Jul 2015 - Chung Tian Temple

Edition 104
July 2015
BLIAQ Newsletter
Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia
Upcoming Events
1 August 2015
Great Compassion
Repentance Service
3 August 2015
Commemoration of
Avalokitesvara
Bodhisattva’s
Enlightenment Day
8 ~ 16 August 2015
Ullambana Festival Filial
Piety Buddhist Chanting
Service
15 August 2015
Sangha Offering Service
16 August 2015
Thrice Yearning Dharma
Service & General Merit
Transference
22 August 2015
Reflection on "Hear Me
Out: Messages from a
Humble Monk"
23 August 2015
Baby Blessing Ceremony
28 August 2015
Sangha Day Dharma
Service
Chung Tian Buddhist Temple
1034 Underwood Road
Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia
Website: www.chungtian.org.au
Email: ibaq@chungtian.org.au
Ph: 3841 3511
Fax: 3841 3522
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Opening of Australian New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference in Brisbane
 The Opening Ceremony of 2015 Australian New Zealand
Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) organized by BLIAQ
YAD (Young Adult Division) was held in Chung Tian Temple,
Brisbane. Participants were 115 Buddhist youths, coming from
Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Queensland of Australia and
New Zealand. The Ceremony was attended by Abbess
Venerable Chueh Shan, Director of Taipei Economic & Cultural
Office Lai Wei Zhong and his wife, Overseas Community
Affairs Council Huang Su-Zhen, Venerable Jue Wei of Nan
Tien Institute, Venerables Miao Zhe and You De of Nan Tien
Temple, Venerables Miao Bo and Miao Xi from Foguangshan
Melbourne, BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisors, Vice
Presidents, Directors and Branch Presidents. They welcomed
the Buddhist youths from different places to join in the event.
First, a video dedicated to ANZ Buddhist youths by Venerable
Hui Chuan Director of BLIA World Headquarters Young Adult
Divisions was played. He said that BLIAQ YAD was to host
this event with the theme of ‘Hope and Future’. He encouraged
Buddhist youths, saying that when there was integrity, there
was hope; when there was joy, there was hope, and when
there was peace, there was hope. In activities, they should
discuss about ‘Future and Hope’; in life, they should practice
Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s idea and study ‘The Humble
Monk has Something to Say’, following the Venerable Master’s
spirit of propagating the Dharma and supporting Buddhism as
their responsibility. Finally, he wished them success in the
event. Kally Chen, the Chief Supervisor of ANZBYC welcomed
the Buddhist youths from ANZ to participate. In her speech,
she said that everybody would be taught and trained in a
variety of challenges to test their own limits in the four days
activities. In the Sprout Project, the sacred mission of
rebuilding life with hope and future would be delivered to
everyone.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan welcomed everyone to
participate in the ANZBYC.
She acknowledged the
Queensland YAD executives in their team spirit, cooperation
and division of labor when organizing the event, and praised
the presence of the former leaders and executives of 1998,
2002 and 2010 ANZBYC. She encouraged them to make use
of the four days activities to seriously learn and think, to widely
make good affinities and to achieve their expectations. The
message from Director Venerable Hui Chuan to young people
was very important as they must understand the mission of the
times. She thanked Venerable Man Ko Chief Abbess of
FoGuangShan ANZ for arranging Venerables to come and
assist in the Buddhist Youth Conference.
Director of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office Mr. Lai Wei
Zhong in his talk said that he would support his own kids to
participate in this event as they could make friends, study
Buddhism and cultivate a mind of compassion and
gratitude. He thanked all the youth volunteers to achieve this
successful event. BLIAQ Kim Wu encouraged everyone to
learn happily through activities, enhance friendship and share
life experience.
There were explanations on the series of activities that would
be held in Kindilan Outdoor Education & Conference Centre in
Redland Bay, following the theme of ‘Future & Hope’. A variety
of outdoor games, recreational activities, lectures & Buddhist
seminars were arranged, aiming at providing the Oceania
Buddhist youths an exchange platform for an in-depth
understanding of the significance of Humanistic Buddhism.
Powerpoint was designed to introduce the staff of Queensland
YAD. Each of them walked on stage happily to welcome
Buddhist youths from other places of ANZ. In the joyful
atmosphere of exchanges & making friends, the event was
kicked off.  Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 1
ANZBYC 4 Day Report
 Day 1 - The first day of the Australian and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference
(ANZBYC) was marked with lively activity from the local committee welcoming those
coming from near and far. The countless hours of volunteering in preparation became
truly apparent from the smooth transitions from registration, placing luggage away and
coming to the first ice-breaking activities. Participants were given a terrific opportunity to
meet and mingle with activities involving both concentration and teamwork.
Following the morning ice-breaking, the youths were led around the temple grounds,
allowing them to learn about the architecture, the meanings behind the exquisite
symbolisms, while providing information regarding the role and function Chung Tian
Temple plays. For many youths from interstate, this would be the first time they have
seen the Brisbane temple. During lunch time, the participants were treated with a
delicious vegetarian meal with no shortage of variety. Many thanks to those who
volunteer to prepare the meals and clean afterwards.
Moving to the opening ceremony, each person was blessed to have present VIPs, and
Venerables, bringing the chance to show our gratitude for their continued support and
guidance. Kally as the Chairperson of ANZBYC 2015, orientated the participants to the
creative story line of the ‘Sprout Project’ which had been incorporated into the
overarching theme of Future and Hope.
When arriving at the Kindilan camp site the energy certainly picked up with participants
eager to begin the next session of getting to know the deeper meaning of the Buddhist
concept given to them to represent the different teams. After the teams had discussed
and shared their explanation of the concept and a team war-cry, a lecture by Dr. Julian
Lamont explored choices and experiences involved in an ethical life. The living team
had certainly set high standards with an outstanding dinner, bringing a beautiful blend of
nutrition and flavour. With hunger well satisfied, the conference moved to a lecture run
by Venerable Miao-Zhe titled “Buddhism and I”. Her engaging and relatable nature
caught the attention and imagination of the youths, and had been an invaluable time of
reflection and learning.
Lastly on the timetable was the Young Adult Division (YAD) state reports. This is where
the YAD committees from each state present their accomplishments and events to the
other states. This proved to be a productive session, with each state learning from each
other and sharing great ideas on how to implement new activities in their local groups.
At the end of the day, each person gladly retreated to their rooms, in anticipation for the
coming days to come.
 Day 2 - The conference participants had gotten settled into their new environment
and was ready for a brand new day. After morning chanting, the first activity was a
choice between walking meditation and morning exercise. This gave both groups an
opportunity to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
The day also included a meditation session, guided by Venerable Miao-Xi. The
meditation calmed the mind and allowed the youths to reflect inwards. Later in the day,
Dr. Kwong Djee Chan gave a presentation titled “The Art of Mindful Living in a Chaotic
World”. With a charismatic and humorous approach to the learning material, Dr. Chan
noted the importance of being present, and recognising our suffering and vulnerabilities
to nurture humility.
Page 2
Following lunch was the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ which was made up of numerous
activities testing their teamwork, generosity, compassion, and wits. Next was a
lecture from Abbess Chueh-Shan titled “Faith and Future – Noble Eight-fold Path”.
The talk helped the participants to understand the deeper meaning of each of the
eight paths, and allowed them to explore how these lessons could be applied to
their lives.
Lastly, the participants were asked to choose from a range of discussion topics
such as environmental conservation, volunteering and charity, Buddhism, culture
and society, and self-development. All topics focused on how Buddhism can
contribute to these different areas.
 Day 3 - Day three marked the final full day the conference participants would
have on the Kindilan camp site. Both breakfast and lunch were conducted in noble
silence, allowing each person to practice being mindful. And although these meals
were in silence, the outdoor activities hosted by the Kindilan staff members
definitely came with many laughs and cheers as the youths scaled up rock-climbing
walls, kayaked along the lake, faced challenges from both high and low ropes, and
tested their steady hands with archery. These activities were made possible by
many hours of volunteering from the Queensland YAD in fundraising efforts, and
the generosity of many different sponsors.
