFGShasfoundedtemplesandsocialservice
organizationsworldwide.TheOrderemphasizeseducationandserviceandmaintainspublic
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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universities,Buddhistcolleges,libraries,publishinghouses,Buddhistartgalleriesandtearooms,
freemobilemedicalclinics,achildren'shome,aretirementhome,highschools,andatelevision
station–BLTV,broadcastingfromthemonasteryinKaohsiung,Taiwan.TheOrder'slayservice
organization, Buddha's Light International Association, also has active chapters worldwide.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun is an outspoken proponent of equality among all people and
religious traditions. The Order has the largest number of female monastics of any Buddhist
order today. By providing and supporting educational and leadership opportunities, he has
workedtoimprovethestatusofwomeninTaiwan.Hehasheldfullordinationceremoniesfor
womenoftheMahayana,Theravada,andVajrayanatraditions.Inaddition,MasterHsingYun
annuallyorganizesconferencestobringtogetherthevariousBuddhistschoolsandtopromote
dialogue between Buddhists and other major religious groups. In fact, a good friend until his
deathwasCardinalPaulShanKuo-hsiofKaohsiung.TheVenerableMasteratonepointtoldthe
Cardinal,“IhopeinournextlivesyoucomebackasapriestandI,amonk.”
MasterHsingYunisaprolificwriterandhasauthoredoveronehundredbooksinChinese.His
writings have been translated into English and many other languages. In our library here at
Guang Ming Temple, you can find his writings in Vietnamese, Spanish and French, to name a
few. His works of the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha and the sixteen-volume Fo Guang Buddhist
DictionaryhavebothwonTaiwan'shighesthumanitarianawards.HisbiographyHandingDown
the Light, Hsing Yun's Ch'an Talks, The Lion's Roar, The Hundred Sayings Series, and The
HumanisticBuddhismSeriesarepublishedinTaiwanandareinEnglish.BeingGood:AGuideto
BuddhistEthics,OnlyaGreatRain,LotusinaStream,WhereisYourBuddhaNature:Storiesto
InstructandInspireareinEnglishasareanumberofhislectures.
BasedinTaiwan,VenerableMasterHsingYunhastraveledextensively.Hisinsightful,engaging,
andwittylectureshaveunfailinglyendearhimtoaudiences.Now90yearsold,hespendshis
timeatFoGuangShanMonasteryandtravelswithinAsia.
VenerableMasterHsingYun,inhisspeeches,writingsandhowheliveshislife,remindsusthat
to transform our world, we must be actively engaged in it. "Community transcends the
individual,"hesays,"andindoingso,fulfillstheindividualinthemostcompletewaypossible."
Heisanencouragingvoice,imploringpeopletouniteboththelocalandglobalcommunityinto
aworldofcompleteequality,joyfulness,andperfectpeace.
AfewwordsfromtheVenerableMaster:
Experiencejoythroughmodesty.
Cultivatevirtuethroughtolerance.
Overcomedesiresthroughself-control.
Calmbodyandmindthroughpeace.
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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Whatis“HumanisticBuddhism?”
The word “humanistic” reminds us that the Buddha was a human being, not a god, and
thereforesomeonewecanemulateinourlives.
HumanisticBuddhismiswhattheBuddhaconveyedtothehumanworldwiththeoriginalintent
toteach,instruct,benefitandbringjoyandtoattaintheBuddhainsight.Itiscloselyrelatedto
society and individuals, evident in the Buddha’s declaration of equality. All sentient beings
possess the Buddhanature,
fitting
the
modern mentality of
freedom, democracy and
equality.
The
essence
of
Humanistic Buddhism is
negating superstition and
blind faith, in its
inspirationofwisdomand
clarity.Itemphasizesselfawareness, self-enlightenment,
and
selfimprovement by offering
insights into ultimate
truth,peaceandstability.
One is free from the fear
and sorrows caused by
birth and death, and
ultimately
achieves
perfect-ionoflife.
Humanistic Buddhism is
Buddhism as needed by
humanity, so we put it
forth as the original
intents of the Buddha so
that his teachings can be
seeninanewlight.DenyingbiasednotionsandcomingtogetherinHumanisticBuddhism,we
allowtheBuddha’scompassionandwisdomtoshinealightofhopeonhumanity.
The Venerable Master’s latest book traces the history of Buddhism to our modern age and
givesusdirectiononhowtoapply2500yearoldthoughttoourdailylives.
