On December 3rd, 2023, Venerable Jue Juh, the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Founder’s Hall, delivered an insightful Dharma Lecture at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto as part of the 2023 North American tour. Titled "Daily Insights of Venerable Master HsingYun's One-Stroke Calligraphy," the lecture aimed to share the exemplary life, teachings, and Bodhisattva spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The event drew the participation of Deputy Director General Song-Whei Hong from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, Mr. John Chen Han Chung from the Chinese Calligraphy Association, various distinguished guests, and more than 220 members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) participated.
During the lecture, Venerable Jue Juh underscored Venerable Master's lifelong commitment to directing his thoughts toward others, embodying a compassionate and inclusive Bodhi mind that cared for all sentient beings. Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings included attributing glory goes to the Buddha, success goes to the community, benefit goes to the monastery, merit goes to the devotees. His daily life reflected diligence, adhering to the principle of "one day as if it were five days" and exemplifying the "Buddha's Light Verse," showcasing a robust and unwavering will. From practicing 300 pieces of "One-Stroke Calligraphy" daily to 600 pieces of “One-Stroke Calligraphy: Post-Recovery Works” each day, every stroke mirrored boundless compassion and benevolence, revealing profound care for humanity.
Venerable Master never had a personal drawer or desk, the Founder's Hall featured only one long green tableused for various activities. Whether engaging in calligraphy, hosting guests,or having meals, Venerable Master emphasized that his life was a race against time, aiming to contribute to humanity and society to the fullest. Even during his recovery period after brain surgery in 2016, he continued to practice "One-Stroke Calligraphy: Post-Recovery Works" for the Seeds of Hope Program. A video shared during the lecture depicted him practicing calligraphy on his legs with trembling hands, his unwavering spirit touched all.
Highlighting Venerable Master's concern for education, Venerable Jue Juh pointed out that funds raised through calligraphy activities contributed to the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund, promoting truthfulness, virtue, and beauty in society. The "Seeds of Hope Program" provides full scholarships to under privileged students, realizing the aspiration of nurturing talents. Using photos, illustrations, and videos, Venerable Jue Juh shared how Venerable Master dedicated his life to spreading Humanistic Buddhism. Having served Venerable Master Hsing Yun for over 20 years, she shared that Venerable Master lived every day reflecting the concepts of Humanistic Buddhism through his actions and words.
Encouraging everyone to embrace Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings, Venerable Jue Juh pointed out that the teachings, embodied in the Venerable Master's calligraphy, reflect his compassionate spirit. Venerable Master's Dharma body is omnipresent, akin to the legacy he left in the form of 395 volumes of the "Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun." Venerable Jue Juh hoped that every BLIA member would aspire to share the lights of Dharma joy with family and friends, collectively working towards building a pure land on earth, fulfilling the Venerable Master's wish to promote Humanistic Buddhism.
After the lecture, Kim, Vice President of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, was deeply moved by Venerable Master's philosophy of dedication, pledging to redouble her efforts in daily practice and incorporate Buddhist principles into her life. BLIA member Florence Feng expressed gratitude for Venerable Jue Juh's sharing of the daily insights of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's One-Stroke Calligraphy.