The main education component of the day was led by Venerable Dr. Jue Wei,
talking about “Lighting Up Lives”. Beautiful and moving stories were shown
displaying kindness and compassion, while also demonstrating how each person
has the potential to give joy to others. This lesson had been met with great
enthusiasm, with some youths identifying the session as a highlight in the
conference. In line with tradition, the end of day three involved the Endless Night.
The night began with the different groups performing a skit which represented the
true essence of their team name. The names reflected the 10 Perfections which
taught the youths about generosity, morality, patience, diligence, concentration,
wisdom, skilful means, resolution, spiritual power, and knowledge.
Afterwards, the different states performed for each other, demonstrating their
unique personality as well as the bond they share. Each performance was fantastic
in their creativity, visual magnificence, and expressions of love for their temple and
friends. Each person was then asked to write a vow on paper lanterns and use their
torches to illuminate the vows they held in their hands. The endless night then
progressed to a bon fire where participants sang songs, talked, played games, and
felt the comfort of nature and the clear skies.
Page 3
 Day 4 - The final day of the conference involved activities which encouraged
participants to use their imagination and innovation to create inventions which could
be used to help create a sustainable and hopeful future. Every member from each
group contributed in making their project while learning about the importance of the
environment. Afterwards, all the youths were asked to reflect on the experiences
they had at the conference and what they had gotten out of the four days. Each
group reported these reflections at the closing ceremony, providing both
commendations and constructive feedback which will surely contribute to the
preparation for the ANZBYC hosted by Sydney in 2016.
The closing ceremony included a video presentation prepared by the media team,
which showed all the different moments from the beginning to the end of the
conference. The closing ceremony also involved thanking the VIPs and Venerable
for their continued support and guidance and also acknowledging the tremendous
work by the QLD YAD Committee. This included acknowledgement of the incredible
work done by Kally Chen who was the Chairperson of ANZBYC 2015. Kally had
dedicated many months of her time and effort to ensure that the conference
provided its participants with a stimulating and memorable experience. Furthermore,
the conference could not have been made possible if not for the diligent and
exceptional contribution from Linda Chang who was the leader in Administrations,
and is the president of YAD 2. Similarly, the efforts of such amazing individuals such
as YAD 1 President Alice Liang, Education Leader and BLIAQ Director Claudia Hii,
and many others made the conference an unforgettable experience. The
conference theme of Future and Hope had been integrated into every aspect, and
each person who attended the 2015 ANZBYC will surely hold these lessons and
friendships well after the conclusion of the conference. We wish the best for every
individual, and anticipate the next Australian and New Zealand Buddhist Youth
Conference coming up in 2016 in Sydney.
 David Pham
A special thanks to all BLIAQ members that assisted in the Kitchen during ANZBYC
 A special thanks to all
BLIAQ members and youth
members that assisted in
the kitchen at Kindilan
camp site preparing the
food over the four days for
ANZBYC. It was a great
effort and hard work by all.
Well done guys and the
ANZ
YAD
members
commented the vegetarian
food was very delicious.
 Meng
Page 4
QLD YAD Fundraisers supporting the 2015 ANZBYC
 Over the weekend of Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June, the BLIA YAD
Queensland hosted two major fundraisers to support the upcoming 2015 Australia
New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference www.anzbyc.org): “Elegant English High
Tea”, and the “Fairy Tale World – Family Fun Time”. The annual ANZBYC will be
hosted by QLD YAD this year.
 “Elegant English High Tea” on Saturday 13th June 2015
The Elegant High Tea Fundraiser was held on Saturday 13th June 2015 at the
Chung Tian Temple. The Dining Hall was transformed into an elegant retro delight
filled with delicious food and lots of smiles. The event served more than 40 sets of
tiered-cake stands with a variety of scrumptious food to more than 80 guests, and
involved around 20 volunteering staffs from BLIA YAD Queensland.
The event planning and co was a combined team effort from QLD YAD ANZBYC
Planning Staffs including Kally Chen, Linda Chang, Louise Chen, and Alice Liang.
The delicious assortment of food were all sponsored and donated by generous and
talented volunteers from various families and friends as well as YAD & BLIAQ’s own
volunteers, and coordinated by Claudia Hii (who was also a major contributor
towards the deliciousness). The decoration on the day was coordinated by Tina
Lung, borrowing various decorations from various volunteers.
Special Thanks and Acknowledgement for the High Tea Fundraiser:
• All who sponsored the gifts for the raffle draw. Special thanks to Arthur Liu for
sponsoring the Nespresso Machine that went towards the raffle draw during the
event.
• All who donated and sponsored the delicious variety of food (thank you for your
time, generosity and your remarkable culinary skills!) The photos speak for
themselves. Special thanks to BLIAQ Assistance Secretary, Yvonne, for
sponsoring and making the beautiful cupcakes.
• All 26 who lent us their personal collections of beautiful tiered cake stands and
tableware and also those who lent us decorations! Special thanks to Meng Hong
for lending a number of decorations from her own collection, and also who lent
many of the cake stands.
• All who sponsored financially or through time and attendance, and all who helped
provide advice and assistance.
• Last but not the least, special thanks to all the YAD volunteers on the day! For
various roles including managing tickets, serving, making/plating the food,
labelling/setting up/packing up 40+ tiered cake stands and tableware,
decoration/clean-up. The process would not have been possible without the help
of many volunteers, as the cake stands and tableware were borrowed from 26
different people. Everyone did a fantastic job! - Mei Tan, Ken Chen, Louise Chen,
Janice Chen, Winston Boon, Angela Chang, Jono Cheung, Tina Lung, Tina
Chang, Kally Chen, Lilly Wang, David Pham, Jennifer Huang, Claudia Teh,
Claudia Hii, Rolf Chen, Alice Liang, Diana Chen.
 “Fairy Tale World – Family Fun Time” on Saturday 13th June 2015
On the morning of Sunday 14th June, in support of ANZBYC, the QLD YAD hosted
a Fairy Tale themed family fundraiser at the Chung Tian Temple Dining Hall. The
volunteers from QLD YAD dressed up in creative or fairy-tale themed costumes,
and provided a range of fun session for the whole family to enjoy. There were
storytelling, balloon sculpturing, face-painting, and origami. The Three Good Deeds
mascots also came out to greet the children.
Special thanks to Meng and Kwang Hooi Khor for lending the rugs and pillows to
YAD. The children loved the storytelling corner. Special thanks to all volunteers who
spent their time on the day and during prior planning. Lots of thanks towards all
those who participated and sponsored the session.
Not long to go till ANZBYC! BLIA YAD QLD would like to thank all those who
supported the two Fundraisers! Also, all the YAD volunteers who helped out in a
number of ANZBYC Weekly Fundraising Stalls leading up to these major
fundraisers. Everyone who helped are all contributing towards a very meaningful
event for youth across Australia and New Zealand who will be attending the 2015
ANZBYC!
 Kally Chen
Page 5
Blessing of Sunnybank RSL Australians Chinese Heritage War Memorial
 On 4th of July, Chung Tian Temple was invited to participate in the Blessing of
Australians of Chinese Heritage War Memorial at Sunnybank RSL (Returned and
Services League) Sub-Branch. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and Chaplain Ms.
Petra Milaudi were invited to pray for the Chinese soldiers who were killed in
war. 50 people attended including Federal Graham Perrett MP, State Duncan Pegg
MP, Peter Russel MP, Council Members Kim Max and Steven Huang, Melody Chen
Honorary President of World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc. and Military Police
representatives.