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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BuddhistCeremonialHappeningsThisQuarter
Dharma services are conducted every Sunday, usually from 11:00 to 12:30. Some special
services might begin earlier, others will be continued into the afternoon. Some of the
ceremonies in the Buddhist calendar and some of Guang Ming Temple’s cultural celebrations
arelistedbelow.However,itisnotnecessarilyacompletelist.Comebythetempleandcheck
thebulletinboardforthelatest!
NoknowledgeofChinese?Noproblem!YoudonothavetobeaBuddhist,ortoknowChinese
to participate in the chanting ceremony. A booklet with Chinese, phonetic translation and
Englishtranslationisavailable.Andifyoufeelmorecomfortablesittingandobserving,thatis
finetoo.Justletthesoundsofthechantingbringpeaceandcomforttoyourmindandheart.
EnglishChantingService,Sunday,February26h,March26th,2017:
11:00AM–12:30PM
On the last Sunday of every month, , Venerable Chuehfan, Venerable Chueh Miaw and
VenerableChuehYenconductanEnglishChantingCeremony.Thistradition,initiatedovertwo
yearsago,meetstheneedsofthegrowingwesternandEnglish-speakingattendees.Joinusto
learn and worship together. And stay for a vegetarian lunch, served at the conclusion of the
ceremony.
LightCompletionDharmaService
Sunday,January22nd,10:00AM-12:00
InBuddhisttraditions,thelightofacandleoranoillamprepresents
thelightofwisdomilluminatingthedarknessofignorance.Justasthe
lightofacandleorlampdispelsdarkness,offeringlightfromacandle
orlamprepresentsremovingthedarknessofignoranceinorderto
attainBuddha'sluminousultimatewisdom.
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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Whenweofferlight,wewishfortherealizationofbrightultimatewisdominthislife,the
clarificationofcloggedmind,thedispersalofconfusion,andtheincreaseofwisdomineach
lifetimeuntilwehavereachedenlightenment.Todayisthecompletionof2016
ChineseNewYearDharmaService
Sunday,January29th,10:00AM–12:30PM
Join family and friends in this celebration and a time to dedicate ourselves to following the
Buddha’s teachings. See the announcement later in the Digest that lists all celebrations
throughoutthemonth.
(AvalokitesvaraBodhisattva)GuanYin’sBirthday
andGreatRepentanceService
Sunday,March19,10:00–12:30
ThebasisoftheGreatCompassionRepentanceCeremony
is the Great Compassion Mantra. The full name of the
Mantra is “Thousand-arms and Thousand-eyes
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s All-embracing Great
CompassionDharani.”ItisverypopularinChineseculture
andwidelyrecitedamongdevotees.Someofthebenefits
often associated with chanting the Mantra are: rebirth
into higher realms, gaining the opportunity to meet
beneficial acquaintances, possession of competent sense
organs, bountiful food and money, and gaining
opportunities to learn Buddhist teachings. Moreover,
those who recite this mantra will not suffer death of
starvation, disease, poison, flood or fire. Water that has
been blessed with the Great Compassion Mantra is taken
by devotees for its spiritually cleansing qualities. By
participating in the ceremony, devotees further benefit
from the strength of the compassionate vows of
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to find peace within
themselves. They learn to treat others with respect and
humility and to bring harmony to their families and the
society. We invite everyone to take the opportunity to
plant the seeds of beneficial causes and conditions that
willleadtoultimatewisdom.
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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RingintheNewYearatGuangMingTemple
Every year Guang Ming Temple members and the community at large
look forward to welcoming the New Year in grand style and splendor.
Thepreparationbeginswithageneralcleaningoftheentiretemple.
People bring their power washers,
mops, buckets and “elbow grease” to
the task, assembling after Sunday
morning chanting service and lunch.
Everythingisscrubbedandshined.
After the cleaning, Lanterns are hung
insideandout,thelargegongisplaced
at the temple entrance and the Main
Shrine is festooned with a golden tree
where our wishes for
the New Year can be Thisyear’sChoreDayis
January15th,1:00until
placed.
everythingshineslikenew!
New Year is a special event throughout China. Offices
areclosed,schoolisout,andfamiliesscurrytothetrain
stationstomakeithomeforthecelebrations.
Specialfoodsarepreparedandchildrenlookforwardto
presents and the little red envelopes of money gifts.
The Lantern Festival is Guang Ming’s way of sharing
Chineseculturewiththecommunity.
Seethenextpageforthescheduleofthemanycultural
anddevotionalevents.Comeenjoythecelebrations!
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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Rising
Dawn of
Success”
for the Year
2017
reputation.
