Download BLIAQ Newsletter - Chung Tian Temple

Edition 101
April 2015
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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2015 Buddha Birth Day Festival at South Bank Parkland
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25 April 2015
Buddha Birth Day
Festival
Volunteers Briefing
1~ 3 May 2015
Buddha Birth Day
Festival
at South Bank Parklands
9 May 2015
Mother’s Day Celebration
Dharma Service
9 May 2015
2015 Buddha Birth Day
Festival Volunteers
Fellowship Gathering
6 June 2015
Eight Precepts Retreat
4 ~ 7 July 2015
ANZBYC 2015
 The 19 annual celebration of the Buddha Birth Day
Festival is soon returning to the Parklands in South Bank.
In the Year of the Goat, this three-day Iconic Event of
Queensland and Signature Event of Brisbane celebrates
Australia’s harmonious diversity, providing visitors with a
wonderfully rich and memorable cultural experience.
Returning also is the glorious fragrance of rows and rows
of fresh carnations and chrysanthemums while the
delightful harmonies of chanting echo in the background.
During the night you can see the warmth of hundreds of
candles glowing in the dark and throughout the Parklands
the red lanterns are shining brightly. A visit to the Festival
has the effect of leaving your mind relaxed and tranquil
and at peace with the world.
Spread throughout the greater South Bank precinct, the
Festival runs as an accredited Climate Friendly Event.
200,000 visitors, 1,000 volunteers, 250 performers and
180 events are helping make this family friendly Festival
Queensland’s biggest birthday celebration and the largest
annual commemoration of Buddha’s birthday in the world.
One of the major Festival events returning to The CourierMail Piazza and the picturesque Lumbini Gardens is
Bathing Buddha, where participants symbolically wash
away the inner impurities of life.
The famous Buddhist style Vegetarian Food Fair and
Nightly Noodle Markets offers a wide range of delectable
tastes from the four corners of the Asian continent and is
open each evening till 9:00pm. Enhancing the culinary
experience with a number of Vegelicious Celebrity Cooking
Displays is Celebrity Chef Tony Ching.
With over 20,000 participants from 55 countries leaving a
handprint for the Greater Humanity, No Boundaries is
returning allowing Festival visitors in a sign of harmonious
cultural diversity to place their mark in history.
Capturing the spirit of Asia, the Dragon Boat Regatta is a
featured event held on the Brisbane River while on the last
evening of the Festival a larger and more spectacular
Fireworks Display will light up the Brisbane skyline.
A range of cultural arts and activities are on offer including
Chinese Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, Face Painting,
Origami and the famous Ju Percussion workshops. New to
the Festival is a range of children’s storytelling activities.
The Little Prince is joining our 3 Good Deeds Festival
Mascots and will be traveling throughout the Parklands
sharing their message of “Thinking Good Thoughts,
Speaking Good Words and Taking Good Actions”.
If seeking more than getting close up to traditional Chinese
Lion Dancing, visitors can partake in a little reflective time
with some Meditation or participate in one of the many
informative discussions on Buddhism.
On Sunday morning a Cultural Harmony Parade will be
held in the Parklands as a symbolic gesture to
communities throughout the world that we can unite to
bring harmony to this world.
Entrance to the Buddha Birth Day Festival is free and is
open to the whole family. Dates: Friday May 01 - Sunday
May 03.
 Ralph Smith
Buddha Birth Day Festival
Come along and enjoy the largest
Buddha Birth Day Festival in the world,
being held at South Bank Parklands
from 1-3 May.
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Now in its 19 year, this free three-day
event is an enticing mix of vegetarian
food, market stalls, cultural displays
and performances.
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment
and death of Buddha, the founder of
Buddhism who lived from 563Bc TO
483bc, the festival has been visited by
more than two million people.
There will be cooking demonstrations,
a Dragon Boat regatta, arts and craft
demonstrations, and a fireworks
spectacular to close the festival. A
range of free talks and meditation
classes will also be held on Saturday 2
May and Sunday 3 May at the
Queensland Conservatorium.
One of the new initiative projects for
this year festival is free storytelling for
children at Q-Con Lawn (Lawn in
between The Courier-Mail Plazza and
QLD Conservatorium. Children will
have fun learning to the great stories.
Chinese Tea Ceremony will be
conducted from 10am to 8pm over the
three days festival
For a full program of events, visit
www.buddhabirthdayfestival.com.au
and Buddha Birth Day Festival
Facebook.
Page 1
Millions of Devotees achieving ‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’
upheld by Venerable Master Hsing Yung
 “Thanks everyone for infusing a lot of nutrients to my life. You should practice the
‘Three Acts of Goodness’ and establish a world of truth, virtue and goodness,” said
Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founding Master of Foguangshan on 20th of March in the
‘Devotees Pilgrim Meeting’, expressing his gratitude and expectation. He shared his
spiritual path of his renunciation and Dharma propagation, and his life philosophy on
‘Giving’.
In 77 years as a monk in Dharma propagation, there was nothing he could not ‘give’
In the Main Hall of Tathagata Building of Foguangshan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun had
heartfelt exchanges with devotees from Hong Kong, Kinmen, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan,
Kaohsiung and overseas, explaining the origin of ‘Devotees Pilgrim Meeting’. It started 77
years ago on this day (Lunar 1st of February) which was the day of his renunciation. At
that time, he did not even have clothes to wear. His ‘half brother’ (a Dharma brother
borrowing their Master’s name but following another one to renounce) gave him two sets
of clothes. A few days later, the clothes were worn out but he still wore them for two
years, using paper and paste to mend the holes.
Until the death of old Master De Jie, Hsing Yun’s Master picked a few of Master De Jie’s
clothes for him. At that time, he thought, “As I am wearing the old Master’s clothes, I
should learn the virtue of his life.” Since then, he developed a character of not possessing
anything and was able to ‘give’ everything to others. He remembered that at age 20 when
he was going to leave Jiao Shan Buddhist College with Master Zhi Kai to go back to Dajue
Temple in Yixing, the Foguang ancestral temple, he gave all his belongings to students
without regret. At that time, the Secretary for Education in Yixing invited the Venerable
Master to be the principal of a primary school. As this was a rare opportunity to promote
Buddhism and to serve the community, he took over the job earnestly with the attitude of
‘learning from work’.
The Venerable Master also shared interesting things about his childhood. When he was
10 years old, his mother specially made a new dress for him. As there were a lot of
mosquitoes in summer, she thoughtlessly placed the burning mosquito coil beside the bed
with half of it on top of the new dress. The result was that the hard-won new dress was
burnt. Since then, he no longer attached to the idea of new clothes or old clothes.
Millions of Devotees achieving ‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’ upheld by
Venerable Master Hsing Yun
“Foguangshan is not my own but the achievements of thousands of devotees.” When
talking about the heritage of Foguangshan, the Venerable Master emphasized on the
importance of system.
Thus he established the ‘Foguangshan Religious Affairs
Committee’, and 32 years ago, he stepped down from the position of the Chief Abbot of
Foguangshan which was taken over by Venerable Hsing Ping. At present, Venerable
Hsing Bao is the Abbot of the ninth term. Foguangshan devotees not only build temples,
but are more committed to cultural, educational and charitable work to benefit the
community.
“Where is Foguangshan’s account? Where is the money?” The Venerable Master said
humorously that the accounts were recorded on the walls with the engraving of supporters’
names -- the wall of Foguanshan Tathagata Building, the ‘Thousand Temples and Million
People’ Monument Wall in Buddha Memorial Centre and the ‘Million People supporting
Education’ Monument Wall in Foguang University. With respect to education and charity, currently five universities and three primary
schools have been founded in the world. Every day, 50 Yunshui Book Buses (mobile libraries) synchronously bound for remote
countryside to provide reading environment for children. There are also Yunshui Clinics (mobile clinics) going to the countryside to
provide free consultation. Foguangshan insists on ‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’.
Building Buddhist holy sites, emphasizing on environmental protection, and public-spirited
The Venerable Master said gratefully that devotees were remarkable because they only hoped for the thriving of Buddhism without
expecting fame and benefit. All the way, Foguangshan started from scratch but has made many contributions to society. 50 years
ago, the Venerable Master founded Foguangshan Monastery. In establishing the Buddhist holy site, he stressed on environmental
protection and water conservation. At present, Buddha Memorial Centre not only offers free parking and free entry, but also
mobilizes thousands of staff and volunteers to provide services for tourists. The Master, nearly 90 years old, is walking with his
devotees on the Bodhisattva path. The Venerable Master compassionately and firmly said, “For Buddhism, I have never thought of
going to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. For Buddhism, I am willing even I have to go to hell.” The audience was much moved,
giving him enthusiastic applause.
Since ancient times, many Buddhist masters claimed themselves as ‘poor monk’. The Venerable Master, who originally did not like
the claim, recently thought that he was also a ‘poor monk’ because he owned nothing. Due to the chaos in society, he used the
funds raised from the charity sale of his ‘one-stroke calligraphy’ to set up public funds, and conduct news dissemination on truth,
virtue and goodness, the World Chinese Literature and the Three Goodness Campus, and have awards for outstanding teachers. In
future, the national treasure award and youth entrepreneur fund will be set up to foster community leaders and help young people to
realize their dreams. The Master exhorted those present, saying “Do not leave property to children and grand-children but donate
them for charity because leaving merits to them is much better than leaving money.”