The first and the only ‘Australian Chinese War Memorial’ of RSL was completed in
Sunnybank Sub-Branch on 16th July 2010. There are other Chinese War Memorials
in China Towns in Sydney and Brisbane. 160 years ago, more than 3000 Chinese
joined the Australian Department of Defense in the First and Second World War and
recent warfare. The Ceremony was held at 4.30 p.m.. Chaplain Ms. Petra Milaudi
started by praying and reading the Bible. Venerable Chueh Shan representing
Buddhism sang ‘Ode to Triple Gem’ and the ‘Foguang Gatha’ to pray for the killed
soldiers. Then, guests offered flowers in sequence and sang the Australian national
anthem. The flag was held at half-mast and everyone paid tribute to the Australian
soldiers who sacrificed for the country.
The Ceremony was solemnly held in Sunnybank, the largest Chinese community in
Brisbane, with thanks and recognition to the contributions of Chinese people to the
Australian economic prosperity and social harmony. It was a meaningful event.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Chung Tian Temple participated in the Women of the World Festival Religious Forum
 On 20th of June at 2.30 p.m., Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, invited by Lawyer
Cathy Hunt Women of the World (WOW) Brisbane District Executive Officer, went to
the Old Government House in Garden Point Campus of Queensland University of
Technology to attend the Women of the World Festival religious forum. Other
participants were Islam Faiza El-Higzi, Catholic Heather Griffin, Baha'i Susan
Handley and Christian Regina Turner. The theme was ‘Stir Your Soul’, talking
about the impact of faith on themselves, and the intersection of religion, sex and
culture. It focused on the challenges faced by women on religion in the modern
times, and how women celebrated their religious festivals. There were nearly 40
people in the audience. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan spoke about the impact of
Buddhist faith on her and why she renounced. She mentioned the Buddha Birthday Festival held by Chung Tian Temple, and how
arts, culture and charitable activities could enhance interaction with the community. She referred to the Venerable Master’s
‘Buddhist view on women’ to explain that Buddhism emphasizes on equality of all beings as all possess Buddha nature. In
Buddhism, women are respected.
In the propagation of Mahayana Buddhism, women’s contribution was
indelible. Representatives of various religions then answered questions from the audience about ‘whether men and women are
equally treated in their religion’. In the forum, people were happy to have interaction.
The organizer hoped that through this WOW three-day Festival, talks on different subject matters could be arranged so that people
could better understand the role played by women in various faiths. This helped to arouse the concern of the community on
women’s issues and the respect of women in their contributions to society, Australian economic prosperity and social harmony. It
was a meaningful event.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Chung Tian Temple participated in the Diversity & Dialogue IFTAR Dinner at Griffith University
 On 22nd of June at 4.30 p.m., the ‘Diversity and Dialogue Iftar Dinner’ was held,
jointly organized by Griffith University Multi-faith Centre, Australia’s Islamic
Research Centre and Queensland Multicultural Society. It was moderated by Dr.
Brian Adam, Director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue at Griffith
University. 80 people attended including Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Martin Betts,
religious representatives of Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism and
Mormonism, and representatives from Griffith University and various
communities. Venerable Miao Xin and BLIAQ Director Meng Hong representing
Buddhism went to attend. Dr. Brian Adam welcomed all the guests for participating
in the Iftar Dinner and introduced the significance of Ramadan Iftar – Ramandan is
the Islamic fasting month in lunar September. In the entire month, Muslims can only
have a meal (breakfast) at sunset, and it is often held in Muslim families or as a
community. Dr. Brian Adam hoped that everyone could enjoy the night’s Iftar
Dinner. He invited religious representatives to speak. Muslim representative Iman
Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh from As-Salaam Institute read out the prayer “Azan, Call for
Prayer & Blessing’ and a section from the ‘Koran’ scripture. The Very Rev. Dr.
Peter Catt from St. John’s Cathedral in Brisbane delivered an address. The dinner
took place in the grand and joyful atmosphere with Guqin accompaniment, bringing
the integration of diverse religious culture. After the Iftar dinner, all the guests and
religious representatives posed for pictures. They unanimously praised Moderator
Brian Adam and the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue at Griffith University in
creating a strong cohesive force in the promotion of multi-faith harmony. The event
was then successfully completed.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 6
Brisbane’s Multi-faith Prayers for World Peace
 On 6th of June at 2.45 p.m., Brisbane’s Roman Catholic Commission organized
‘Prayers for World Peace’ in the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Brisbane. The 14th Dalai
Lama, Nobel Peace Prize laureate was invited to give a talk. Abbess Venerable
Chueh Shan on behalf of Buddhism and other religious representatives of Bahai,
Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Judaism, a total of over ten prayed for world
peace. More than 800 guests attended including the Queensland Governor
Honorable Paul de Jersey AC, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon. Shannon
Fentiman MP, Police Commissioner Mr. Ian Stewart and representatives of all sectors
in society. Everybody stood up to welcome the Dalai Lama and religious
representatives to be seated. The Brisbane Archdiocese Vicar General Monsignor
Peter Meneely and Archbishop the Archdiocese of Brisbane welcomed the Dalai
Lama to Brisbane for the two days’ talk and also other religious representatives and
guests for their coming.
Nobel peace prize laureate the 14th Dalai Lama said, “Honorable religious leaders,
distinguished guests, brothers and sisters. We are equal as we came to this world
and we'll leave this world, thus we can consider ourselves as brothers and
sisters.” He stressed on the importance of trust, love, compassion and the functions
of religions in promoting harmony and happiness of mankind, enhancing exchanges
and interaction among religions, and promoting world peace. He said, “World peace
must first come from the inner peace of the mind. Peace is not merely without
violence but is the manifestation of human compassion.” Associate Professor
Mohamad Abdalla of Muslim responded to the Dalai Lama’s speech by expressing his
thanks to his brilliant talk and admitted that the world needed compassion, love,
friendship, harmony and peace.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan representing Mahayana Buddhism prayed, using
Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer for World Peace’: “Oh great, compassionate
Buddha! We should learn from your wisdom to narrow the distance with people; we
should learn from your selflessness to eliminate our attachments; we should learn
your truth to free us from racial antagonism; we should learn from your compassion to
resolve international conflicts, and we should learn to be like Buddha’s light to break
the darkness of the world.” She then used the ‘Foguang’s Four Gatha’ for the
transference of merits. Dr. Janet Khan of Bahai, Ven. Pilimathalawe Samahitha Tero
of Theravada Buddhism, Mr. Surendra Prasad OAM of Hinduism, Mr. Ariel Heber of
Judaism and the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall of Christianity also prayed for the
peace of the world. All participants solemnly and reverently felt the sacred power of
religions, and silently they prayed for world peace.
Finally, the Brisbane Archdiocese Vicar General Monsignor Peter Meneely thanked
the Dalai Lama for his insightful speech, his compassionate concern and spiritual
strength. He wished everyone to enjoy happiness, social harmony and world
peace. The Dalai Lama and religious representatives were invited to have a group
photo. When they left, everyone bid them farewell with the most enthusiastic
applause. The Multi-faith Prayer for World Peace was successfully completed.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Logan City Council Publicized Chung Tian Temple
 On
8th
of July at 10 a.m., Paul Massingham, Tourism Officer-Marketing at Logan
City Council arranged two reporters from Style Magazine to Chung Tian Temple to
conduct a publicity report. Logan City Council considered Chung Tian Temple as an
important cultural and artistic attraction, thus its Officer specially led reporters from
Style Magazine to visit Chung Tian Temple. They observed Tea Ceremony
demonstration, taking photos to be published in Style Magazine so that people
would know about Chung Tian Temple, a cultural and artistic attraction of Logan
City.
