Venerable Master Hsing Yun and I

In order to help young people better understand the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) of Toronto Dajue Subchapter held a conference in the Conference Room of Fo Guang Shan Temple (FGS) of Toronto on the afternoon of April 8th. The topic was "Venerable Master Hsing Yun and I."  Venerable Miao Mu, the Advising Venerable of the subchapter, and more than 10 BLIA members participated in the hybrid conference.

The purpose of this conference was to allow young people to understand Fo Guang Shan and “Humanistic Buddhism” promoted by the founder, Master Hsing Yun.  Nine young people who have participated in the Fo Guang Youth Academy or Youth Temple Retreat were invited to share their experience on learning Buddhism and applying what they have learned about the Buddha's teaching to their life.

Everyone shared with sincerity.  Although only one participant had ever met Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the others got to know him through the Fo Guang Shan Temple founded by him, his disciples, and reading "The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun". They all admired him for turning the profound Dharma into a truth that everyone can get close to, such as doing good deeds, speaking good words, and having good thoughts, giving others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience.  They were also willing to promote Humanistic Buddhism to more people.

Venerable Miao Mu encouraged everyone not to forget their original aspirations, to be brave to take responsibility, and to realize that they are Buddha-to-be. Youth needs Buddhism, Buddhism also needs youth.  Just like Venerable Master Hsing Yun's compassionate vow "May the Buddha’s light shine universally on the three thousand realms; Let the Dharma stream flow across all five continents."

Translated by Ben Fung

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