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 2
BLIA in Philippines Cared for Victims of Manila Slum Fire
 On 9th of March, Venerable Yung Ning Temple Supervisor of Foguangshan
Philippines leading a disaster relief team formed by nearly a hundred BLIA
members and accompanied by Venerable You Hong and President of BLIA
Philippines Li Xiong-Cai, Vice President Wu Dao-Yue, Zhan Man-Ling and Chen
Tian-Huang went to Delpan Tondo Sports Complex where fire victims were
resettled, to deliver buckets, water, rice noddles, cups, plates, T-shirts, blankets
and other household items to 2,500 families, benefiting about twelve thousand
people.
In the evening of 2nd and 3rd of March, two fires broke out and swept across the
slums in Tondo Parola, Manila, burning down 5050 houses of more than 10,000
households and about 500,000 people were left homeless. Manila government has
evacuated some of the victims to the basketball court in Delpan Tondo Sports
Complex and Coast Guard Playground. Since there were too many victims, a lot of
them had to temporarily stay on the two sides of the main road in urgent need of
assistance. When Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Honorary President of BLIA World
Headquarters was informed about this, he immediately called to show his concern
about the disaster and instructed BLIA Philippines to quickly mobilize relief and
assistance. At night time on 4th of March, Venerable Jue Lin Supervisor of Fo
Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and Wu Dao-Yue Acting Vice President of BLIA
Philippines convened an emergency meeting for relief actions and quickly set up a
disaster relief centre to launch fundraising activity and purchase commodity at the
same time.
When the relief team arrived at the scene, Venerable Yung Ning showed her
concern for the victims. She personally delivered the household items to their
hands, hoping to bring them warmth and care. The Venerable and BLIA members
led the victims to recite ‘Amitofo’ (Amitabha Buddha) for his blessing and explained
the meaning of reciting Amitofo. The victims followed the chanting happily with
joined palms. Venerable Yung Ning told the victims a story about ‘the four old men’
who represented wealth, success, peace and harmony, and asked them which was
the most needed. The victims invariably answered “harmony”. “When there is
harmony, the rest of the three will come naturally,” the Venerable encouraged the
trapped victims to live together in peace and harmony, and to practice Venerable
Master Hsing Yun’s three acts of goodness by ‘doing good deeds, saying good
words and having good thoughts’ which would make life better.
In Barangay, BLIA Diamond Group and police worked together to maintain order
and BLIA members were assiduously chanting ‘Amitofo’ on the stage. The victims
were lining up orderly, receiving relief goods from the hands of BLIA members and
expressed their gratitude by saying ‘Amitofo’. The scene was vast and the
atmosphere was heartwarming. Venerable Yung Ning personally gave the relief
goods to two elderly people who could not line up because of limited mobility. They
were very much moved. Philippines television Channel VII, ABS CBN and Central
News Agency correspondents came to conduct live interviews, and many victims in
interview could not help to shed tears. Currently, the victims are living in poor
conditions. A whole family squeeze themselves in a small space covered with thick
cardboard or some live in scaffolding on the road side in hot weather and polluted
air. One cannot help to have sympathy on them after seeing the chaotic condition
and the dilemma they have to face.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Queensland Member Mick de Brenni MP visited Chung Tian Temple
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 On 31 of March at 9.00 a.m., Queensland Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni
MP came to Chung Tian Temple to call on Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in order to
understand Chung Tian Temple in its propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. Abbess
Venerable Chueh Shan and Ralph Smith BLIAQ Director cum Marketing Manager
talked with him in the VIP Room.
Mick de Brenni was born in Springwood and he has a long-term interaction and
Relationship with the local community. In the conversation, he mentioned about the
direction of future development of Springwood and sought for advice on how to
enhance community interaction and services. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan
suggested the recognition of community volunteers and initiation of diverse community activities, and she was willing to provide
Chung Tian Temple’s Art Gallery to be the community’s art exhibition venue and the Conference Room for community
meetings. Mick de Brenni MP has just been elected as the State Member during Chinese New Year, and missed the chance of
participating in the Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Cultural Open Day activities. This day, he specially came to visit the
Temple to show his respect to the Temple and the neighboring communities.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and Ralph Smith led Mick de Brenni MP to visit the Art Gallery to see artist Zhang Yue’s Art
Exhibition of ‘Cloud Viewing’ and Water Drop Teahouse. Mick de Brenni also invited Venerable Chueh Shan and Ralph to enjoy
afternoon tea in his office sometime to discuss any future cooperation. He also welcomed Chung Tian Temple’s devotees to visit
the government office building in groups and have BBQ together. Finally, they posed for pictures and said that they would see
each other again.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 3
Australia TV Channel 7 filming at Water Drop Teahouse of Chung Tian Temple
 Recently, Australian TV Channel 7 Great South East strongly promotes the
community and cultural life of the South Eastern part of Queensland, and Chung
Tian Temple has become one of the important tourist attractions in this area. On
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31 of March at 9.30 p.m., Channel 7 Great South East’s film crew TPD Media with
Broadcast Director Carol Home, Great South East chef Alastair McLeod and
photographer Alan accompanied by Helen and Paul Massingham, Tourism
Marketing Officers of Logan City Council came to Chung Tian Temple. Carol Home,
Abbess Chueh Shan and BLIAQ Marketing Director Ralph Smith discussed the
process and course in shooting the activities of Chung Tian Temple.
The film crew started its shooting from the Temple Gate to the Heavenly Pagoda
and Zen Garden. In the Water Drop Teahouse, BLIA Director David Yang explained
the art of Tea Ceremony in English and Chung Tian School Vice Principal Xu XiuMei demonstrated Tea Ceremony, showing the tea-set, its layout and tea brewing
method. Tea is good to body health, refreshes the mind and can be raised to the
state of Ch’an through mindfulness and concentration.
Great South East chef Alastair McLeod tasted the mountain tea. He smelt the
fragrance of the tea leaves and sensed as if he were standing on a mountain,
feeling free and at ease in body and mind. He also praised the solemn and quiet
environment of Chung Tian Temple, providing a peaceful atmosphere to
visitors. He said that next time he would bring friends to come.
At 11.15 a.m., Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in the Meditation Hall gave guidance
to meditation, teaching the basic skill in sitting meditation. Carol Home, Paul and
Hu Mu-Ying took part in the video recording. Then, Kwang Hooi Khor Logan Branch
President cum chef of Qantas Airlines explained to chef Alastair MeLeod about the
ingredients used for the main meal teppanyaki and braised noodles. On spot, he
cooked teppanyaki and braised noodles for the advertisement of meals in the Water
Drop Teahouse. The scene of people enjoying lunch in the Water Drop Teahouse
was also filmed. The film crew stayed there to have lunch, appreciating the elegant
environment of the Water Drop Teahouse and the excellent cooking of the
vegetarian meals.
Carol said that the shooting of different attractions as originally planned was carried
out smoothly on the day. In the shooting process, she appreciated that the Buddhist
Temple was not only beautiful in the environment with religious sentiment, but also a
popular place to seek for spiritual reliance.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Chung Tian Choir Participate in ‘Praise the Buddha Grand Concert’ in Buddha Memorial Hall

Chung Tian Temple Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Chung Tian Choir
Honorary Leader Christine Liu and Choir Leader Lin Shu-Chu led Chung Tian Choir
to Foguangshan to participate in the ‘Praise the Buddha Grand Concert’ held in
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Buddha Memorial Centre on 6 of April. The former Chief Abbot of Foguangshan
Most Venerable Hsing Pei was invited to give a talk to the choirs from Australian in
the East Ch’an Building. Most Venerable Hsing Pei used Buddhist songs such as
‘Pray’ to share with them, encouraging them to use singing to meet friends, praise
the Buddha, generate happiness and enhance the goodness of the human world.
BLIA Director cum BLIAQ Elder Advisor Collin Liu led the Cubs Choir of China
Youth Corps to join the event. He invited the choirs from Queensland and Sydney
to a banquet on the second floor of Buddha Memorial Centre and presented
souvenirs to them, making them feeling as if they were at home.
Choir member Tang Chong-Ling thanked Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan for
leading Chung Tian Choir to participate in the ‘Praise the Buddha Grand Concert’ in
Foguangshan and to visit Foguangshan Branch Temples. She felt much blessed
and happy because they were well taken care of all the way.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 4
Italian Television Interviewed Venerable Master Hsing Yun for
a deeper understanding of Buddhist Culture
 To shoot a series of world religious documentaries, a team from Italy Sydonia
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Production TV Company went to Foguangshan in Taiwan on 16 of March to have
an interview with Venerable Master Hsing Yun in order to get a deeper
understanding of Buddhist culture. The team asked the Venerable Master a number
of questions.
1. What was the reason for the Venerable Master’s renunciation?
Venerable Master: Everyone wants to have a life of prospect and to pursuit
happiness. When I was a child, I felt that the elders in my family with religious faith
were pleasant, open and helpful to others. I thought that my personality was also
suitable to the work of serving people, and since I had affinity with Buddhism, I
chose to renounce.