They were received by Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and BLIAQ Secretary So
Ling-Ling, and were guided to visit Chung Tian Art Gallery and Water Drop
Teahouse. They did a location shooting of Tea Ceremony demonstration performed
by teachers Chen Shu-Hui and Aggie Q, with explanation on the characteristics of
tea leaves and skill of tea brewing. Through the drinking of tea in reminding us
about the ‘Three acts of goodness’, the meaning of life can be enhanced by
experiencing the oneness taste of Tea Ch’an when the mind can be kept calm, pure
and positive. The art of Tea Ceremony helps to transcend the mind to a state of
spiritual purification. The reporters admired and were deeply impressed by the
gracefulness and dignity of Chinese Tea Ceremony, feeling the subtle effect of the
oneness taste of Tea Ch’an. The photos will be published in Style Magazine, so that
people in the community can come and learn the Tea of ‘Three Goodness’,
appreciating the oneness taste of Tea Ch’an to enrich their cultural and artistic
life. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan presented to them Venerable Master Hsing
Yun’s book of ‘366 Days of Wisdom’ as gift.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 7
BLIAQ Loving Care Annual Charity Fundraising Dinner
 On 7th of June at 4.30 p.m., BLIAQ Loving Care Group Advisor Lu Shu-Yuan and
Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong led the executives to hold the 2015 Annual
Charity Fundraising Dinner in Landmark Restaurant. It was presided by BLIAQ
President Kim Wu and BLIA Director David Yang. Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong
on behalf donated the raised funds to Nan Tien Institute Foundation Fund and Chung
Tian Temple Stage II construction. Also it would be used for the Loving Care Group
Charitable Fund. Elder Advisor Christine Liu introduced the guests Venerable Man
Ko Chief Abbess of Foguangshan Australia & New Zealand, Abbess Venerable
Chueh Shan of Chung Tian Temple, Director of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office
(Brisbane) Lai Wei Zhong and his wife, Hsinchu County Mayor Chiu Jing-Chun and
Speaker Chang Chen-Rong, representatives from various social and business
organizations, BLIAQ Elder Advisor Committee and members, a total of 350 people
attending the function.
First, Leader Wang Shuang-Rong thanked all VIPs for their coming, and BLIAQ and
Group members for their ardent assistance. With a grateful and touching heart, she
thanked them for their support, sponsor and concern for the Loving Care Group which
enabled the Group to achieve its mission of benefiting people by community
involvement and by charitable activities to bring warmth to society. She also thanked
successive Abbesses, Venerables and Loving Care Group members for their
dedication, and unconditional kindness and compassion to support with money and
efforts without regrets. Let us grow together and increase our bliss and wisdom to
serve the public.
Advisor Lu Shu-Yuan reported about the Loving Care Group’s various charitable
activities and contributions to society. In Buddha Birthday Festival this year, the
Loving Care Group made donations to organizations such as RBWH Foundation,
Griffith Health, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, Australia Zoo and Life Saving, bringing
forth the compassionate and benevolent spirit of the Loving Care Group.
Chief Abbess Venerable Man Ko in her speech thanked Leader Wang Shuang-Rong
for leading the members to uphold the idea of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in social
well-being by implementing various charitable activities and fund-raising. That night
was a gathering of good people to develop the Four Boundless Minds of kindness,
compassion, joy and equanimity – the merits of heavenly beings. The cultivation
involved body and mind – charitable actions to benefit society, and elimination of
unwholesome thoughts and habits. Let the light of the mind be passed on to others to
light up all people around us.
Director Lai Wei Zhong quoted the origin and history of the Loving Care Group and
praised its promotion of charitable services in society over the past years. Hsinchu
County Mayor Chiu Jing-Chun thanked Elder Advisor Christine Liu for the warm
reception of the Hsinchu Group, enabling them to witness the Loving Care Group in
bringing love to the world since love had no boundaries. With Speaker Chang ChenRong, they made donation to sponsor the Loving Care Group Charitable Fund,
accepted by Leader Wang Shuang-Rong on behalf.
During dinner, there were performances of BLIAQ Foguang Choir, singing ‘Song of
the Door of Faith’ and ‘Flowers and Youths’, and dancing by the World Dance
Academy. The rich lottery prizes raised people’s enthusiasm in the fundraising
activity. The Indian dance performed by the Loving Care Group brought the evening
into the climax.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan thanked everyone for their participation and support
of Nan Tien Institute and Chung Tian Temple stage II construction, thus helping to
promote Buddhist education and foster talent for the community, and allowing
Dharma to be forever passed on.
Finally, the Venerables and Loving Care Group executives together sang ‘Meeting by
Chance’ and ‘Buddha’s Light Shining on You’ to thank everyone’s support. The
activity was then concluded in a heartwarming atmosphere.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 8
BLIAQ Loving Care Group – Winter Relief Donations
 With the approaching of winter, the annual winter relief activity was held by the
Loving Care Group of BLIAQ in Gold Coast on 4th of June. They first chanted the
Medicine Buddha Sutra and Medicine Buddha Gatha, then circumambulation in
chanting Buddha’s name, praying for suffering beings and transferring merits. 26
people attended the service including BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Loving Care Group
Leader Wang Shuang-Rong, BLIA Director David Yang and his wife, President of Gold
Coast Branch Yang Zhi-Kai and his wife, members, and Gold Coast Youth Service
representatives Amanda, Denis and Lindsay. After the service, Venerable Chueh
Shan and Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong representing the Loving Care Group
donated funds and supplies to the Gold Coast Youth Service, accepted by Lindsay on
behalf. Lindsay became an orphan at the age of two and grew up under the help of
Gold Coast Youth Service. After growing up, with a heart of gratitude, he determined
to stay in the organization to help more people in need. There were a lot of these
touching stories in Gold Coast Youth Service, and people were moved to donate funds
and materials, hoping that these could bring warmth and hope to the lonely
children. Giving people roses would leave fragrance in your hands. They practiced
the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ and the ‘Four Offerings’ as advocated by the Venerable
Master to benefit people. Let us pass our love and good thoughts to others. Giving
warmth to society starts from us!
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
BLIAQ Logan Branch Cantonese Group Study on ‘Oneness Taste of Tea Ch’an’
 On 27th of June at 1.30 pm, BLIAQ Logan Branch held a Cantonese Group Study
on the ‘Oneness Taste of Tea Ch’an’, inviting Venerable Jue Tang, Sophie Chen and
Lily Wang to be the tea teachers to conduct a teaching of Tea Ceremony. 25 people
participated including Logan Branch Dharma Teacher Li Jin-Lian, Janet Tay, Mr and
Mrs Chong, branch members and five followers visiting from Hong Kong. Venerable
Jue Tang first played a DVD video about the teaching of Oneness taste of Tea Ch’an
by Venerable Man Chien to introduce the significance of Oneness taste of Tea
Ch’an. Then participants were divided into groups to see the demonstration of the
process of tea brewing and tea tasting with correct sitting posture and concentrated
mind. Venerable Jue Tang explained that tea was Ch’an and tasting tea was like
contemplation in Ch’an. Tea and Ch’an are the essence of life that does not require
language. Drinking tea is a common thing in life and the taste differs with the
changes of mind. In a calm and peaceful mind with the senses of tongue and body,
one is able to experience the taste of Ch’an which corresponds with the truth. Thus,
Ch’an is in our living and exists everywhere. It is not easy to have a cup of tea and
thus everyone should be grateful when tasting the tea. Participants then realized
that drinking a cup of tea had to go through so much detail. They were thankful to
have this opportunity and remembered the Venerable Master’s teaching of ‘The favor
of a drop of water shall be returned with the gratitude of a fountain of water’.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Eight Precepts Retreat
 The devotees who attended the Eight Precepts Retreat on Saturday 6 June
8.30am to 5pm wore the black and brown robes and spent the day in Noble Silence.
The Retreat was to give devotees an insight as to the vows taken and to the way of
life of a novice venerable.
A seating plan directed devotees to where they would sit in the Bodhisattva Hall with
relevant service booklets (English or Mandarin) already awaiting the devotee.
The day consisted of 4 sessions: 3 services, the second of which continued into the
partaking of lunch in the dining room, and a talk by Abbess Shan in the conference
room.
The 8 precept vows were made during the second service. Devotees vowed to keep
the 8 precepts for the day and night. This entailed not watching or participating in
any entertainment and not wearing makeup/jewellery/perfume, no sleeping/sitting on
high beds, and only consuming liquid vegetarian sustenance after lunch.