Just as said in a
Tang poem, “The
rooster crows the
sound of success,”
may your year be
filled with soaring
aspirations and good
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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VenerableMasterHsingYuncreatesaone-strokecalligraphytocelebrateeach
NewYear.Togiveusconfidenceinourabilitiesandremindusofour
responisbilityhehaschosenthismessagefor
2017.
NewClassesforEnglish-
SpeakersBeginningJanuary1
Many English-speakers, especially you who are new to
Buddhism, have asked for a greater understanding of
Buddhist procedures. “What does ‘Taking Refuge’
mean?” “What is the purpose of chanting and what
does it mean?” “Who is
Medicine Buddha?” and many other qeustions about Buddist
practices.
Weheardyou!.....Andhereistheresult:
Beginning in January Venerable Chuehfan, Director of Guang Ming
Temple, will offer many classes on Sundays prior to the Chanting
Service. They will cover procedures and explanations of the sutras
(DharmateachingsoftheBuddha)astheyarepracticedthroughout
theyear.
Thefirsttwoclasseswillexplain
“TakingRefugeintheTripleGem” VenerableChuehfan
and “The Five Precepts Ceremony.” It is timely because
some people from Orlando are traveling to the Miami
temple for the “Tasking Refuge and Five Precepts
Ceremony” on Sunday, January 15, 2017. The ceremony
willbeconductedbyVenerableHueiKai,DeputyAbbotof
FoGuangShanMonastery.
If you are interested in taking refuge, or if you are simply
wantingtoincreaseyourknowledgeofBuddhistpractices,
pleasejoinus.Theclasseswillbeheldonthe2ndfloor.
VenerableHueiKai
Markyourcalendar!
Sunday, January 1, 2017, 9:30 – 10:45 AM: “Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem
Explained”
Sunday, January 8, 2017, 9:30 – 10:45: “ Taking Refuge and the Five Precepts
CeremonyExplained”
NEWMEDITATIONCLASSBEGINSJANUARY4
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page11
Haveyouwantedan
opportunitytogrow
inyourmeditation
practice?
BeginninginJanuary,
VenerableChueh
Miawwillconducta
progressive
meditationclassthat
willmeetweekly.
Thereisacostand
youmustpreregister.
(Ifyouareinterested
inmeditationonyour
own,youmayvisit
thetempleMain
Shrineonyourown,
Tuesdaythrough
Sunday,10:00AM-
5:00PMandon
Thursdayat7:00,
priortotheevening
class.)
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page12
VenerableDrHueiKaiVisitsGuangMingTemple
foraLecture,January17
DrHueiKaiholdsa
Ph.D.fromTemple
University,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,USA,
1997.Hehasbeenthe
Professor,Department
ofLifeandDeath
StudiesatNanHua
University,Taiwan,
since1997.In2011he
becametheDeanof
theCollegeofBuddhist
StudiesatFoGuang
University.DrHueiKai
hasextensive
experiencein
teaching”Historyof
IndianandChinese
Buddhism”and
“MahayanaSchools”,
andhassupervisedMA
researchstudents.
Joinusforhislecture
withrefreshmentsto
follow.
FindingFaith
InaDenton
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page13
Human beings are seekers. We seek pleasure, we
seek fellowship, we seek success, we seek
knowledge.Weareforeveronaquesttogetmore,
knowmore,experiencemore.Yetallofthisseeking
seems to leave a void. Some try to fill this void by
acquiring “stuff,” by self-medicating with alcohol,
drugs,food,bychasingafterthenewest,brightest
object.Andyet,
“WHEREVERYOUGO,THEREYOUARE”
JonKabat-Zinn,amolecularbiologist,proponentof
mindfulmeditationandauthorwrotethebookon
stressreductionandusedthetitle,“whereveryougo,thereyouare,”toremindusthatifwe
donotchangeourmind,ourvalues,waysofthinking,wewillcontinuetofeeldiscontent.His
phraseissoresonantthatithasbecomepartofourvernacular.Perhapsthemissingpartofour
life equation is having a belief that transcends the mundane worldly cares ….. something to
groundus,tobeour…..
GUIDINGLIGHT
InthequestfordirectionoutofdarknessofconfusionanddiscontentcomesBuddhismwithan
ageold,yetcontemporarypathtowardillumination.ThelightSakyamuniBuddhagaveusisa
threewaybulb,threelevelsoflearning.
WebeginwiththebrightlightoftheBuddhahimself.Bornanordinary(ifyouconsideraprince
tobeordinary)man,heventuredouttodeterminewhatcausesmantosufferso.Andhefound
theanswer-wewantwhatwedon’thave,don’twantwhatwedohave,andharborgreedand
hatredinourheart….allbecausewedon’tunderstandtheworkingsoftheworld,ourplacein
it,andofourverymind.