2. Why are there so many religions in the world but still many wars? What is the problem?
Venerable Master: If there is no religion in the world, it could be even worse. This world is half and half – half is virtuous and half
is evil; half is good and half is bad; half is men and half is women. In this world with half and half, it is impossible that everyone is
like a saint. Thus, only by striving to serve the world can the good people be able to influence or reform the bad and evil half.
3. What is the present biggest challenge in Buddhism?
Venerable Master: In the present world, the biggest challenge is human desires, especially young people, unlike the past, no
longer want to pursue the way of sages and religious liberation, but rather they are tempted by money which makes them fall into
depravity with selfishness, egoism and attachment, unable to find the real direction in life. Thus, for people who want to have
happiness, it is much better to have religious faith of any kind than without.
4. For you, what is ‘love’?
Venerable Master: Buddhism talks about ‘kindness and compassion’. Kindness and compassion are love. ‘Kindness’ is to give
people happiness and ‘compassion’ is to eradicate people’s suffering, helping them in times of peril. Real happiness is ‘kindness
and compassion’. Love is dedication, selflessness and without the desire to possess. ‘Love’ is the capacity to endure suffering for
others and is able to share joy with people of the world. This is the significance of faith.
5. Many religions talk about the end of the world. Does Buddhism also have such saying or future savior?
Venerable Master: The world has formation, abiding, degeneration and extinction. When there is formation, there is destruction,
like the rebuilding of an old house. When clothes are worn out, another one can be made; in the four seasons when winter passes
away, spring comes; human has birth, ageing, sickness and death, and when we die, we shall be reborn. Buddhism talks about
things running in a cyclic form and not in a straight line. We don’t know when will be the end of the world, but we can say that
every day, we may have danger. Not everyone is able to be safe from danger because it depends on one’s bliss and karma. So if
everybody learns to cultivate bliss and make good affinity, then the end of the world has nothing to do with them.
6. How to achieve world peace?
Venerable Master: Achieving world peace has to follow a sequence. It is impossible to have sudden global peace. We should first
reflect on ourselves: 1. the mind should be at peace with calmness, joy and universal love; 2. family should be in harmony because
if family is not harmonious, how can we have world peace? 3. there should be mutual respect and tolerance among people before
we have a harmonious society. When all segments in society are friendly, then world peace can be achieved.
In a more profound sense, firstly is ‘selflessness’. Selflessness is contentment, free from egoism. Selflessness is the sharing of
joy and happiness. ‘Without self’ means universal self when there is equality, fairness and justice, resulting in world peace.
Secondly is ‘compassion’ -- when there is compassion, there will be no enemy and all are the ones you like. Wouldn’t there be
peace?
 From Life News Agency
 Translated by Elaine Pun
Venerable Man Chien, Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas Domestic Supervisory Council
and Chief Abbess of Goguanshan Europe visited Chung Tian Temple
 On 6th of March 2015, Venerable Man Chien Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas
Domestic Supervisory Council and Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Europe and
Venerable Man Ko Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Australia New Zealand came to
visit Chung Tian Temple. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, BLIAQ Elder Advisor
Even Chang, Lu Shu-Yuan and Jenniwaty Luhur went to the airport to pick them up.
In Chung Tian Temple, Venerables and devotees lined up to give them a warm
welcome.
Venerable Man Chien had an intimate exchange with devotees in the Main Hall. She
Praised Chung Tian Temple’s warm and peaceful atmosphere, and that everyone
was blessed to live in Australia as it was the last piece of pure land on earth. Prior
to this, she toured around America and was deeply touched by the enthusiasm of
Venerables there in Dharma propagation. This time, the trip in Australia started from
Nan Tien Temple in attending the Opening Ceremony of Nan Tien Institute. After this, she would tour around Australia and New
Zealand for nearly a month. She met a lot of senior followers such as Elder Advisors Christine Liu and Even Chang, Elder Advisor
Committee member Lu Shu-Yuan and BLIAQ President Kim Wu, and saw how they assisted the Temple in propagating Humanistic
Buddhism, gaining the recognition of the local government on Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ. She also shared her experience of
building temples and Dharma propagation in Europe, and explained the difference between Blessing Ceremony for Buddha’s Light
children and Blessing Ceremony for babies.
She encouraged everyone to practice diligently, commit to serve others and conduct more study groups for Humanistic Buddhism.
BLIAQ and Chung Tian Temple are like the two wings of a bird since Humanistic Buddhism can only be promoted by the
cooperation of Venerables and lay Buddhists.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 5
Discourse given by Ven. Man Chien in Lantern Festival Light Offering Dharma Service
 On 7th of March at 10.30 a.m., the Lantern Festival Light Offering Dharma Service
cum general transference of merits was held in the Main Shrine in Chung Tian Temple.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables led 200 devotees performed the
light offering with reverence, chanting ‘Chapter of Universal Gate’ and the gatha of
Kuan Yin (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva), reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer
for light offering, and transferring merits. “Great compassionate Buddha! As for Nanda
the poor woman offering a light, thanks to your prediction that she would attain
Buddhahood, named the Light Tathagata. The immortal light in Hieizan has been
burning brightly over the years. Today I offer this light, not for the sake of myself but to
wish everyone a bright and splendid future and attaining Buddhahood one day. I pray
to the Buddha once again to ask for your blessing. May this lamp of mine be turned
into endless lights, shining each other and igniting the hope of tomorrow for all
mankind.”
Venerable Man Chien, Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas Domestic Supervisory
Council was invited to present a scented sachet to each participant, representing the
transmission of light. She used the topic of ‘lighting a lamp of Bodhi mind’ in her
discourse. “Light is bright; light is hope and light is the goal. By lighting a lamp in the
New Year, what do you want to increase? ‘Addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division’ can be used to set a goal for a person, family, organization, society and the
future. This is a good way to enable one to continue to improve and progress.” She
used the following to illustrate: 1. Increase in optimism, positivity, morality, wisdom,
awareness and ability to reflect on oneself; 2. Reduce weaknesses and undesirable
habits; 3. Use compliment to induce your partner to increase his/her strength many
times; 4. Share such as sharing of honour and happiness, allowing others to eliminate
your worries. Venerable Man Chien encouraged them to perfect their lives by using the
methods of ‘addition, subtraction, multiplication and division’. She hoped that in the
New Year, BLIA members can develop Bodhi mind, continue to refuel the lamp of the
heart, cultivate all goodness to accumulate bliss and practice the Six Paramitas in daily
lives.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Talk on ‘Humanistic Buddhism based on Lotus Sutra’ by Venerable Man Chien
 Venerable Man Chien, Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas Domestic Supervisory
Council conducted a lecture tour in Australia and New Zealand. On 8th of March at
1.30 p.m., she delivered a talk on ‘Humanistic Buddhism based on Lotus Sutra’ in the
Conference Room of Chung Tian Temple, a talk about this ‘King of all Sutras’ as
described by the Buddha. About 150 people attended including Abbess Venerable
Chueh Shan, BLIA Director David Yang and his wife, Elder Advisors Even Chang, Andy
Hsueh and Jenniwaty Luhur, BLIAQ members and youth members. Venerable Man
Chien is currently the Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas Domestic Supervisory
Council and the Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Europe. She was a member of
Foguangshan’s Religious Affairs Committee and the Dean of Foguangshan Tsung Lin
University. She has travelled round the world and is proficient in Buddhism with special
emphasis on education and culture. In recent years, she wrote for special columns in
major local and overseas newspapers, and has published books such as
‘Contemplation in Tsung Lin’, ‘Sea of Clouds in View’, ‘Pleasure Reading of Lotus
Sutra’ and ‘Agile Thinking and Fitness Ch’an’.
Venerable Man Chien explained the meaning of ‘Wonderful Dharma’, referring to the
subtle, ultimate, consummate and right Dharma, the supreme teaching of the Buddha,
and the inconceivable and unique truth attained by the Buddha himself. ‘Wonderful
Dharma’ is about the Buddha’s views and thought, and ‘lotus’ represents the purity and
perfection of the Sutra. If sentient beings can free themselves from afflictions, this is
analogous to the inconceivable Dharma as if a lotus flower is uncontaminated even
arising from the mud. Venerable Man Chien talked about: 1. ‘Lotus Sutra’ is a Sutra
that aims at the attainment of Buddhahood; 2. the educational philosophy in ‘Lotus
Sutra’ such as the three assemblies in two locations, equality teaching, expedience and
convenience, Bodhisattva master etc.; 3. the characteristics of ideology in ‘Lotus Sutra’
such as the King of all Sutras, attaining Buddhahood from faith, attaining Buddhahood
in the distant past, education with kindness and compassion, the genuine One-Vehicle,
benefits of upholding etc. .
Venerable Man Chien used simple terms to explain the profound meaning of the
wonderful Dharma which could be expressed in ten inconceivable aspects. Why is it
wonderful? ‘Wonderful’ is something that is subtle and cannot be expressed in words.