These 3 precepts were in addition to the 5 precepts which are normally followed by
devotees with one of the precepts being strengthened to celibacy for the duration of
the 24 hour reflection time.
 Helen Kennett
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Ten Keys to Happiness
 On 5 July 2015, Venerable Dr Jue Wei from Nan Tien Institute, New South Wales
came to Brisbane and gave a Dharma talk on Ten Keys to Happiness at Chung Tian
Temple for English Speaking Group. BLIAQ Chung Tian Branch President welcomed
her and about 65 people attended the talk. It is always good for me to attend a
teaching, it is especially good when the Dharma teacher is of the calibre of Venerable
Dr Jue Wei.
The teaching that she gave was from the book by Master Hsing Yun, The Ten Paths
to Happiness which is also currently the subject material for the level four book study
class at the temple. Venerable Dr Jue Wei brought another dimension to this
teaching by involving the students in discussing the subject matter (our personal
happiness) and also injecting some levity into her presentation.
I came away from this informative and personal reflection on a teaching of the
Buddha with a need to further my Buddhist studies. Venerable Dr Jue Wei is a fine
example of the FGS Sanga and I think the FGS Buddhist Institute in Wollongong is
very lucky to have her on staff.
 Gary Zikking
Buddha’s Birthday Education Project
 On Wednesday morning the 8th July a meeting was held in the Wisdom Room to
discuss the Buddha’s Birthday Education Project (BBEP) and among those present
were Ven. Dr Jue Wei, Ven. Miao Lai, Ven. Miao Xi and members of the BLIAQ. Ven.
Jue Wei has been involved in this project for some time now and the details can be
found at www.paradeofthebuddhas.org. The reason for this meeting was for Ven. Jue
Wei to convey to us her vision for the BBEP going forward and especially for next
year’s 20th year celebration of Buddha’s Birthday here in Brisbane.
Ven. Jue Wei was telling us that Australia is quite unique in the Western world as
being the only country that celebrates the birth of the Buddha on such a large scale
as every major city conducts an event in memory of Buddha’s birth. So the project to
be presented next year at the different city events will involve exhibiting videos,
photos etc. from the history of the event held not only in Brisbane but also from
Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Each city will have a team to collect the materials and
co-ordinate with each other to present a comprehensive history of Buddha’s Birthday
celebrations here in Australia. If you are interested in helping with the project please
contact the Temple.
 Brian Kemp
Chung Tian School held the Preliminary Round of Reading in the Chinese Character & Culture Festival
 On 20th of June, the preliminary round of reading in 2015 Chinese Character and
Culture Festival started to be held at different campuses of Chung Tian School,
conducted by Vice Principals Cai Jin-Jing and Xu Xiu-Mei, and Head Teacher Chang
Xiu-Ling. Principal Venerable Chueh Shan thanked the presence and support of
parents, and praised the teachers for their dedication in teaching, using reading
to arouse children’s interest in learning Chinese. She shared the experience
of preparing her first speech in constantly and repeatedly practicing to train stage
demeanor and courage. She encouraged everyone to applause, giving participating
students confidence, joy and hope through the practice of the ‘Four Offerings’.
Appreciation Certificates and souvenirs were presented to adjudicator teachers Wang
Wan-Sheng, Juang Hui-Mei and Luo Shu-Feng. A total of 130 students enrolled and
after careful review in the preliminary round, 55 students were selected. They were to
participate in the final reading in the ‘Queensland Chinese Character and Culture
Festival – Language Competition Activities’ held in Taiwan Centre.
The ‘Queensland Chinese Character and Culture Festival – Language Competition
Activities’ were organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (Brisbane) in
order to promote traditional Chinese writing and aesthetics of life, expanding the
scope of the use of traditional Chinese. The promotion of character and cultural
activities was to guide and encourage local Chinese decent mainly in schools and the
public to experience the beauty of traditional Chinese character. The Overseas
Chinese Character and Culture Festival activities could widely enhance their interest
in learning Chinese language, enabling them to inherit the exceptional Chinese
culture
This time, participating students ranged from infants from two and a half years old to
adults. Though small, they had steady stage demeanor and recited clearly and
smoothly. Parents on the spot were proud of them, admitting that they were not as
good.
Thanks to all participating students in mustering their efforts in preparation, and
thanks to the teachers in training them and to the parents for their full support to
enable the successful completion of the preliminary round.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 10
European and American Youths studied Buddhism and Meditation
in International Youth Seminar on Life & Ch’an
 The annual FoGuangShan International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch’an
launched a one-month course, starting from 2nd of July by 2015 FGBMR (Fo Guang
Buddhist Meditation Retreat) – (European and American Camp) in Three Virtuous
Building of FoGuangShan. Venerable Hui Feng FoGuangShan Deputy Abbot,
Venerable Miao Fan Head of FoGuangShan Tsung-Lin University and Venerable
Miao Guang of FoGuangShan Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre welcomed
them with blessings and introduced to them about the course and staff members.
Venerable Hui Feng, CEO of the event said that the participating students came from
14 universities and colleges in 16 countries of Europe and America with an average
age of 26 years old, some with PhD or Master Degree. More than a hundred
students from outstanding institutions of different countries enrolled and after seven
critical reviews, 60 students were finally selected. All had causes and conditions to
achieve the opportunity of studying Buddhism in FoGuangShan. They were advised
to let go their own views, like pouring away the residual water in a cup, and open their
mind to learn different Buddhist concepts.
Venerable Miao Fan wished that everybody could learn Humanistic Buddhism.
Whether it was cultivation, outdoor work, sitting meditation or free activities, all carried
a deep meaning of Buddhist culture. In every moment of study, one would definitely
discover interesting things if one could experience learning with curiosity. She hoped
that students could find peace and joy in the mind, and appreciate the meaning of
study in FoGuangShan.
Venerable Miao Guang, also CEO of the event said that this activity has been held
since 2013, from a few dozen participants at the beginning to over a hundred people
in registration. There were students who participated more than once. Among the 12
staff members, four of them participated in the camp before and renounced later in
FoGuangShan to become Venerables. It could be seen that the event was able to
exert its influence.
As for the arrangement of activities in the course, Venerable Miao Guang said that
the first two weeks allowed students to experience life in Tsung-Lin University to learn
the basic etiquette from having meals to greeting. They would then visit every corner
of FoGuangShan and understand the concept of ‘Humanistic Buddhism’ in
Foguangshan.
Staff member Joseph Heizman, participating the first time last year, felt the good care
of the staff and thus motivated him to help this year. When he attended the
International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch’an, he was most impressed by the sevenday meditation when he could concentrate on the practice and explore the inner mind.
It was a rare experience.
The International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch’an -- Theme Week for thousand
people will open on 23rd of July. Youths of age 18 to 35 from all Chapters are
encouraged to enroll. Registration Line: 07-6561921 ext 1378 Venerable Zhi Ying.
 From Life News Agency  Translated by Elaine Pun
Page 11
Chung Tian School Organised Tea Cultural Fellowship
 On 27th of June at 10 a.m., Chung Tian School Vice Principal Cai Jin-Jing and
teacher Huang Xue-Ling specially organized Tea Culture Fellowship for One Mind
Class A, besides allowing students to learn Chinese, also cleverly arranging parents
and students to experience the pleasure of Tea Ceremony in Chinese culture. Chung
Tian School teacher Chen Shu-Hui has studied Tea Ceremony and tea art for several
years. She taught students in One Mind Class A and parents to do sitting meditation
first for one minute to calm down the restless mind, followed by telling them the name
and use of the tea set. Then students learnt to offer a small cup of tea with both hands
to their parents with a grateful mind, thanking parents for their toil in rearing and
educating them. Teacher Chen Shu-Hui taught everyone the etiquette of serving tea,
displaying the selfless offering of Chinese people. The second session was conducted
by teacher Huang Xue-Ling, using tea to meet friends and relaxedly introducing the
course of the next semester. When enjoying tea, every parent praised Chung Tian Temple in strongly promoting Tea Ch’an in
Brisbane. In this gathering of the term, they were allowed to experience the calmness and beauty of Tea Ch’an. The integration of
Tea and Ch’an was heartily praised by parents, saying that time passed quickly and they were reluctant to leave. They all requested
the Tea Ch’an teaching to be held again in the next semester.
 Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun
How to study Buddhism
 When the Buddha taught the Dharma, he gave the world an inestimable gift. This gift can teach us how to find freedom. The
Dharma is a mirror that reflects the deepest truths within us. It shows us how to free our¬selves from our own delusions by
revealing deep layers of truth that already lie within us. These truths are the same truths that govern the universe. As we examine
our minds in the mirror of the Buddha's teachings, we will discover that the wisdom that awakens within them is something that we
already knew. Truth is not strange; in fact, once we learn it, we will discover that truth is much less strange than the delusions we
had believed before.
The price of learning the Dharma is not something that can be easily measured or described. Learning the Dharma requires that we
awaken to ourselves. It also requires us to make many small, quiet decisions deep within ourselves. We must decide that we want
to change, that we want to learn, and that we will really try to apply the Buddha's teachings to the world in which we live. Buddhism
is not a dry science that can be separated from the people around us, and it is not just another role for us to adopt in rela¬tion to
them. The Dharma is the truth. Because it is true, the Dharma can¬not be contained in a single summation. Nor can it ever be
captured in some formula abstracted from philosophical language. As soon as we are sure that we have grasped it, the Dharma
slips away again. This is so because the moment we touch one of its truths, we ourselves begin to change. The moment a light
shines in darkness, the darkness is gone. The shadowy hand that held the light is gone.
The process of learning the Dharma is the most exciting and wonderful process in the world. In the sections below, I will try to
explain how to approach the Dharma in a way that will help you get the most out of it. The advice that follows has been tried and
proven by Buddhist practitioners for over two thousand years. Always remember: a very important part of learn¬ing the truths that
the Buddha taught is learning how to learn them.
 From Lotus in a Stream  Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Four things to rely on when studying the Dharma
 Many people become lost in their studies of the Dharma because they misapply what they have learned, or they learn it
incorrectly. The truths that the Buddha taught are fundamental truths. They are true everywhere, at all times, and within all people.
It is, therefore, very important to trust yourself in your studies. All of us must rely on books and lectures and teachers for our
studies, but none of us should ever forget that our innermost perceptions of truth are probably our most important guides. The "four
things to rely on" are basic ideas that we should keep in mind whenever we approach the Dharma. These four basic ideas will keep
us from making many mistakes; they will keep us from following false teachers, from being confused by language, or from
becoming lost in the vanities of our own minds. The Buddha was a brilliant teacher. He not only taught sentient beings what to
learn, but he also taught them how to learn it. The depth of his insight is revealed in study. In the section below, I will discuss the
Buddha's instructions on how we should study his teachings.
Rely on the Dharma, Not on People can only interpret the Dharma. They can only help you learn it. No person can simply hand it to
you. If you do not experience the truths of the Dharma and apply them to your own life, you will not have learned the Dharma; you
will have only learned of it. Ultimate truths ultimately require that we experience them for ourselves. For thousands of years,
Buddhist masters and Buddhist practitioners have studied the truths that the Buddha taught until they were able to experience them
for themselves. If you try to borrow the experiences of other people or allow the sensibilities of others to stand in for your own, you
will not learn quickly. Wisdom is not something that can be memorized. The Dharma is not something to be imitated. When we learn
from others we must be certain to examine their message under the lens of our own introspection. Then, if it seems true, we must
internalize it and make it our own. If it does not seem true, we must turn elsewhere. Needless to say, no one should ever follow any
teacher who asks him to harm himself or others. All sorts of people inevitably will help us in our studies, but if we follow them too
closely or without using good judgement, it is possible that they will harm us as well. It is a contradiction of the Buddha's basic
teaching to ever stop thinking for yourself.
A student once asked Ch'an Master Chao Chou (778—897) what he should do to learn the Dharma. Master Chao Chou said, "I am
going to go take a piss right now. Can you do that for me? Of course not! No one can do even such a simple thing for me. If you
really want to learn the Dharma, you must do it yourself." Rely on Wisdom, Not Just an Accumulation of Knowledge The core of the
Buddha's teachings is the wisdom that already lies within us. Thus, as we study we must be alert to this wisdom. We may fill our
heads with many facts about the Dharma, but even a library full of facts cannot equal a single, clear perception of the truth that
underlies them. Seeing the truth is wisdom while knowing about the truth is merely knowledge. There is nothing wrong with
knowledge, but knowledge alone will never free you from delusion. Just as the Dharma is a mirror that reflects our own inherent
wisdom, so our wisdom itself can be a mirror that reflects the events of our lives. If you hold this mirror of wisdom up to the world,
you will begin to see things as they really are, not as your defilements tell you they are. With the deep wisdom of our inner minds,
we can see life as it truly is. We all must study the Dharma and learn the intricacies of the Buddha's teachings, but as we learn each
new fact, we must also be sure to absorb it deep into ourselves. For when we absorb the Buddha's teachings deeply, that wisdom
which is inherent in all conscious life will begin to awaken of itself.
Page 12
Rely on the Meaning of the Words, Not on the Words Most human learning is acquired through language. The Dharma is taught
mainly through words. Words must be respected for the important roles they play in our lives, and yet we must never allow
ourselves to be trapped by them. The truths that the Buddha described in words are not in themselves words; they are truths that
entirely transcend words. To forget this point would be to forget the essential core of the Buddha's message.
Much of the outrageous behavior of Ch'an masters of the past was calculated to open our minds to this point. Words must be used,
but we must never allow ourselves to be used by them. When Ch'an masters swear at their disciples or ridicule the Triple Gem (see
chapter 5), their aim is to shock us into understanding that no thought construct can be accepted as true and that no grouping of
words is sacrosanct. Even our reverence for the Buddha can become a hindrance to our growth if we do not understand that the
real Buddha is a state of mind and not a mere symbol or story that exists somewhere outside of us.
Ch'an Master Lin Chi (d. 867) once yelled out loud, "If Shakyamuni Buddha came around today and started preaching the Dharma,
I'd beat him to death with a stick and feed his body to the dogs!" The irreverence of Ch'an Buddhism, especially since it is of such
antiquity, is an extremely valuable part of the Buddhist tradition. Their wild words forever remind us not to make a castle in the sky,
or a mausoleum, out of Buddhism. If we cannot live it and experience it, it cannot be a true teaching. If we cannot start from where
we are in our effort to learn it, it cannot be of any value to us. We might as well beat it to death with a stick and feed it to the dogs.
"What use is the Tripitaka? Bring it here and I'll use it as a rag!" This is another of Master Lin Chi's famous utterances. Master Lin
Chi was a monk who dedicated his life to the Dharma; he acted the way he did not because he regretted his decision, but because
he wanted to teach us not to cling to words. He might also have said language is nothing more than a series of sounds issuing from
someone's mouth; the truth is far greater than that. Words are like a finger pointing at the moon; they are not themselves the moon.
Rely on the Complete Meaning, Not the Partial Meaning This means that we should study until we have grasped the deep truth of
the Buddha's message, we should not allow ourselves to stop at shallower levels of understanding. The Buddha said many things
to many different kinds of people. His teaching method is often referred to as his "skillful means" or his "expedient means" because
he taught different things to different audiences, depending on their ability to understand him. Some of the Buddha's audiences
were slow learners who needed to reify whatever he said, while others were quick learners who were able to grasp his point
directly. The Buddha's teachings, thus, are concerned with many different subjects. Their wide scope is further augmented by the
fact that the Buddha preached the Dharma for forty-five years. As those years went by, his students became more accomplished
and his message deepened to conform to their deepened sensibilities. The mass of sutras and schools that have grown out of that
time period is vast and, sometimes, confusing even to advanced students of the Dharma. If we are not careful, we can become
preoccupied with an incidental message while losing sight of the deep truth.