He then illuminated our world with many teachings – how the world is ever-changing, how
everythingdependsuponprioractions,thatnothingjustshowsuporhappensindependentlyof
everythingelse,howouractions,independentlyandcollectively,setinmotionfuturepainor
pleasureforourselves,allmankindandthenaturalworld.Theteachingsofferedaroadmap,if
youwill,forgreaterserenityandjoy.
Tohelpus“switchon”ourinternalbulbs,heprovidesuswithknowledgeable,wisemonastics-
rolemodelswhomwecanemulateforamorejoyfullife.
THREEJEWELSINONESETTING
Acontemporaryengagementoranniversaryringhasthreediamonds,honoringfriendship,love
andfidelity,alsothepast,presentandfuture.Buddhismhasanevenmoreenduringtrio–that
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page14
of The Triple Gem. Lasting beyond a generation, not to be lost in the sand at the beach or
tossedtothesideasarelationshipfades,theTripleGemofBuddhismispreciousforever.
TheTripleGemisagiftwithouta“returnby”date,itisnotdependentuponothers,onlyupon
one’s personal decision and devotion. The Triple Gem becomes yours at one time in one
ceremonyandlastsaslongasyouhavefaith.
THETRIPLEGEMISMYSANCTUARY
Anotherwordfor“sanctuary”isrefuge–aplaceofsafety,ashelterorprotectionfromdanger
ordistress.SuchistheTripleGemofBuddhism.TheTripleGem,understandably,hasthreefoci
offaiththatarethecenterofdefinitionasaBuddhist.Whenwe“takerefuge”wehavefaithin
TheBuddha-TheDharma-TheSangha
VenerableMasterHsingYunexplainstheTripleGeminabeautifullypoeticmanner:
The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha are considered the noble wealth that
transcends all worldly forms. The Buddha is like sunlight that can mature and perfect
livingbeings,fortheBuddhaistheteacherofthisworld;theDharmaislikewaterthat
cannurturelivingbeings,fortheDharmaisthetruthoflife;andtheSanghaislikeafield
that can cultivate the Dharma wealth of merit for the believer, for the Sangha is the
community of spiritual friends who sustain the Dharma. The importance of the Triple
Gemiscomparabletosunlight,water,andsoil,fornoneofthesecanbelacking.Thelife
of wisdom is planted through taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Undertaking the Triple
Gem Refuge allows us to elevate the spiritual world of our mind and transcend the
confinesofmundanelife.
Wow! What a trip! Better than crossing worldly oceans, better than rings for our fingers!
Identifying with Buddhism gives me a peace of mind, a direction, a moral code, a way to
cultivatemymindandheart.Itsustainsmethroughthefactsofworldlychangeandloss.The
Buddha is inspiration. If he endured human pain, why can’t I? if he found acceptance and
peace,whyshouldn’tIattempttodothesame?Ifhetookthetimetoteach,whyshouldn’tI
taketimetolistenandlearn?Ifthecommunityoflike-mindedpeoplewhoaregoodandkind
areavailabletome,whywouldInotidentifywiththemandshareintheirfellowship?
The brilliance of the Triple Gem is illuminating and sustaining – longer lasting than the latest
LEDorHalogenbulbonHomeDepot’sshelves.Iknowthis,forthelightbeganover2500years
agoandstillshinesbrightlyintheheartsandmindsofmany…..inmyheartandmind.
(YoucanlearnmoretheTripleGembyattendingVenerableChuehfan’sclassesJanuary1and8.
Seepage11.)
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page15
LayDharmaLecturers
Certified
DearFriendsandGuangMingFamily,
It is with great Dharma joy that I
announce the certification of two of our
members as Lay Dharma Lecturers. The
honor was conferred upon them at the
BLIA Conference in October 2016 at Fo
Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan. BLIA
states that “The BLIA Lay Dharma
Lecturers' System is a demonstration of
equality between monastic and laity, VenerableTzuJungpresentsInaandHoward
thereby uniting the strength of both withLayDharmaLecturercertificatesatBLIA
conference
categoriesofBuddhistsinthehopeoffulfillingthegoaltoletBuddha'slightshineuniversally,
andDharmastreamflowacrossthefivecontinents.LayDharmalecturershavedemonstrateda
knowledgeofHumanisticBuddhismandhaveputitintodocumentedpracticeforanumberof
years through modeling precepts, teaching the Dharma and serving members of the temple
communityandbeyond.”
