English
On August 28th, BLIA’s 2022 Global Buddhism Exam attracted more than 50,000 people worldwide with close to 1,700 from North America. The exams were conducted in multiple languages, including Chinese, English and French. Registrants ranged from 4 to 90 years old, a sign of the passing down of the legacy of Humanistic Buddhism.
In Toronto, 201 BLIA of Toronto members participated in the exam. Among the registrants were 20 group registrations and 8 from individual English-speaking members. In addition, 11 children took part in the North American Children’s Buddhism Exam.
Winnie Kwong, the board director of the BLIA Toronto, said, "A few years ago, I read Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book titled Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha, which is rich in content, and is a precious book. This year, because of the global Buddhism exam, the review deepened my understanding of the Buddha, his enlightenment and the truth he realized and explored the life of the Buddha again. Thanks to the BLIA (Buddha's Light International Association) for holding this event, and keeping pace with the times and synchronizing with the electronic age, so that exam takers from all over the world can participate in this event online. It truly fulfills the legend of "The Dharma water flowing across the five continents”.
Libo Luo, a member who signed up for both Chinese and English exams, said that "Each Buddhism exam is a good opportunity to learn the truth and to practice good Dharma. Taking both Chinese and English exams is also a good opportunity to deeply understand Dharma and gain wisdom. When reading the Chinese study guide, I may not fully understand it, but I gain the meaning from the English study guide. I am very grateful to Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the Venerables of Fo Guang Shan for giving me the opportunity to study Buddhism. My life has a bright future and direction. I am also willing to learn from Venerable Master and the Venerables, to attain awakening and to liberate living beings, and to advocate Humanistic Buddhism."
Chen Hu, the president of the Da Ci subchapter, said that "August 28th was a busy and valuable day. That morning, I went to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to support the online live broadcast of the 2022 Offering to the Sangha Transfer of Merit Dharma Service, prepared for the interview on the Toronto temple’s 25th anniversary, and then took the Buddhism exam. I deeply realized that Fo Guang Shan is a place in the human world for the spiritual practice of the Bodhisattva path. I am fortunate to be a volunteer and have the joy of being a believer and practitioner of Humanistic Buddhism.”
Translated by Christine Hsu
Edited by Novia Ng