The deep truth of the Dharma is Buddha mind or Buddha nature. No matter how much we study, we must never allow ourselves to
lose sight of this. Buddha nature is a reality that lies within us even as it completely transcends us. The right way to study the
Dharma is to form a relationship with the Buddha, both the one that lies within you and the one that transcends you. When you can
see the Buddha in everything, you will be able to say that you truly understand the Dharma.
 From Lotus in a Stream  Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Four states of mind for studying the Dharma
 Use Faith to Study the Dharma Blind faith is useless. The Buddha never asked anyone to believe him blindly. He always urged
us to test his teachings and prove them for ourselves. In fact, there is no other way to study the Dharma except to test and retest it
every day. The process of growth and learning that one begins when one first comes into contact with the Dharma does not end
until one has achieved enlightenment. And how could it be otherwise? How could one expect to become enlightened without
working toward that goal each and every day? Then what is the use of faith? If we must test the Dharma, why do we need faith to
learn it? The answer to this question lies in how we understand the word "faith. "At its most basic level, faith might also be called
"confidence" or "reasonable expectations." Just as a college student studying mathematics must have confidence in his teacher and
a reasonable expectation that the course he is taking will lead to a greater understanding of math, so a student of the Dharma must
have confidence in the Buddha and a reasonable expectation that his teachings will lead to enlightenment. The Buddha taught how
to be wise. The inkling of faith that moves within us when we hear his message is an intimation of the higher wisdom of which he
spoke. After we have spent some time with the Dharma, we will naturally begin to have more and more confidence in it. Our faith
will grow because our experience of the Buddha's teachings will have shown us that they are true. Just as wisdom grows with
exposure to the Dharma, so too does faith.
Faith, belief, confidence—without them we can do nothing. Life itself is founded upon faith and hope. SunYat-sen (1866-1925), the
"father" of modern China, once said, "Faith is strength. "The Treatise on the Perfection of Great Wisdom says, "The Buddhadharma
is a vast ocean. We enter it with faith and we cross it with wisdom. "The Flower Garland Sutra says, "Faith is the mother of all
virtue. It nourishes all good roots." Faith is like the root of a plant. Nothing can grow or flourish if its roots are not strong. When we
lose faith, we lose hope and our lives become bleak. When we gain faith, we gain hope and our lives become wondrous again. In
studying the Dharma it is important to strike the right balance between the need to believe the Dharma and the need to test it. If we
believe it with too much faith, we might never ask the deeper questions that lead to the deepest levels of understanding. At the
same time, if we spend long periods of time questioning each and every word, we will deprive ourselves of the opportunity to learn
anything at all. Some people are like that. They contradict everything they hear and argue with every last aspect of the Buddha's
teaching. Their attitudes prevent them from learning anything. This is not what the Buddha meant by testing his message. He meant
that first we should learn the message and then we should apply it to our lives. If you learn the Dharma correctly and apply it
correctly to your life, you will be convinced that it is true.
Use Doubt to Study the Dharma This suggestion may sound strange coming immediately after the one above, but doubt has been
an important method for studying the Dharma for thousands of years. The Dharma is like a great bell; if you tap it lightly it will barely
ring, but if you strike it hard it will ring with a ring that fills the world. The Dharma can be tested and it can be proved. When we
focus all of the vague longings of our doubts directly onto the Dharma, it will answer us with a resounding affirmation. There is a
Ch'an saying that applies here: "Small doubts lead to small awakenings. Great doubts lead to great awakenings." If we have no
questions, we will obtain no answers. If we have no doubts, we will have no access points for new information. When we are certain
of everything, we cannot learn. Never be afraid to ask any question, for the Dharma definitely can answer any question that you can
ask.
In Ch'an Buddhism, doubt often is used as a meditation technique. Ch'an masters advise us to probe and explore our sensations of
doubt. For hundreds of years, they have been saying that these inchoate areas of our beings are vast unused sources of energy.
Enormous samadhi states can open before us when we discard language and enter deeply into the primordial reserves of wonder
and doubt that always underlie our beings. Ch'an meditation questions are designed to lead us deeply into these repositories of
Page 13
wonder and wisdom. Ch'an masters tell us to become friends with our doubts and use them. They ask us to ask ourselves, "What
did my face look like before I was born?" "Who is chanting the Buddha's name?" Use Your Awakened Mind to Study the Dharma
People go to school to gain knowledge. People study the Dharma to become enlightened. The process of becoming enlightened is
a mixture of the slow and the fast. Slowly we read and study the Buddha's teachings, then one day we suddenly say "Ah ha! I
understand "Then it is time to move to the next point, which usually follows a similar process of slow accumulation of information
followed by a sudden understanding of how that information is to be used. Understanding this process can help us appreciate that
there are two sides to becoming enlightened. One is based on a slow process of learning, while the other is something that
suddenly stirs within us when our learning penetrates the deep strata of our beings. We need to be mindful of both of these sides as
we pursue our studies.
Once a young student asked a Ch'an master where to begin his study of the Dharma. The Ch'an master replied, "Do you hear the
birds singing in the tree, and do you hear the crickets buzzing in the grass? Can you see the water flowing in the brook and the
flowers blooming in the field?" The young student replied that he could. The Ch'an master said, "That is the right place to begin your
study of the Dharma." By his response, the master showed the young student two important things: he showed him how to use his
awakened mind to begin his studies and he showed him that his studies must be based on the real world around him. When we
listen receptively to the world, our awakened mind will hear the voice of the Buddha in a trickling stream and our eyes will see the
Dharma realm in everything that we behold. We all must learn to find this awakened mind in ourselves. And once we have found it
we must learn to trust it and use it to show us the way to the Buddha that already lies within.
There is another story from Ch'an history that illustrates this same point in a different way. When Ch'an Master Lung T'an (dates of
birth and death unknown) was still a novice, he went to study under Master T'ien Huang (748—807). He stayed for several years,
but Master T'ien Huang never once taught him anything about the Dharma. At last Lung T'an became discouraged and decided to
go somewhere else where he could receive real teachings. He went to Master T'ien Huang and said, "I am going away so I can
study the Dharma." Master T'ien Huang replied, "But we teach the Dharma right here. Why do you need to go somewhere else to
study?" Lung T'an replied, "I have been here for several years but not once have you ever said anything to me about the Dharma."
Master T'ien Huang replied, "When you hand me tea, I take it from you. When you bring me food, I always eat it. When you bow to
me, I always acknowledge you and nod back. When has there been a single day that I did not transmit the Dharma to you?" When
he heard this, Lung T'an had a great awakening and decided not to leave his masters side after all.
The wisdom of a Buddha lies within us all. Each one of us must find this wisdom on our own. Teachers and books can help us
learn, but no one can ever make our minds grow for us. No one else can ever show us our own true selves. Only we can discover
who we really are. Use No-Mind to Study the Dharma No-mind does not calculate, compare, or contrive. No-mind is pure. It is
certain. It is undefiled by the complexities of self-centeredness. Sometimes I see people with intense minds come into the
monastery. They want to become enlightened as soon as possible. Generally, they study hard for a year or two and then quit. Since
their minds were full from the outset, it was not possible for them to get to the heart of the Buddha's message. The very intensity of
their minds places a wall of preconceptions between them and the Dharma. No one with an attitude like that can really expect to
learn anything new. Our true mind is receptive to what is happening around us. It can listen to its own promptings as well as to the
insights of other people. Our true mind is a selfless no-mind.
Once a student asked a meditation master, "Master, when you meditate you usually do so for a very long time. Do you enter
meditation through mind or through no-mind?" The master answered, "When I enter meditation it is neither through mind nor
through no-mind. I enter it in a state that is beyond all relative distinctions."