She led people to have ‘pleasure reading’ of ‘Lotus Sutra’, using examples and stories
to inspire the audience, and through integration with daily life and cultivation to help
people to develop Buddha nature and prajna wisdom. Her excellent speech gained
thunderous applause from the audience who were grateful to her and cherished such
good cause and condition. They wished her to visit Chung Tian Temple again to
propagate the Dharma and help them to develop wisdom.
 Chung Tian Temple Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 6
Training Speakers to propagate Humanistic Buddhism by Venerable Man Chien
In Chung Tian Temple at 2 p.m. on 8th of March, BLIAQ held a training session for
members interested to propagate Humanistic Buddhism in order to promote
Humanistic Buddhism and to foster a new force for Dharma propagation. The
session was conducted by Venerable Man Chien, Chairman of Foguangshan
Overseas Domestic Supervisory Council and Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Europe.
46 committee members participated including BLIAQ President Kim Wu and Elder
Advisors Christine Liu, Even Chang, Andy Hsueh and Jenniwaty Luhur. Venerable
Man Chien spoke about the significance of Humanistic Buddhism as advocated by
Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and hoped to have more BLIA members around the world to propagate Humanistic Buddhism. She
made use of the Venerable Master’s articles on ‘Challenge oneself’, ‘Importance of making good affinity’ and ‘Live to bring out hope’
for guided reading, and summarized them to a full set of lecturing ways, teaching them how to use the ‘Three-stage lecturing
method’. By mastering and developing the three aspects of ‘what the article is about’, ‘relationship between self and the article’ and
‘inspiration and insight given by the article’, she emphasized that through its organizational structure, speakers should be able to
make good use of the time. Speakers should convince themselves about the selected material before they can give a clear
explanation and sincerely impress others by using self-experience. Only in this way that the audience will listen whole-heartedly,
and naturally be able to understand and accept Humanistic Buddhism.
Dharma teacher Christine Liu following the ‘Three-stage lecturing method’ demonstrated in her talk about ‘Challenge oneself’,
sharing with others how she discovered her hidden attachment and obstacles, and hoped to continuously challenge her own
desires, craving and delusion through upholding the concept of Humanistic Buddhism. President Kim Wu said that to be more
diligent in Buddhist cultivation, one should challenge one’s indolence. Elder Advisor Jenniwaty Luhur talked about the importance
of making good affinities with the general public through practicing the ‘Four offerings' of 'Offering others faith, offering others
happiness, offering others hope and offering others convenience’ and the ‘Acts of Three Goodness’ advocated by the Venerable
Master. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan thanked Venerable Man Chien for training members to propagate Humanistic Buddhism.
With this start, she urged them to train themselves through daily cultivation and attainment, and be able to walk out to spread the
seeds of Humanistic Buddhism in future, allowing the Dharma like water to flow on five continents.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Oneness in Tea Ch’an’ Training Session
 On 10th of March, a training session of ‘Oneness in Tea Ch’an’ was held,
conducted by Venerable Man Chien, Chairman of Foguangshan Overseas
Domestic Supervisory Council and Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Europe, in the
Sutra Copying Room of Chung Tian Temple. The training was given in two
sessions, starting from 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.. 42 people participated including
Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Australia New Zealand Venerable Man Ko, Abbess
Venerable Chueh Shan, other Venerables, BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder
Advisors Christine Liu and Andy Hsueh, Chung Tian School Vice Principal Xu XiuMei, BLIAQ Branch committee members and volunteers in Water Drop Teahouse.
Venerable Man Chien talked about the meaning of ‘Oneness in Tea Ch’an’ and
invited the Tea Ch’an practitioners to offer flowers, using the koan of the ‘Buddha
holding a flower responded by Kassapa with a smile’ to explain the origin of Ch’an
which was a mind-to-mind seal. After leading people to calm down the mind by
meditation, she taught them the method of warming tea pot, brewing tea, serving
tea and savoring tea. She mentioned how to understand the meaning of tea and
that of Ch’an, explaining that the real meaning of Tea Ch’an emphasized on Ch’an
but using ‘tea’ to highlight the state of Ch’an. Tea Ch’an just means that tea is
Ch’an. Savoring tea is like meditation. Tea and Ch’an are the essence of life and
they do not require spoken words. Tasting of tea is a common thing in life. When
the mind is different, the taste will be different. When the mind is calm and
peaceful in tasting tea, the tongue and body will feel the taste of Ch’an which
conforms to the truth. Thus, Ch’an is in our lives and exists everywhere.
Everyone was engaged in the ‘dynamic Ch’an’ of brewing tea and savoring tea,
experiencing the beauty of the state of Ch’an while Venerable Man Ko and
Venerable Man Chien were talking about the one-stroke calligraphy of ‘Pure mind’
and ‘Contemplation of ease and freedom’, showing that Venerable Master Hsing
Yun’s one stroke calligraphy not only displayed the meaning of the words, but
embraced the mind of kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. By saying some
good words to others and doing a few good things to promote harmony, the
moment of encounter under concurrence of causes and conditions will not be
wasted.
Throughout the process, Venerable Man Chien introduced ‘the
unexpected four good things’, carrying the meaning of ‘living in the present
moment’. They covered the good conditions in situation (nice time, beautiful
scenery, enjoyable and delightful mind), tea things (water, fire, utensil and tea),
manners (body, feeling, mind and dharma) and thought (calmness, serenity,
tranquillity and emptiness). Under these four good conditions and accompanied by
agreeable hosts and guests, it would be the most enjoyable thing on earth!
“Today thanks to the excellent causes and conditions that we can get together with
good people to achieve today’s Tea Ch’an. In Buddhist Ch’an, there is a saying
‘one encounter for a while’; we may only meet once in a life time and thus, we
should cherish the affinity with each other. This is a feast involving eyes, ears,
Nose, tongue, body and mind. The ‘oneness in Tea Ch’an’ has perfectly integrated
culture with Buddhism.” After savoring tea,
they appreciated the tea leaves which were
grown in pairs.
As explained, in the
sprouting of plants, generally two leaves
would grow together simultaneously which
symbolizes the two sides of the mind.
Buddhist Ch’an stated that Buddha’s mind is
of one, but for us, there is differentiation of
good and bad in things around us and what
we feel depends on the way we see things.
Finally, Venerable Man Chien invited the tea
practitioners and participants to share their
experience on the day’s ‘Oneness in Tea
Ch’an’. Xu Xiu-Mei said that though she had
been drinking tea and making tea for many
years, she only concentrated on the
technical and artistic aspects. Until this day,
she was able to learn the ‘way’ and Ch’an in
tea and appreciate the state of ‘oneness in
Tea Ch’an’, feeling comfort and ease
physically and mentally, and experiencing
the conception that ‘everyday is a good day’.
 Chung Tian Admin
 Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 7
Talk on ‘Faith and Life’ by Venerable Yi Lai, President of Charity Yuan of FoGuangShan
 Venerable Yi Lai, President of Charity Yuan of Foguangshan Headquarter
conducted a lecture tour in Australia. On 14th of March at 10 a.m., she delivered a
Buddhist talk on ‘Faith and Life’ in the Conference Room of Chung Tian Temple.
The venue was packed with over 200 people including Abbess Venerable Chueh
Shan, other Venerables, BLIA Director David Yang and his wife, BLIAQ President
Kim Wu, Elder Advisors Christine Liu, Even Chang, Andy Hsueh and Jenniwaty
Luhur, Elder Advisor Committee member Lu Shu-Yuan, and BLIAQ Directors,
Supervisors, members and youth members, sharing the benefit of the talk.
Venerable Yi Lai entered into the theme of the talk by starting with human needs in
normal material life to spiritual life and elevating to religious life. She guided the
audience into faith and combined with the basic principles of Buddhism on Noble
Eightfold Path, Karmic force and Twelve Links to see the cycles of life.
From the unreal aggregation of the Four Major Elements and Five Skandhas, life
can be divided into four stages: 1. Parents in love to give birth to us and nurture the
life of our physical body; 2. Together with the community, to achieve lives due to
concurrence of causes and conditions; 3. Concern about society and community, to
expand and sublimate the meaning of life, and 4. With concerted efforts, to achieve
Foguangshan’s undertaking of benefiting the world’s community, and sustainably
manage life with common beliefs. By introducing a series of Buddhist stories
including Buddha’s growth and enlightenment, by quoting from Sutras especially
‘Diamond Sutra’ – ‘Free from the notion of the self, people, sentient beings, or life
span’-- and by referring to the contributions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in
Humanistic Buddhism, she explained that faith could make life more beautiful. For
people with faith, their heart is enriched and the world they see is harmonious.
Faith helps to purify body and mind, enhance morality, sublime human character
and serves as an indicator of life. With faith, it helps to develop infinite treasures of
the mind such as compassion and wisdom. When these are developed, they are
like endless energy sources or endless streams of water, contributing to the
expansion and sublimation of lives and resulting in endless happiness and wellbeing. Venerable Yi Lai guided people to choose the right faith using five
conditions: 1) faith in real existence, 2) faith with morality and virtue, 3) faith with
power and strength, 4) faith with upholding precepts to attain purity, and 5) faith of
ultimate and perfect wisdom. She encouraged everyone to implement the ‘Three
Acts of Goodness’, ‘Four Offerings’ and ‘Five Harmonies’ in daily life. By serving
others, we can establish religious sentiment to enhance faith, and increase our
belief and confidence.