InaDentonbeganattendingGuangMingTemplein2008.Inashortperiodoftimeshewasable
to grasp the Buddha’s teachings and teach how to apply them to contemporary situations.
Thosewhoattendherpresentationsandworkshopsarechallengedtothinkmoredeeplyabout
lifeissues,learn,andhavefunintheprocess.Inaalsotrainsotherstobecomemoreproficientin
their facilitation and teaching techniques. The greatest joy she has is helping our Chinese
monasticsbecomemorecomfortableinEnglish.Youcanseetheresultsofherendeavorsasthey
gainconfidenceincommunicatingwithourmanyEnglish-speakingvisitors.
Howard Yeh grew up in a Buddhist home however he says it took him a while to connect to
Buddhist teaching. But when he did, there has been no stopping him! For the past 10 years
Howard has taught classes, conducted tours and been a big brother to many people new to
Buddhism.EverySunday,andmanyweekdaysafteralongworkday,Howardisatthetemple,
welcoming,guiding,sharingtheDharmawithpeopleofallwalksoflifewhoenterthetemple
doors.Areadyhandshake,awillingness(anddelight)tositwiththesenewfriends,hemakesa
personalconnectionthathelpsnewcomersandoldfriendsfeelliketheyare“family.”
InaandHowardareagoodteamastheyworktogethertostrengthentheeducationalprogram
atthetemple,consultwithtemplesbeyondOrlando,andbringjoyandcomforttoothers.Iam
pleased that they have been recognized and look forward to their continued service to our
templeandtheentireFoGuangShanfamily.
Chuehfan
Director
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page16
RememberingaManofPeace
EverythirdMondayofJanuarywerememberamanwhomarched,preachedandprayedforpeace,MartinLuther
King,Jr.HewasaBaptistministerandheldaPhDfromBostonUniversity.In1964hereceivedtheNobelPeace
Prize.Gunneddownbyanassassin’sbulletatage39,hestilllivesintheheartsofpeacelovingpeopleworldwide.
Aninspirationalspeakerappealingforworldpeaceandracialjustice,heisbestknownforhis“Ihaveadream”
speech.ButdidyouknowhewasalsoastudentofBuddhism?Followingareexcerptsfromapaperhewrotein
1950asarequirementforaHistoryofLivingReligioncourse.(HereceivedanAonthepaper,aB+forthecourse.)
Theentirepaperwithfootnotesandattributescanbereadatwww.kinginstitute.stanford.edu.GuangMing
TemplepracticesMahayanaBuddhismwhichfocusesgreatlyoncompassiontowardothers,thusthispaperis
relevanttoourunderstandingofBuddhismandhisviews.
THECHIEFCHARACTERISTICSANDDOCTRINESOFMAHAYANABUDDHISM(EXCERPTS)
K ING , M ARTIN L UTHER , J R .
MahayanaBuddhismgivesuspositiveideasoftheultimateissuesoflife.TheMahayana,or
GreatVessel,offerstoallbeingssalvation,byfaithandloveaswellasbyknowledge…..the
burdenoftheMahayanaislight,anddoesnotrequireonetototallyrenouncetheworldand
hisaffectionsforhumanity.
TheMahayanaMetaphysics
The metaphysics of Mahayana is monistic in character. All that exist in the world is of one
reality. The nature of this reality is beyond description."Things in their fundamental nature
cannotbenamedorexplained.Theycannotbeadequatelyexpressedinanyformorlanguage.
They are beyond the range of perception, and have no distinctive features. They possess
absolutesameness,andaresubjectneithertotransformationnortodestruction. [Thinkhereof
ourrecitationoftheHeartSutra.Ed.]
TheMahayanaBuddhistsseetheworldofexperienceasphenomenalandnotreal.Theyliken
it to a maya, mirage, flash of lightning or froth. This may be illustrated by a simple jar. Its
quintessenceistheearth,itsattributeistheformofthejar,anditsactivityistokeepwater.
Theattributeandactivityarebynaturemutable,subjecttothelawofbirthanddeath.Onthe
otherhandthequintessenceisindestructible.12Thewholeuniversehasitsunchangedaspect
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
Page17
as well as its changeable one. [This is the ultimate cosmic principle or the unchangeable
aspectoftheuniverse.]