Ultimately, the truths contained in the Dharma are beyond all relative distinctions. They are beyond good versus bad, joy versus
sadness, hot versus cold, or right versus wrong. No-mind can be thought of as a mental state that is able to lead the mind beyond
all relative distinctions. It is a sort of antidote that cures our minds of their tendencies to hold onto inhibiting preconceptions. It is
nearly impossible to imbibe the rich nectar of the Buddha's teachings if we always approach them analytically, or if we are always
comparing them to something else. First we must be receptive—this is no-mind. Then we can absorb the Dharma and make it part
of ourselves as we discover that it always was there.
Once a student asked Ch'an Master Wei Shan (771-853), "What is the way?" The master replied, "No-mind is the way." The student
said, "Then I am lost!" The master said, "Then go find someone who is not lost." The student said, "But who is not lost?" The master
said, "There is no one but yourself. You must find yourself!" I deeply hope that all students of the Dharma will adopt an attitude like
this in their studies. If we are receptive to the world around us and sensitive to the conclusions of our own introspection, the great
teachings of the Buddha will lead us unfailingly toward our ultimate liberation.
The goal of no-mind is to see the world as it really is, not as we think it is. When this goal has been achieved, you will see the
Buddha in everything and your true self in him. You will see the universe in a flower and eternity in a momentary smile.
 From Lotus in a Stream  Venerable Master Hsing Yun
To Possess Illicitly
 In this world of ours, there are so many incidents where people, especially those in authority or high positions, abuse the
privilege of their office to line their own pockets. The pursuit of wealth and prosperity is something everyone desires, but those who
are avaricious are insatiable in their endless craving for more and they want to gain illicitly. These are the people who steal, take
bribes, default on their debts, embezzle, cheat and take advantage of any opportunity to make a profit. Some may even engage in
illicit business such as gambling or prostitution or other kinds of scams to earn a fortune.
Should someone make money by any of the above means, they will certainly not escape retribution in accordance to the law of
cause and effect. Any fortune gained from such means will not last very long. In history, many who were crafty enough to cheat
and steal, abuse their power and practice graft, may appear successful in their racketeering, but they end up losing all they had,
including their precious life, ultimately earning nothing but infamy. So what is there to be gained from such illicit activities?
In our daily lives, we too often unknowingly take things that are not given to us, such as casually picking a flower from a bush in the
park. It may appear trivial, but you should realize that all sorts of theft and robbery start from the habit of taking small things! There
is a story where a teacher told a parent, “Your son stole his classmate’s pencil.” The father furiously slapped his child and scolded,
“How could you steal from others? If you need pencils, I could just grab a whole bunch from my office for you!” Though this is only
a joke, such incidents often do take place around us. It is the small things in life that we should be vigilant about. So we should all
be mindful that we can own as much as we want lawfully but should never possess anything illicitly!
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Page 14
Building a Three-storied House
1. There was a silly rich man.
2. One day he paid his friend a visit.
3. He saw strucked with admiration
by imposing spacious, airy and
well-lighted building.
4. I’m no less wealthy than he. Why
don’t I have the same house built
as this one?
5. Can you build an imposing house
exactly like that one?
Sure, I built that house myself.
6. Very good. Now you may built a
similar house for me.
7. What kind of house are you going
to build for me?
A three-storey house.
8. I don’t want the two floors below.
You had better start building from
the third floor for me.
9. It’s impossible. If I don’t begin with
the ground floor, how can I build
the second? If I don’t build the two
below, how can I build the third
floor?
10. But I don’t need the two floors
below, only the top, Understand?
11. How can you have the top floor
without the lower floors?
Explanation:
There are people among the four
groups of disciples of the Buddha;
they wish to attain the wisdom
(paññā), but ignore the practice of
morality (sīla) and concentration
(samādhi).
The Buddha’s teachings are
organized according to the ‘gradual
training’ (anupubbi-kathā). According
to this kind of scheme, the early
stages of the practice of the path are
more concerned with establishing
good conduct on the basis of the
ethical precepts; these provide the
firm foundation for the development of
concentration, which in turn prepares
for the perfection of understanding
and wisdom.
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Page 15
2015 Term 3 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple
Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Level 1
Every Sunday
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
9:00am - 10:00am (Meditation)
10:10am - 11:00am (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term - Booking is required
Cost:
Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Level 4(Free for BLIAQ members)
Every Sunday
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
10:00am -11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm(Buddhist talk)
$20 per term – booking is required
Cost:
Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class
Level: Level 2
Day: Every Sunday
Date: 23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am(Buddhist talk)
11:10am - 12:00pm (Meditation)
Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required
Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class
Buddhist Sutra Study Class
Sutra: Surangama Sutra
Discussion Classes
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Every Sunday
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
11:10am - 12:00pm
Free Donation
Level:
Day:
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Level 3
Every Sunday
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
10:00am - 11:00am (Meditation)
11:10am - 12:00pm (Buddhist talk)
$20 per term-Booking is required
Day:
Every Sunday
Date: 23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Chung Tian Temple
Cost: Free
Tai Chi Class
Tai Chi Class
Tai Chi Class
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Day:
Time:
Where:
Cost:
Every Wednesday
9.30am – 11.00am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
 To book for the Buddhist classes, an
application form must be completed and
returned to the Chung Tian Temple’s
reception together with full payment at least
a week prior to the course
commence date.
Every Saturday
9.00am – 10.30am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
Bodhi Class For Children
Teenager’s Buddhist Class
Ages:
Ages:
3 - 12 years
13 - 19 years
Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am
Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am
Date:
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
Date:
Cost:
$20 per term
Cost:
Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free.
 For all enquiry please contact
3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday,
or email: ibaq@chungtian.org.auor
www.chungtian.org.au
Thank you.
Every Sunday
8.30am – 10.00am
Chung Tian Temple
Free donation
 Children are taught Buddhist morals and
ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are
backed by fun activities which include: simple
meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories
and virtues, craft activities and team-building
games.
23 Aug 2015 to 27 Sept 2015
$20 per term
Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be
free.
 The intermediate Dharma class builds on
and expands the basic foundations of
Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical
approach and solutions to challenges issues
faced by young people today.
What is the Buddha Path?
 The Buddha path is the concept of transcendence: do not differentiate between “you”, “I”, or others, and
do not discriminate between life and death.
The Buddha path is the concept of mercy and compassion: treat all beings as relatives. The Buddha path is
the concept of dependent origination: the world and I are interconnected and interrelated. The Buddha path
is the concept of equality: act without selfishness, desires, or seeking.
 Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Date
Day
Time
Program
19 July 15
Sunday
9.30am ~ 3.00pm
One Day Meditation Retreat
30 July 15
Thursday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (15th of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
1 August 15
Saturday
9.30am
Great Compassion Repentance Service (In Mandarin)
3 August 15
Monday
11.00am
Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day (In Mandarin)
9.00am
Ullambana Festival Filial Piety Buddhist Chanting Service (In Mandarin)
8 ~ 16 August 15
15 August 15
Saturday
11.00am
Sangha Offering Service
16 August 15
Sunday
10.00am
Grand Offering
1.00pm
Thrice Yearning Dharma Service & General Merit Transference
22 August 15
Saturday
1.30pm
Reflection on "Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk"
23 August 15
Sunday
2.00pm
Baby Blessing Ceremony
28 August 15
Friday
11.00am
Sangha Day Dharma Service (In Mandarin)
4 Sept 15
Friday
10.30am
Longevity Dharma Service (Birthday of Venerable Master Hsing Yun)
12 Sept 15
Saturday
9.00am ~ 12.00noon
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s B’day Service (In Mandarin)
13 Sept 15
Sunday
11.00am
Bright Light Dharma Service (1st of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)
27 Sept 15
Sunday
9.00am
BLIAQ Mid -Autumn Festival Gathering
Every Sunday
9.00am ~ 9.40am
English Buddhist Chanting
Every Saturday
10.30am ~ 12.00noon
Buddhist Service (in Mandarin)
Page 16