Through using many examples in life and combining her own cultivation
experience, Venerable Yi Lai enabled the audience to feel the power of faith and
appreciate more that the faith on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic
Buddhism would bring them peace and happiness. Finally, Venerable Yi Lai led
them to sing the ‘Song of Ten Practices’, the lyrics of which was composed by the
Venerable Master, using the ten practices to increase their strength and
mindfulness on faith. Everybody was filled with Dharma joy and benefited a lot.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
2015 YAD Camp ‘Awaken the Bodhi Seed within you’
 On the third of April this year the Queensland subdivision of the Buddhist Light
International Association, Young Adult Division (YAD) held its annual youth camp
at the Gold Coast. The theme for this year's camp is 'Awaken the Bodhi Seed
Within You'. The camp was designed to awaken the Bodhi seeds within the
participants and enable them to face the challenges in their life journey with
wisdom and confidence. The three day camp included an exciting program of
team building exercises, dharma classes, Buddhist etiquette classes and
workshops to prepare YAD members for upcoming events such as Buddha
Birthday Festival and Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference.
The camp started at the temple with opening ceremony held at the conference room
where Abbess Chueh Shan of the Chung Tian temple and Vice President of BLIAQ
Arthur Liu gave a speech to the youths. The three day camp was filled with fun,
laughter, learning and reflections. All the YAD members bonded during these three
days and had a lot of fun practicing hand signs for the song called 'Buddha in our
Hearts'.
At the closing ceremony, YAD showed a video and photos for the three days to the
participants and VIPs. Venerable Miao Xin, BLIAQ president Kim Wu and BLIA
director David Yang each gave humorous, encouraging and inspiring speech to the
participants. The camp ended successfully all thanks to the YAD organising
committee, participants and most importantly Abbess Chueh Shan, Venerable Miao
Xin, the Venerables of Chung Tian Temple , BLIA advisers, presidents, vice
presidents, Chung Tian Temple and BLIA for providing the venue and for their
continual support.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 8
Hope & Future of Chung Tian Temple in Propagating Human Buddhism in Australia
 On 14th of March at 1.30 p.m., a seminar on the ‘Hope and Future of Chung Tian
Temple in Propagating Humanistic Buddhism in Australia’ was conducted in the
Conference Room of Chung Tian Temple. More than 30 BLIAQ committee members
participated including BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisors Christine Liu, Even
Chang, Andy Hsueh and Jenniwaty Luhur, BLIA Director David Yang, Directors,
Supervisors, Branch Presidents, Loving Care Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong and
Branch Committees. Venerable Yi Lai President of Charity Yuan of Foguangshan
and Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan attended as advisors.
Venerable Yi Lai talked about the background of eatablishing Chung Tian Temple. In
November 1989, when Venerable Master Hsing Yun flew to Sydney to examine the
preparatory work of the construction of Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong, devotees of
Foguangshan in Brisbane invited the Venerable Master to his house to preach and
urged the Master to build a branch temple in Brisbane. Due to the enthusiasm and
the need of Chinese people learning Buddhism in Brisbane, the Master promised
their request and instructed Venerable Tzu Chuang to find a land for the temple. A
land which was originally used for church purpose was bought to build a Buddhist
temple and since then, Buddha’s light was able to shine through Queensland, the
‘Sunshine State’.
Elder Advisor Christine Liu shared the course of development of Chung Tian Temple,
from the pioneering stage of Chung Tian School using the garage, sitting room and
dining room of the Vihara as classrooms, to the establishment of Chung Tian Temple
in 1993. Since then, the number of students increased a lot, and the temple’s Dining
Hall was even used as classroom until the construction of new classrooms for Chung
Tian School. She said that she was happy as everyone got along like a family in joy
and harmony, and grew up in the teaching of the Dharma.
Elder Advisor Even Chang said that in the Opening of Chung Tian Temple, he helped
to direct traffic and later became the President of West Branch. When Collin Liu was
the President of BLIAQ, Even Chang and David Yang served as Vice Presidents for
as long as nine years. From Tan Choe-Lam, he took over the post of BLIAQ
President. He said that he would stick to ‘One Master One Way’ to follow the
teaching. “I will do whatever the Venerables ask me to do without much of my own
opinion,” he said.
Devotee Charles Wang remarked that under the shelter of the Venerable Master’s
bliss, they all had the opportunity to learn Buddhism.
Director David Yang said that since 1992 when he first came to Vihara, he had
served as BLIAQ Vice President, Director, Chung Tian School Committee and other
roles, contributing the essence of life to Foguangshan and upholding ‘One Master
One Way’. He was thankful to the affinity with the Venerable Master and the
guidance from Venerable Yi Lai. He is currently the Director of BLIA and happy to be
the Venerable Master’s follower.
Elder Advisor Jenniwaty Luhur spoke about how she came to know BLIAQ and learn
Buddhism, “In 1997 when Chung Tian Temple conducted the ‘Taking Refuge and
Five Precepts Ceremony’, Venerable Yi Lai gave me an application form and in this
way, I entered Chung Tian Temple. Later, I had the opportunity to be the Loving
Care Group Leader. Due to various causes and conditions, I began to realize that
learning Buddhism was not merely paying homage and joining services, but rather to
increase the understanding of Dharma and cultivate wisdom. Afterwards, I became
the Vice President of BLIAQ and later on, the President. In Chung Tian Temple, my
life has been enriched.” She hoped that everyone could continue to work hard for
Humanistic Buddhism.
Advisor Lu Shu-Yuan said that the rich were difficult to learn Buddhism, but all the
way she was working hard. “Wherever you are, as long as you are able to
acknowledge yourself and contribute to society, people would think that you are
valuable,” she said.
Venerable Yi Lai prospected that the future and hope of Chung Tian Temple would
be a combination of the Sangha, BLIAQ, Chung Tian School, Loving Care Group and
YAD (Young Adult Divisions) in which Humanistic Buddhism would flourish and
prosper. At present, Chung Tian school has a main campus and two other
campuses, one in the city and one in Gold Coast. From the development of each
member, one can see the growth and future of Chung Tian Temple. In order to
integrate into society, the temple must be able to have interaction with the public
community. She thanked BLIAQ members for acting in concert with the idea of going
out to hold Buddha Birthday Festival, promoting the integration of diverse cultures.
People differ in their background in learning Buddhism and it is hoped that everybody
can affirm oneself. We need to rely on causes and conditions to create opportunities,
and by grasping them, we would have a better future full of hope.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 9
The 4th Meeting of Ninth Board of Directors and Elder Advisors Committee
 On 14th of March at 3.30 p.m., BLIAQ held the 4th Meeting of the Ninth Board of
Directors and Elder Advisors Committee in the Conference Room of Chung Tian
Temple, conducted by BLIAQ President Kim Wu. 40 members attended including
Elder Advisors Christine Liu, Even Chang, Andy Hsueh and Jenniwaty Luhur, BLIA
Director David Yang, Vice Presidents Stephen Chang and Arthur Liu, Elder Advisor
Committee members Lu Shu-Yuan and Peter Cheung, Directors Melody Chen and
Bright Chen, and Youth Directors Shirley Hsueh, James Chien, David Chiu, Andy
Chen and Claudia Hii. Through video, Venerable Man Ko, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of BLIA Oceania and Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan attended as Advisors.
Motions discussed in the meeting:
1. Reports by the working teams in fundraising, fun fair, layout design, publicity,
program planning and administration about the progress of preparation for 2015
Buddha Birthday Festival Celebration on 1st - 3rd of May held in South Bank
Parklands;
2. BLIAQ and Branch Committee Seminar on 21st of March (Saturday) at 1.30
p.m., inviting Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Australia New
Zealand to be the Advisor;
3. Promotion of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s works of ‘366 Days with Wisdom’
and ‘Book Series on Foguangshan Humanistic Buddhism’ by book donation
activity, and the proposal of Director Andy Chen to contact government libraries and Griffith University library for the purpose;
4. Sponsoring Nan Tien Institute Education Foundation to nurture talents in Dharma propagation and to provide financial aid to
college youths who devote themselves to Buddhist academic research studies;
5. Planning and organizing the training of speakers to propagate Humanistic Buddhism;
6.
Implementing training courses for future cadres to enable the prosperous development of the Association and the forever
propagation of the Dharma, and
7. 2015 Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference on 4th to 7th of July, to be assisted by BLIA Director David Yang, Elder
Advisor Committee member Peter Cheung, and BLIAQ Directors Andy Chen, James Yang and Claudia Hii.