TheMahayanaReligion
FromadoctrinalpointthereisnounityintheMahayanareligion.Itischaracterizedbyagreat
degreeofdiversity.ThislackofdoctrinalunityinMahayanaBuddhismmaybeattributedto
itsamazingamountoftolerance…..WhereverMahayanaBuddhismprevailedtheindigenous
religionsweretolerated,whileittookcaretoteachthemanewrespectforlife,kindnessto
animalsandresignation.Solongastheyfollowedcertainethicalrules,thenewconvertswere
notforcedtogiveuptheirnumeroussuperstitions.Anygodcouldbebelievedinsolongas
one was ethical. This protean character of Mahayana Buddhism is another example of that
universalhistoricallaw,“thatculturewhichconquersisinturnconquered."Thisuniversallaw
is especially true of religion. It was true when Christianity proved victorious in the Roman
empireanditwastruewhenMahayanaBuddhismwonconvertsfromtheregionsofChina,
Korea,Siam,BurmaandJapan."Themorecrusadingareligionis,themoreitabsorbs."The
amazingamountoftoleranceofMahayanaBuddhismisinconsonancewithitsmetaphysical
views. It is asserted that all religions are revelation of the sameDharmakaya[absolutebasisof
reality.Ed.]andbringoutsomeaspectsoftruth.
….. there is more than one Buddha. There are a number of Buddhas endowed with the
highestintelligenceandlove.Theytooareworkingconstantlytosavetheworld.Therehave
beenaninfinitenumberoftheseBuddhasinthepast,andtherewillbeaninfinitenumberin
thefuture.
TheEthicsofMahayana
The ethical ideal of the Mahayana is the Bodhisattva. Etymologically the term Bodhisattva
meanssimplyonewhosebeingconsistsofinsight.Buthistoricallyitmeans"onewhoisonthe
waytotheattainmentofperfectknowledge,afutureBuddha."Thetermwasfirstappliedto
Gautamaduringhispreviousbirthsandthroughouttheearlieryearsofhishistoricallifeupto
the time of his enlightenment. It therefore came to mean a man destined to become a
Buddhainthisorinsomefuturelife.
To understand this ideal it is necessary to go back to the teaching and life of the founder
[SakyamuniBuddha.Ed.]. His own example was quite free from selfishness and narrowness. He
taughtthateachmanshouldavoidgivingpledgestoFortuneandshouldseekthedesireless
and sorrow-free life. But beyond this his own heart was so full of love for every form of
suffering creature that he long postponedParinivanafor their sake. It was this point of the
Buddha's teaching and example that the Mahayanist seized upon and it was upon this that
theybasedtheirmoralideal…..theidealoftheearnestseekerafterthewelfareofothers,
who in unselfish devotion to his fellow creatures accumulates great stores of merit and
dedicatesitnottohisownsalvationbuttothatofallsufferingbeings.Meritisthoughtbythe
Mahayanaasbeingtransferable.ThereisalsotheelementofvicarioussufferinginMahayana
religion.TheBodhisattvaisabletopresenthismerittoaneedyworld,andforitssakeheis
willingtobeameritlesssinner.[IthinkhereofKsitigarbhaBodhisattvawhomweseeintheMemorialHall
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andhisvowtoremainuntilhellisemptied.Ed}Itisinterestingatthispointtonotethesimilaritiesof
thisconceptionofvicarioussufferingandthetransferenceofmerittomanyofthetheoriesof
atonementthathaveappearedinthehistoryofChristianthought.
Justbeforehisdeath,Buddhahadsaidtohisfollowers,"Workoutyourownsalvationwith
diligence."TheMahayanaacceptsthiscommandandurgesthenecessityofindividualeffort
inthesalvationprocess.Buttheydonotstophere.Thehelpofasaviorisnecessary.The
MahayanawouldrewordtheBuddha'ssentenceandcrywithSt.Paul:"Workoutyourown
salvationwithfearandtrembling,foritisGodwhoworkethinyou,bothtowillandtodoof
hisgoodpleasure."Bible:Philippians2:12.[TheMahayanawouldsay]ItistheBuddhanature
withinusthatunitesitselfwithourwillsinthestruggleforsalvation.Withoutthismorethan
humanaid,salvationfromignoranceanddesirewouldbeimpossible.
The Mahayana insists on the turning over of ethical merit to the advantage of others. They
insistthatnomanlivestohimselfalone.Thegoodorevilofoneaffectsthewhole.Whether
the metaphysical truth that nothing on earth is real, can be reconciled with the ethical law
that we should work and suffer for our neighbor, is apparently a problem which the
Mahayanist never solved.He would still insist that he must save the world. When the
question of nirvana is brought forth the Mahayanists are anxious to make out that it is not
annihilation.Itisrealfreedomwhereignoranceisovercome.35Itistheunionwiththegreat
souloftheuniverse.TobecomeaBuddhaistobecomeoneinessencewiththeinfinite.Thus
Buddhismbecameareligionforthelaymenaswellasforthemonk.Theemphasisonfleeing
fromtheworldwasreplacedbyadesiretoliveintheworld,whileyetbeingnotoftheworld.
