The Toronto 2024 Cloud and Water Dharma Talk Series jointly organized by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto, featured the second lecture, invited Lay Dharma Lecturer Ms. Winnie Kwong to speak on "The Essence of the Vimalakriti Sutra: Pure Land in the Human Realm." On April 28th, at Toronto FGS. Kwong shared insights from Vimalakirti, a lay disciple of the Buddha, whose words and deeds serve as a model for lay practitioners. Utilizing various sutra passages, she elucidated that the Pure Land in the Human Realm is characterized by a pure mind, a blend of small and big worlds, immeasurable conveniences, and The Dharma Gate of Non-Duality, benefiting over 120 attendees.

The lecture began with a welcome speech by Venerable Ru Zhong, the Superintendent of FGS Toronto, emphasizing this year's Buddhist Exam focus on the Vimalakirti Sutra and urging attentive listening to Ms. Winnie Kwong's sharing.

Kwong introduced the Vimalakirti Sutra, also known as the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra or Inconceivable Liberation Sutra, spanning three volumes and fourteen chapters. She underscored Vimalakirti's transcendence of worldly affairs and his discussions on Mahayana Buddhism with Manjusri as a model for lay practitioners.

Referencing the Buddha Land chapter of the Vimalakirti Sutra, Kwong explained how the perceptions of sentient beings are influenced by factors like karma, aspirations, and thoughts, highlighting the purity of the Buddha Land when individuals purify themselves. She expounded on achieving the "Five Harmonies" through practicing the Three Goods and the Four Givings, constituting life in the Pure Land on Earth.

Additionally, she referenced the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, emphasizing the significance of entertainment within the framework of self-cultivation and mind cultivation. For instance,chanting the Buddha's name, prostrating to the Buddha, and meditation bring peace to both body and mind.

Kwong concluded by stressing the teachings from "Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, asserting that the Pure Land exists within the human realm—a realm of pure minds, harmonious coexistence of the big and small, immeasurable conveniences and the Dharma Gate of Non-Duality.

Through Ms. Winnie Kwong's use of simple and engaging examples to illustrate the concept of the Pure Land on Earth from the Vimalakirti Sutra, the classical Chinese text became accessible and easy to comprehend, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience, reflecting their enjoyment and appreciation for the teachings.

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