Temporary motion: BLIAQ President Kim Wu proposed the establishment of a project preparation team for the clubhouse in the
second phase construction of Chung Tian Temple. Director David Yang mentioned that in early says, Asian immigrants were treated
as ‘second class citizens’. To propagate Humanistic Buddhism, they had to walk out to have exchanges with local governments and
communities. They would assist in the facility planning of the clubhouse to cater for the present shortage of space for activities and
in the Dining Hall so as to increase the depth and diverse functions of Dharma propagation in the Temple. Elder Advisor Christine
Liu, Advisor Lu Shu-Yuan and Directors unanimously voted.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in her discourse said that when attending the Opening Ceremony of Nan Tien Institute in Sydney,
she saw the 90-year-old Venerable Master, despite of hardship, came all the way to Australia to officiate in the Opening of Nan Tien
Institute with Australian Prime Minister. His vow and strength impressed a lot of people. As for the Nan Tien Institute Foundation,
we should give it full support and help its promotion. In future, Nan Tien Institute can have its campus in Brisbane. Professors can
be invited to Brisbane to teach students. In the promotion of education, at the same time the temple’s facilities must keep pace in
order to provide better service. Life is a one-way ticket. She hoped that we could do our best for the next generation in terms of
making more effort in Dharma propagation. She suggested that in the next meeting, training speakers to propagate Humanistic
Buddhism could be started by arranging a person each time to give a talk so as to increase their confidence of speaking.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
BLIAQ Executive Training Seminar – sharing Venerable Master’s life philosophy of
‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’
 On 21st of March at 1.30 p.m., BLIAQ held an Executive Training Seminar in
the Conference Room, conducted by BLIAQ President Kim Wu. 45 people
participated including Elder Advisors Even Chang and Andy Hsueh, BLIA Director
David Yang, Directors, Supervisors and Branch Presidents. Abbess Venerable
Chueh Shan attended as advisor. President Kim Wu welcomed them to the
Executive Training Seminar. Using the ancient saying of “A workman must
sharpen his tools if he wishes to do a good job”, he said that Executives must first
understand Foguangshan’s objectives and ideology before they could lead
members to promote the affairs of the Association.
First, an interviewing program on Venerable Master Hsing Yun -- ‘Sharing the moment though far apart: Memory of the Taiwan
Strait’ by CCTV Chinese International Channel was broadcasted. This was the first time that the Venerable Master went to CCTV
studio for program recording. During the interview, the Venerable Master talked about his story of leaving Mainland China to
Taiwan, the concept of Humanistic Buddhism, promotion of cross-strait exchanges, dissemination of Chinese culture in the world
as well as his wisdom and enlightenment about life.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan shared the Venerable Master’s talk on 20th of March in the ‘Devotees Pilgrim Meeting’ about
‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’, relating his spiritual path of his renunciation and Dharma propagation, and his life
philosophy on ‘Giving’: 1) In 77 years as a monk in Dharma propagation, there was nothing the Master could not ‘give’. 2)
Millions of devotees achieved Foguangshan, insisting on ‘Never do things not complying with Buddhism’. The Master said,
“Foguangshan is not my own but the achievements of millions of devotees” and “Foguangshan’s accounts were recorded on the
monument walls”. 3) Building Buddhist holy sites, emphasizing on environmental consciousness and public-spirited -- 50 years
ago, when the Venerable Master founded Foguangshan Monastery, not only establishing the Buddhist holy site, he also stressed
on environmental protection and water conservation. 4) The Master encouraged devotees to leave merits to children and
Page 10
grandchildren as this was much better than leaving money. As for the training of speakers to propagate Humanistic Buddhism,
Dharma teachers David Yang and Andy Hsueh proposed group studies for sharing the Master’s ‘366 Days with Wisdom’.
The workshop was in the form of group discussions and participants were divided into four groups: Branch Presidents and Vice
Presidents: A President should understand the structure of BLIAQ and recognize the duty and the role he plays. He should care
more about members in order to attract more new members. Secretary and Administration group: Discussion on the role of
Secretary and social media. In a Branch meeting, the Secretary is required to take minutes, and maintain effective records for
future actions to facilitate the transfer of work. Learning and the use of mass multimedia should be enhanced. Branches were
recommended to conduct training on the use of FaceBook and other social media. Joining the LINE team using Branch as a unit
and making use of modern information to facilitate the team’s interaction were encouraged. Financial group: 1) Information on
Branch GST should be submitted to the Association before 15th of April; 2) minimizing the accounts of each Branch; 3) triplex
receipt is required for donation, an additional 10% of GST, and 4) use new receipt book only when the old one has run out.
Activities, logistics and others: Promote training of members to propagate Humanistic Buddhism and group studies, and stress
on ‘Oneness in Tea Ch’an’. 1) In group study, we should pay attention, and afterwards in practice, contemplate on the application
of what we have learnt, and 2) promote Tea Ch’an activity to beautify life, leading to the purification of the mind.
Final consolidated reports and discussion: each group made a report on issues such as: how to use group study to learn more
about the Master’s writings and exchange ideas in Buddhism study with other members; training of speakers for Humanistic
Buddhism and in future, they can propagate during home visits; Buddha Birthday Festival advertisement fund raised from
commercial sector requires the addition of GST whereas general non-commercial sponsorship does not need to collect GST, and
the completed fund raising does not need GST retrospectively; promotion of Tea Ch’an is a tool to integrate Dharma and life
together, making it easier to attract people to Buddhism.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
BLIAQ Orientation to Welcome New Members
th
 On 28 of March at 1.30 p.m., BLIAQ held an Orientation Function in the
Conference Room to welcome new members, conducted by BLIAQ President Kim
Wu. 45 people attended including BLIA Director David Yang, BLIAQ Elder
Advisors Even Chang and Andy Hsueh, Branch Presidents and new members,
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan as the Advisor. President Wu on behalf of BLIAQ
welcomed the new members and briefly introduced BLIA and BLIAQ, its
background of establishment, organizational structure, objectives, creed and
history. He also introduced the emblem of BLIA, the meaning of the lotus mudra
and Foguang Gatha, and the significance of the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’, ‘Four
Offerings’ and ‘Five Harmonies’ in Humanistic Buddhism.
Then a video about BLIAQ 2014 activities was shown. Abbess Venerable Chueh
Shan was invited to explain the background of Chung Tian Temple which was
situated in a forest reserve area, originally meant for the building a Christian
church. She briefly introduced the history of the Temple’s Dharma propagation
which followed Foguangshan’s Four Main Objectives of ‘Propagating the Dharma
through cultural activities, fostering talent through education, benefiting society
through charitable programs, and purifying human mind through Buddhist
practices’, and disseminated the seeds of Buddhism throughout Queensland in
Australia. The Temple also participated in multi-faith prayer activities organized by
the Queensland State and Brisbane local government, Police and universities so
as to promote the exchange of diverse religions and to propagate Humanistic
Buddhism. The monastics of Chung Tian Temple and lay Buddhists of BLIAQ
unite and cooperate together to promote Humanistic Buddhism.
BLIA Director David Yang talked about ‘Humanistic Buddhism and me’, sharing
the cause and experience in learning Buddhism, wishing that BLIAQ could bring
new members a happy family and life, and helped them to learn patience and
tolerance, take the initiative to assist others, never forget the initial vow, forgive
and forget, and go accord with conditions based on the unchanged principles of
the Dharma. Elder Advisor Even Chang spoke about ‘BLIAQ and me’. He said
that BLIA made him realize the power of the organization as wherever he went,
there were BLIA members who were like a big warm family. Elder Advisor Andy
Hsueh shared the 2011 Queensland flood when his house was affected, and he
thanked BLIAQ members for helping him to recover his home. He said that BLIAQ
had changed his life and enabled him to know the right direction in life. Following
this, each Branch President introduced their new members. A new member of
South I Branch Shao Wei shared the cause of his joining BLIAQ. He said that he
respected Venerable Master Hsing Yun very much and practiced the ‘Three Acts
of Goodness’. After learning Buddhism, his family became more harmonious and
the children believed in cause and effect. He was grateful that he had the chance
to learn Buddhism and thanked people around him to be his good advisors. Hilary
Lennon of Chung Tian Branch first came to the Temple when she brought her
grand-child Wa Wei to attend English Children Buddhist Class, but she also joined the adult English Buddhist Class and made a
lot of good friends. Cheng Bai-Yan of Gold Coast Branch experienced the benefits of learning Buddhism and doing good acts,
and the joy and significance of giving to make good affinities. She thanked the encouragement from her family and friends and
she would often come to the Temple. Liu Hua of South I Branch was proud to be a BLIAQ member and he changed a lot after
learning Buddhism as Buddhism gave him the strength of faith and confidence because “where there is Dharma, there is a way”.
Chung Tian Choir Leader Lin Shu-Chu remarked that it was after joining BLIAQ that she knew the faith and philosophy of
Buddhism, and the direction in life. 60% of new members in each Branch are new immigrants from Mainland China.
After the meeting, everyone enjoyed rich refreshments and interacted with each other. They felt the warmth and care of BLIAQ as
if they were coming home which made them unforgettable.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 11
Celebration of the 100th Issue of BLIAQ English Newsletter
th
 The editorial team of BLIAQ English Newsletter held a celebration for the 100
issue of BLIAQ English Newsletter in the Conference Room. 20 people participated
including the Newsletter Editor Meng Yoke Hong, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan,
BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisor Andy Hsueh and Chung Tian Branch
President Brian Kemp.