“In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate.
This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible.”
~ Buddha
“Darkness cannot drive out
darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that.”
~ MLK
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
HappyYearoftheRooster
The Rooster is tenth in the Chinese zodiac. Each
lunaryearisrelatedtoananimalsignaccordingto
theChineseZodiac.The12animalsfollowa12year
cycle.
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ItisalwaysfuntoreadabouttheChineseZodiacfolklore,andthisyearisthesame.Following
theGoatYear,andbeforetheDogyear,wehavetheyearofaboisterousfowl!Yearsofthe
Roosterinclude1921,1933,1945,1957,1969,1981,1993,2005,2017.Chinahighlights.com,a
travelwebsite,tellsusaboutthecharacteristicsofourbarnyardfriend:
PeopleborninayearoftheRoosterareveryobservant,hardworking,resourceful,courageous
andtalented,Roostersareveryconfidentaboutthemselves.
“Roosters are always active, amusing and popular among the crowd. Roosters are talkative,
outspoken,frank,open,honest,andloyalindividuals.Theyliketobethecenterofattentionand
always appear attractive and beautiful. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by
others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit
theircharmatanyoccasion.
“Roostersexpectotherstolistentothemwhiletheyspeak,andcanbecomeagitatedifothers
don't. Vain and boastful, Roosters like to brag about themselves and their accomplishments.
Their continually seeking the unwavering attention of others annoys people around them at
times.
“GoodHealthfor"Roosters"PeopleborninayearoftheRoosteraretypicallyhealthypeople.
Theyareactiveandenjoysportssuchashikingandswimming.Roostersdon'tgetsickveryoften
becausetheytendtofightillnesswell.Evenwhentheydobecomeill,theyfeelbetterquickly.
Roostersarealittlesensitive,andtheyfeelstressedandmoodyattimes.
LuckyColors:gold,brown,yellowLuckyNumbers:5,7,and8
LuckyFlowers:gladiola,cockscomb
If you are a Rooster, be aware of behaving like a “cock of the walk” (an old English idiom
defined as a man who acts as if he is more fashionable or important than other people .) Confidence is
good,butalittlehumilitydoesn’thurt.Youwanttokeepgoodfriends!
OldDogsDon’tNeedtoLearnNewTricks
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Whenattemptingsomethingnewoftenwesay,“Well,youcan’tteacholddogsnewtricks.”
Dowereallyneedtolearnhowtousethelatestgadget,becomeproficientin“DarkSoulsIII”
videogame,singalongwithAxlRose?Sometimesthenewisawasteoftime.Andhereisproof:
“Apuppyandanolddoglivedtogether.Oneday,havingheardthatadog’shappinessisonits
tail,thepuppykeptrunningincircleschasingitstailtofindhappiness.
“Theolddoglaughedandsaid,‘Ifindhappinessbywalkingforward,withoutanyregretsabout
the past, without any fears about the present, and without any worries about the future. As
longasItakeastepforward,thehappinessonmytailfollowsme’.”
Now,that’sawiseolddog!Whatcreatedsuchwisdom?Readon……..
Where is happiness? Suspicion distances us from happiness. Doubt deafens us to the calls of
happiness.Jealouslyconfusesustowhathappinesstrulyis.Delusioncausesustopushawaythe
welcoming arms of happiness. Why keep praying to the divine for happiness or begging the
Buddhaforawaytofindhappiness?Happinesshasalwaysbeeninourhearts.
Ahha!Igetit!Happinessisinthismomentwithoutregretsorfears.Happinessisexperienced
whenweliveinthe“now.”Happinessdwellsinside.Wejustneedtoletitcometothesurface,
unfetteredbynegativeemotions–regrets,worriesoranger.
Happinessforushumanscanbelearnedfromourolddogs.Whentheygreetusexcitedlyat
thedoor,theydon’tharboragrudgethatweweregonefartoolong,orthinkabout
tomorrowwhenweleavefortheofficeyetagain.Theyappreciatethe
moment.Theirhearts,minds,and,yes,tails,arefilledwithjoy.....Gottago
now,Ihearabark.It’sthemomentforacookie!
