On the afternoon of March 17th, 2023, the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club (UWBLCC) held their first “Sutras Transcription for Blessings" on the campus of the University of Waterloo. Venerable Ru Xing from Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto made a memorable trip to lead the sutra transcription and held a Q&A session with the students. A total of 31 students have the opportunity to participate in sutra transcription together.

At the beginning of the activity, Venerable Ru Xing led the students in reciting the "Heart Sutra" with concentration and reverence. After having settled in calm and peaceful minds, they transcribed the sutra together and experienced the essence and wisdom of Buddhism in every stroke.

After transcribing the sutra, Venerable Ru Xing led the attendees to listen to "A Prayer for the People Who Transcribe Sutras and Hear the Dharma" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. Everyone experienced the compassionate teachings of the Venerable Master and dedicated the sutra transcription merit to all sentient beings.

Venerable Ru Xing shared with the students that due to diabetes, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's eyesight has blurred. Despite this, Venerable Master continued his practice daily. Using his "heart" to feel the space between the words as he must complete everything in one stroke, hence “One-stroke Calligraphy.”  Venerable Master wrote more than 300 sheets of calligraphy every day. Even after his brain surgery, the character of “Buddha" was written repeatedly with his finger on his leg daily to continue his practice. This is Master setting an example with his willpower and perseverance. This Sutra transcription event helped everyone to better understand the Dharma and wisdom in Buddhism but also allowed them to reflect on caring and compassion in Buddhism.

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