Editor Meng thanked everybody’s concern over the BLIAQ English Newsletter for
more than ten years, the eagerness of providing her with Chinese news release for
activities and the help of Elaine Pun in translating the news. She mentioned that she
had been the editor for BLIAQ English Newsletter for over 13 years, and she had
learnt so much from it, from not knowing to knowing, from less to more and from
shallow to deep. She thanked everyone for giving her the chance to learn and to grow with BLIAQ English Newsletter.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan cited Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s saying about ‘BLIA Newsletter’ that it could enhance members’
social relationship by exchanging ideas through writing, provide members with information to broaden their knowledge, promote the
awareness and cohesiveness of members to BLIA, and increase the faith of members and readers in cultivation by often publishing
their experience in cultivation and feelings in life. The editing work is quite tedious. Originally, BLIAQ English Newsletter had only
two pages but has presently developed to 16 pages, from black and white text to text with many colour photos. The content is rich
with reports of activities, Dharma words and essays from the Venerable Master and important news from Foguangshan. It can be
seen that Meng has been making a lot of efforts, and for more than ten years, she was able to distribute the Newsletters on time
and send them by email to the majority of readers. The Newsletter has attracted many Australians to come to the Temple to learn
Buddhism and to join in BLIAQ, thus forming an important bridge in promoting localization of Humanistic Buddhism.
President Wu used Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words to encourage everyone: 1) spiritual needs are more important
than material desires; 2) apart from reading, there should also be practice; 3) maintain right actions in the midst of changes and
impermanence, and 4) apart from earthly happiness, there is a greater need for Dharma joy.
Chung Tian Branch President Brian Kemp said that BLIAQ English Newsletter helped the implementation of localization as many
members remarked that through the Newsletters, they could understand more about activities held in Chung Tian Temple, and even
at home they could read stories and essays about Buddhism. The BLIAQ English Newsletter is the medium for the communication
of Eastern and Western cultures. Participants in the meeting expressed their recognition on the Newsletter, and thanked all the
contributors, sponsors and readers to enable the continuous promotion and heritage of the BLIAQ English Newsletter.
1.
2.
Objectives and Significance of BLIA English Newsletter
Enhancing members’ social relationship ; Providing members with information ; Promoting members’ awareness ; Increasing
members’ cultivation & Bridging the gap between the East and West.
Richness and Practicality in Content of BLIA Newsletter
The Venerable Master said, “I hope that ‘BLIA Newsletter’ can be like a correspondence school, providing grounds for
members to cultivate. It can have a systematic presentation of Buddhist terminology, Buddhist concept, Sutras, Buddhist
figures etc. so that through the publication, people can enhance their accomplishment in Buddhism. In short, receiving ‘BLIA
Newsletter’ with substantial content is like facing some good teachers and beneficial friends, filled with Dharma joy.”
The Venerable Master advised that BLIA Newsletter could enhance social relationship of members by exchanging ideas
through writing, provide members with information to broaden their knowledge, promote the awareness and cohesiveness of
BLIA members, and increase the faith of members and readers in cultivation by publishing their experience in practice
and feelings in life.
3.
Practicality and Modernity of BLIA Newsletter
BLIA Newsletter is mainly used to allow members to understand what BLIA is doing, e.g. BLIA Headquarters’ policy and ways
to promote general affairs, activities of Association and Branches, and development status of Buddhism in different places. In
a busy commercial and industrial society, the information allows every member to know the latest development of BLIA and
major news in the educational sector.
The Venerable Master said, “Text dissemination has a general and broad coverage, and text exerts a deep and long term
influence. Thus, for decades, I have been working diligently to use writing for Dharma propagation.”
4.
Image Design and Establishment of BLIAQ Newsletter
Cultivating a reading atmosphere; Purifying the human mind; Enhancing thoughts; Defining the future; Using reading to
supplement inadequacy in life.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Purification and Blessings for ‘Queensland Dragon Boat Federation State Championships’
by Chung Tian Temple
 Queensland Dragon Boat Federation held its annual Queensland Dragon Boat
Federation State Championships on 15th of March in Lake Kawana of Sunshine
Coast. More than 300 paddlers coming from Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast and
Logan of Queensland took part. General Manager Richard Lim invited the
Venerables of Chung Tian Temple to perform the Purification and Dragon Boat EyeDotting Ceremony and blessings for the paddlers.
Venerable Jue Tang and Venerable Miao Neng, a total of six people from the Temple
led the teams of paddlers to sing the ‘Holy Water Praise’. The team leaders on
behalf offered incense before the Buddha, and amidst the chanting of the ‘Great
Compassion Mantra’, the Venerables performed the purification for twelve dragon
boats, using a cinnabar pen to do the eye-dotting for the boats and prayed for the
blessings of team members, wishing for the smoothness and success of the event.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 12
True Wisdom
 He takes no delight in being shown respect. If he is slighted, he shows no anger. His wisdom is like an ocean. These are the
hallmarks of the truly wise. - from the Sutra on the Principles of the Six Paramitas
Taking no delight in being shown respect - Buddhists often say that there are three basic worldly attachments that each one of
us must overcome to be truly successful in our practice. The first is the attachment to fame, the second is the attachment to wealth,
and the third is the attachment to respect. For most people, the labor of overcoming their attachments to fame and wealth is much
easier than the labor of overcoming their attachment to respect.
Our desire to be respected is a basic animal instinct. In recognizing this, we must also recognize that this desire lies very deep within us and that it is fundamentally animalistic. The Mahaprajnaparamita Shastra describes the Buddha as follows: No matter how
much evil and calumny were heaped upon him, the Buddha remained without evil thoughts himself. No matter how much praise
and respect he was given, the Buddha remained unmoved by pleasure or delight. He looked on everything with a magnificent
compassion and saw friendship and enmity as one.
The desire to be respected is born, in part, from healthy social urges that are the motivating forces behind our learning, our friendships, our professions, and even our desire to study the Dharma. Buddhism is a religion that is learned progressively and many of
the truths it elucidates can only be understood by comprehending that truth itself comes in levels. There is no one blanket rule that
covers everything. Life is too complex for that. Our need to be respected should be understood as a need that has several different
levels.
If we had no need for respect, we might not ever learn to speak, and certainly would never learn basic manners. This is the first
level of our desire to be respected, and it produces mostly good results. The second level of our need to be respected begins to
show when we start competing with others; first we want to be as good as them, but soon we want to be better. This level is a
mixture of good and bad. The desire to compete can have good effects if it is well controlled and disastrous effects if it is not.
The third level of respect is the beginning of wisdom. At this level we begin to understand what respect is and where our desires for
it have come from. Having seen this we see as well that these desires are fundamentally empty. We progress at this level first by
contemplating the past and then by contemplating the timeless joy of the Buddha within.
In contemplating the past we learn by considering times in our own lives when we have craved respect or done something evil to
obtain it. Would we do the same thing now? If not, then we have gained a place from which to observe our present desire for
respect. If we can see the emptiness of the past, we should be able to see the emptiness of the present as well. Once we are able
to see the emptiness of our present desire for respect, then nothing can obstruct our power to contemplate the perfection of the
Buddha within. One glimpse of this perfection will clear away all remaining defilements.
Having no anger if you are insulted - The Maha-prajna-paramita Sastra says: Ordinary people become angry if they are intruded
upon and they become happy if they are given some benefit. If they are in a frightening place, they become scared. If you want to
be a bodhisattva, you must not be like that. Even though you have not broken all of the fetters which hold you to this -world, still you
must learn to control yourself by practicing patience under insult, not becoming angry when harmed or bothered, not becoming
delighted when shown respect, and not becoming frightened by the sufferings and trials of this world.
As we progress in Buddhism, the ideal behavior of the bodhisattva becomes clearer in our minds. We may still feel the strains and
hardships of this world, but with our knowledge of the ideal, we learn to create some distance between those strains and ourselves.
We learn to compare ourselves to something higher than what we have always been and we learn to change for the better. Even
one step on this path will bring immense rewards, and anyone who takes two or three steps will never turn back again.
When the means lead to higher awareness, we learn that the means and the goal are one. The Diamond Sutra says: Good men
and good women who persevere in chanting and reading this sutra: realize that if you can bear insults in this life without becoming
angry or upset, then any bad karma you may have remaining from past incarnations will be eradicated and you will soon attain
anuttara samyak sambodhi [the highest enlightenment].
No one in this world can possibly avoid being insulted. The conditions of our time and place are often turbulent, violent, and humiliating. Rather than permit these basic conditions to weaken our resolve to improve ourselves, we should use them as opportunities
to strengthen our practice of Buddhism. The Buddha never asked us to flee this world; he taught us to understand it and deal with
it. If you are insulted, understand the conditions which produced the insult and deal with them compassionately. This is the way to
grow.
Wisdom as vast as the sea - The Mahaparinirvana Sutra says: When you think everything is someone else's fault, you will suffer
a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy. Pride leads to violence and
evil. The truly good gaze upon everything with love and understanding.
It takes great wisdom to understand that the entire world springs from the mind.