(StorycomplimentsofTheStairwayofLifeastoldbyVenerableMasterHsingYunin365Days,abookofstories,
poemsandessaysfoundoneverytableintheWaterdropTeahouse.
BLIA*OrlandoLotus
(English-Speaking)Sub-Chapter
Members of the Guang Ming Temple community whose
primaryormostcomfortablelanguageisEnglishwelcomeyou
to join us as we follow
the Buddha’s teachings
andenjoyoneanother’sfriendship,supportandlovingkindness. We have Dharma study meetings, lead the
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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Sunday morning and Thursday evening discussion groups, take our turn on “kitchen duty”
andparticipateintempleactivitiesandcommunityevents.
Ournextthreepotluckdinnersanddiscussionwillbe
Thursday,January5andFebruary2andMarch2–6:00-8:30PM
atGuangMingTemple.
DiscussionwillbeledbyRosalbaandMaria,focusingon“RaceandEthnicity,”
andhowtheVenerableMastersuggestsweapproachproblemsinour
community.
Whencontributingtothepotluckdinner,pleaseremember:Vegetarianonly,
noonionsandnogarlic!
Liketosing?Joinourchorus!TheBLIAchorusperformsattemple
functionsandvisitscommunityfunctionsandnursinghomes,bringing
enjoymenttoresidents.CometoJanuaryrehearsals,the10th
and24th!7:00PM
totheGuangMingFamily!
These are the regular events at Guang Ming Temple. Special visits by Buddhist teachers, lectures,
workshopsandothereventsarehappeningallofthetime.CheckourwebsiteorFacebook,ordropby
thetempletoseewhat’snew.
Meditation–MeditationClassinEnglish,forbeginnersandthosewithexperience,isheldinthe
mainShrineeveryWednesday.SeeannouncementinthisDigest.Independentmeditationis
availableanytimeinthetempleisopenaswellasSundaymorningbeforetheChantingCeremony
(timesvary);ThursdayeveningbeforetheEnglishBuddhismclassat7p.m.
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BuddhismClassesinEnglishandSpanish–Times:IntroductiontoBuddhism,Thursdayeveningat
7:30 p.m.; Buddhism Tours and Discussion Groups, Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. (1 ½ hr. class);
Buddhism 101 in Spanish, Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. will resume in February or March,
dependingupontheinstructor’savailability.Comeat7:00forpeacefulMeditation.
ChantingCeremoniesinChinese–EachSunday.SeetheexplanationsintheDigest.
English Dharma Chanting Service – Last Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. unless there is a
specialservicethatbeginsat10:00.
Children’sSundaySchool–Childrenages6andupenjoyartsandcraftsandlessons,supervisedby
YADmembers;onthe2ndfloor.Times:SundaymorningduringtheChantingCeremony.
Learning Chinese– Currentsemesterinprogress.Checkbulletinboardfornextsemesterdates.
Sundays,1:30–3:30p.m.
MeditationandTeaasOneExhibitionandTeaCeremony –LastSunday,2:00p.m.,onthe3rd
floor.Byappointmentonly.Pleasecalltoregister. Yoga-Bring your own mat for this practice of exercise and meditation. Times: Tuesday,
Wednesday & Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. Fees are
determinedbyInstructor.
Sunday Lunch – Healthy vegetarian meals are served in the Dining Hall after the Chanting
CeremonyandBuddhismDiscussionGroup.Donationsaregratefullyaccepted.BYOB:Pleasebring
yourownbowl!
GuidedTours– Sundaysat10:30AM.Alsoprovidedforindividualsandgroupsofanysize.Please
callofficetoschedule.
The Venerables at Guang Ming Temple are also available to you and your loved ones for
spiritual guidance and counseling and to help you plan special commemorations. Call the
officeforanappointment.407-281-8482.
SpecialDatesthisQuarter-
MarkYourCalendar!Seeinsidefortheparticulars!
January1and8–Ven.ChuehfanteachestheTripleGemandFivePrecepts
GuangMingDigestWinter2017–Issue27
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January4–WeeklyMeditationClassbegins
January15–ChoreDay
January17–VenerableHueiKailecture
January22nd–LightCompletionDharmaServiceandLanternFestival
January27–NewYear’sEveevents
January28–FirstofYearIncenseOffering
January29th–ChineseNewYearDharmaService
February26th–EnglishChantingService
March19th-GuanYinBirthday
March26th–EnglishChantingService
Happy New Year!
InternationalBuddhistProgressSociety
GuangMingTemple
6555HoffnerAvenue,OrlandoFL32822
Tel:(407)281-8482
Email:[email protected]
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