The Saddharma Smriti Upasthana Sutra says, "Wisdom is the sweetest dew, the most peaceful refuge, the best friend and the
greatest treasure." Wisdom allows us to continue our learning through all manner of hardship. It takes faith to become a Buddhist,
but it takes wisdom to become a Buddha.
The Avatamsaka Sutra says, "Take refuge in the Dharma, vow to save all sentient beings, study the sutras deeply and you will
attain wisdom as vast as the ocean."
Wisdom is achieved through study of the Dharma and contemplation on the inherent purity of the Buddha who lies within you. All
monks and all others progress through studying the Dharma. Whether sitting or walking, they read and chant this sutra. Even if
they are in a forest seated under a tree and concentrating in deep meditation, those who uphold this sutra will sense a fragrance in
the air and know that the Tathagata is near. - from the Lotus Sutra.
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Page 13
When Adversity Comes
 When adversity comes, it may be a cause of
benefit.When worldly friendships grow cold, spiritual
friendships open up. Why should one compete with
others in the world of dreams? Let the body and mind
go, and then one will see the world of truth.
This verse deals with two issues. First, when we have the
willpower but lack physical ability, how should we face
setbacks? When there is adversity, how do we deal with
it? Adversity, actually, can be seen as a beneficial
condition. The dangerous cliffs and mountains are a
heaven for mountain climbers. The ever-changing sky is a
paradise for aviators. When there is adversity we learn to
be cautious, thinking of ways to overcome it. Adversity
gives us the opportunity to transform a difficult into a
beneficial environment.
Second, in human relations we generally wish that others
would treat us warmly. When we are faced with coldness
we may feel bad and get upset. Actually this should come
as no surprise to us. Worldly relations are fickle and
change suddenly as our situations change. While relations
based on spiritual practice and the Dharma endure.
In the Instruction Pertaining to the Royal Samadhi of
Contemplating the Buddha, it teaches us the following:
1.
Do not wish not to get sick. – If there is no sickness it
is easy to become greedy.
2.
In handling affairs, do not wish for lack of difficulties.
– If there are no difficulties it is easy to become
proud.
3.
In understanding and exploring the mind, do not wish
for a lack of obstacles. – If there are no obstacles,
whatever we learn will be of little value.
4.
In cultivation, do not wish for a lack of hindrances. –
Without hindrances, our vows cannot be firm.
5.
In work, do not wish to succeed easily. – If things
come too easily we will not develop perseverance.
6.
In making friends, do not use the friendship for your
own benefit. – It is unethical to take advantage of a
friendship for personal gain.
7.
In dealing with others, do not expect them to yield to
you all the time. – When others continually yield to
your wishes, your arrogance will grow.
8.
When being charitable, do not expect it to be
returned. – If we expect to be paid back we have an
ulterior motive and are no longer practicing altruism.
9.
Do not expect to share in others’ profits. – If we
expect to share in others’ profits, our craving will be
stirred.
10.
Do not seek vindication when you are wronged. – If
you seek vindication, your hatred and anger will grow.
On the surface, these ten points seem to represent
adversity, but actually they give us beneficial opportunities.
In facing adverse conditions we are able to improve
ourselves. These ten points refute normal ways of seeing
human relations and bring us closer to living in accord with
the Dharma. This is why the poem says, “Why should
one compete with others in the world of dreams?” We
have to let go of our body and mind, let go of our
attachments and delusions and only then will we see a
clear world, only then will we see the universe.
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Page 14
Volunteers wanted from 1 – 3 May 2015
 Volunteers are the backbone of the Buddha Birth Day Festival
and can you offer a few hours of your time to make this year’s
event a big success one? We would love you to help out and be
part of the team. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your
community. It provides a variety of benefits, including making new
friends, sharing skills, gain experience, getting job-ready and
becoming a part of the local community.
Friday 1 May 2015 3.00pm; 4.00pm; 5.00pm
Saturday 2 May 2015 11.00am; 1.00pm; 2.00pm; 3.00pm; 4.00pm; 5.00pm; 6.00pm
Sunday 3 May 2015 11.00am; 1.00pm; 2.00pm; 3.00pm; 4.00pm; 5.00pm; 6.00pm
Venue: Q-Con Lawn, South Bank Parklands
(Lawn at the entrance of QLD Conservatorium)
Organisers
FGS Chung Tian Temple & Buddha’s Light International Association of QLD
We thank you in advance for any support that you may provide for
this year festival. Your time and presence will be greatly
appreciated.
Please see below table for the areas of volunteering. The colour
highlighted is 3 different types of shift.
Pink:
1 ~ 3 May 2015 (Shift 1: 9.00am – 1.00pm)
(Shift 2: 1.00pm – 5.00pm) (Shift 3: 5.00pm – 9.00pm)
Yellow: 2 May 2015 (Shift 1:
(Shift 2:
3 May 2015 (Shift 1:
(Shift 2:
11.30am – 2.00pm)
2.00pm – 5.00pm)
10.00am – 1.30pm)
1.30pm – 5.00pm)
Light Blue: 1 ~ 3 May 2015 (Shift 1: 9.00am – 12.00pm)
(Shift 2: 12.00pm – 3.00pm)
(Shift 3: 3.00pm – 6.00pm) (Shift 4: 6.00pm – 9.00pm)
If you are able to volunteer please provide us with your name,
contact number, email address, area of interest, date & shift
that you preferred by email to [email protected]
Area of interest
Coordinator
Duties
Information
Booth
Ven. Miao Neng
Lyna Chen
Buddhist Talks &
Meditation Area
Meng
Piazza Buddha’s
Bathing
Ven. Chueh Tang
Jane Cheung
Lumbini Garden
Ven. Miao Lai
Brian Kemp
Three Good
Deeds Booth
Ven. Chueh Tang
Lanterns Wall &
Kuan Yin Booth
Ven. Miao Xin
Food Stalls
Evan Chang
Providing visitors with information of
the range of activities during the
festival and the locations.
Helping out with the registration for
the attendees and guiding the
attendees to the allocated classrooms.
Showing visitors how to bath the little
Buddha and placing offerings to the
altar
Guiding visitors how to bath the little
Buddha. Providing some explanation
to the visitors re the displayed posters
of the story of the Buddha.
Providing a small piece of paper to
those interested in making a wish.
Providing incense/candle to those
wish to make an offering and other
offerings to the Bodhisattvas.
Providing candle to visitors wish to
make an offering to the Kuan Yin
Bodhisattva.
Assisting in selling and preparation of
food
Page 15
2015 Term 2 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple
Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Level 1
Every Sunday
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
9:00am - 10:00am (Meditation)
10:10am - 11:00am (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term - Booking is required
Cost:
Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Level 4(Free for BLIAQ members)
Every Sunday
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
10:00am -11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm(Buddhist talk)
$20 per term – booking is required
Cost:
Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level: Level 2
Day: Every Sunday
Date: 17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
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
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
10:00am - 11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term-Booking is required
Day:
Every Sunday
Date: 17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Chung Tian Temple
Cost: Free
Every Sunday
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
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:
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
Date:
Cost:
$20 per term
Cost:
17 May 2015 to 28 June 2015
$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.
Mindful Wisdom, Heartful Joy
The foremost enemy in life is oneself. The foremost disease in life is selfishness. The foremost sadness in life is ignorance. The
foremost error in life is delusion. The foremost failure in life is arrogance. The foremost defilement in lie is desire. The foremost
ignorance in life is to complain. The foremost worry in life is birth and death. The foremost error in life is infringement. The foremost
problem in life in understanding right and wrong. The foremost virtue in life is compassion. The foremost courage in life is to admit
mistake. The foremost reward in life is contentment. The foremost energy in life is religious faith. The foremost possession in life is
gratitude. The foremost cultivation in life is magnanimity.
The foremost asset in life is dignity. The foremost happiness in life is spiritual joy. The foremost hope in life is peace. The foremost
devotion in life is to benefit beings. Be a good friend who is generous and helpful. Be a happy person who is pleasant and joyful.
Be a Buddha’s Light member who is harmonious and truthful. Be a sincere practitioner who is pure and pious.
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Date
Day
Time
Program
19 April 15
Sunday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
25 April 15
Saturday
1.30pm
Buddha Birth Day Festival – Volunteers Briefing
9.00am ~ 9.00pm
Buddha Birth Day Festival at South Bank Parklands
10.30am
Mother’s Day Celebration Dharma Service
12.00noon
2015 Buddha Birth Day Festival Volunteers Fellowship Gathering
1.30pm
Forum on Mother’s Day
1 ~ 3 May 15
9 May 15
Saturday
st
st
18 May 15
Monday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
25 May 15
Monday
11.00am
Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Service (In Mandarin)
1 June 15
Monday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (15 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
6 June 15
Saturday
8.30am ~ 5.00pm
Eight Precepts Retreat
16 June 15
Tuesday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
30 June 15
Thursday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (15 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
th
st
th
ANZBYC 2015
4 ~ 7 July 15
st
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
Every Sunday
9.00am ~ 9.40am
English Buddhist Chanting
Every Saturday
10.30am ~ 12.00noon
Buddhist Service (in Mandarin)
16 July 15
Thursday
Page 16