1034 underwood road newsletter pries - chung tian templevenerable master hsing yun’s immediate...

Buddha’s Light International Association Queensland

BLIAQ Newsletter

1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Website: www.chungtian.org.au Email: [email protected] Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522

Chung Tian Buddhist Temple

October 2019 Edition 139

HIGHLIGHTS

Our Beautiful Temple

Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun A Farewell and

A Welcome

SAVE THESE DATES

13 October English One Day Meditation Retreat 20 October English Meditation and Buddhism classes Term 4 begins. 9 November BLIAQ AGM 15 December Council Markets For a full list of October events Please see page 10

Greetings to all our readers This month we trial new format for our newsletter, and in future there will be a

photograph on the first page to reflect recent Temple events or context of the month’s content. We always value feedback on any aspect of the newsletter so do let us know what you think or how you would like your branch newsletter to be.

September has seen us farewell our Abbess who has been here for 25 years. This was Buddhism in context indeed, and cause for many to reflect on attachment and impermanence. One of our items in this edition is two member’s reflection on Abbess Shan’s farewell event. At the same time, our Temple family welcomed Abbess Man Wang and we all look forward to her guidance on our continuing journey into Buddhism at Chung Tian.

As usual we have the regular items: Our Beautiful Temple, Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, From the Presidents Diary, and Meet Your BLIAQ committee. Future editions of the newsletter will profile the remaining committee members, then our Elder Advisors, followed by the Dharma teachers for both children and adults. From the Editors Pen has moved to page two to allow a little more space. All these items plus photographs from the past month and a summary of forthcoming events. Contents this issue Page

From the Editor’s Pen 2 Our Beautiful Temple: The Bodhisattva Hall part 2 3-4 Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun 5 Meet your BLIAQ Branch Committee 6 Diary reminders from your branch president 7 A Farewell and a Welcome 8 Chung Tian Temple events for October 10 Term 4 Meditation, Buddhist, Tai Chi, and Children’s Classes 11

BLIAQ Edition 139 October 2019

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The world has seen many great teachers, often softly spoken and humble. Some are famous, some are known to only a few, but whose words have been handed down through the years - with life changing results for millions. Proponents of the spoken (or written) word, often do not know the consequences their words have on people’s lives, either at the time of delivery or in the future. Causes and conditions. An obvious example of a great teacher is Sakyamuni Buddha, but another is Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

An event in September that many of us were witness to, was what I can only describe as an example of ‘Humanistic Buddhism and Wisdom in Action’ shared with us by another humble but articulate teacher. On 15th September, Venerable Miao Guang gave a lecture ‘We are All Buddhas – My journey of Self Discovery.’ English is her first language and she is the Fo Guan Shan direct translator for Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She took us on her own journey that was told with compassion, humour, intellect, and understanding of not only western society but also the human condition in general. Above all, it was underpinned by the wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism.

At several times during her talk, hearty and spontaneous laughter echoed through the conference room as she recounted events in her life.

At other times many in her audience were moved to tears, particularly as she spoke of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s immediate response to the events of 9/11 and his visit (with her as translator) to Ground Zero.

Her explanations and examples of emptiness were simple but profound and effective. She quoted words of George Bernard Shaw, and Bishop / philosopher George Berkeley, as well as several others. As she took us through those clear and relevant explanations of emptiness, an underpinning theme was about illusion and delusive views. More importantly, how different people may view the same thing, and how we need to compassionately and non-judgementally recognise that the same scene or situation can be viewed in profoundly different ways that may be depending on causes and conditions.

For those who were unable to attend this lecture, I strongly encourage you to view it on BLIAQ TV via the Chung Tian Temple website. Ralph tells me this will be available in a couple of weeks. For this month’s Words of Master Hsing Yun, I have chosen a segment from his book Humanistic Buddhism, appropriately it was translated by Venerable Miao Guang. Hilary Lennon Editor

Thoughts from the Editors Pen

September was the month our community came together to say a difficult goodbye, but also to give a very special welcome. This was Impermanence and attachment in everyday life- in our lives. In this time of change at our Temple, I am reminded that we are a community of differing cultures, languages and histories. I once remarked to a group of students that walking through the grounds and buildings of Chung Tian, you will hear many different languages. Yet the reality is even though we do not all speak the same language we actually do speak the same language. It is the language of Humanistic Buddhism as taught to us by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and we must not lose sight of this.


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Our Beautiful Temple

The Bodhisattva Hall Part 2

The statue in front of Sakyamuni Buddha is also The Buddha, although the mudras are different. On the chest of this statue is the Sauvastika sign, which is often found on Buddhist statues.

We should note that It is an ancient

auspicious sign used over 3,000 years ago, with the symbolic meaning of the universality (of our Buddha nature). It represents goodness virtue, purity and the power to overcome evil. The arms of the Buddhist Sauvastika point in a counter clockwise direction and the sign is always in an upright ‘+’ position. Many western people are confronted when seeing this sign. So it must be stressed that it is not related to the Nazi sign of Hitler who reversed its direction, tilted it in an ‘X’ shape, and then named it Swastika.

As we explore the statuary in the Bodhisattva Hall, we see that the smaller statue placed in front of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva is Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha images are there to remind us to practice his teaching, as well as to express gratitude and pay respect. Images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas all remind us of the virtuous quality each one represents.

The small statues

on either side of the Buddha are guardians or Dharma Protectors. One is Sangharama Bodhisattva (Chinese Ch’ieh Lan), protector of Buddhist Temples.

The other is Skanda Bodhisattva (Wei T’uo in Chinese) protector of the Sangha, who

traditionally wears warriors armour with a helmet and holds a club to vanquish enemies and protect the Dharma. It is said that Sakyamuni Buddha asked Wei T’uo to watch over the east, west and south.

One of Wei T’uo’s most acclaimed deeds was his successful pursuit and capture of a thief who stole Sakyamuni Buddha’s teeth from his funeral relics.


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The different hand gestures found on statues all have significance. Hand gestures (mudras), are a type of non-verbal communication. They convey specific Buddhist concepts, teachings, and events in Sakyamuni Buddha’s life in a way more profound than if expressed through words. Postures, whether seated, standing, or reclining, are also symbolically charged. On the altar, are various kinds of offerings such as: light offerings (candles), incense, flowers, fruit, and vegetarian food. All offerings made to Buddha and Bodhisattvas are as a sign of respect. They also carry special meanings, for example burning of incense produces fragrance, symbolizing the purification of air and reminding us to purify our mind.

Offerings of flowers represent impermanence while offerings of fruit represent the law of Cause and Effect. When flowers blossom into fruit, the consequences of our deeds are demonstrated. Offerings of rice and food represent the basics for life. Water represents purity and stability and symbolizes cleansing from defilement.

Lotus flowers are commonly represented in statuary and temple artwork. They may be shown in developing bud, in full bloom, with or without a stem, and are one of the most complex and prominent Buddhist symbols as they represent purity and enlightenment. From swampy depths, the lotus flower grows into an exquisite and fragrant flower. Likewise, people can emerge from ignorance, become pure and blossom into enlightenment. The lotus is also a cosmic flower representative of the supramundane1. Lotus imagery abounds throughout the temple. Most of the Buddha and Bodhisattva figures are on lotus thrones.

1 In Buddhism - transcending the mundane, celestial or being situated above the world, or above our system.

Burning Light or Candle offerings also symbolize hope and the extinguishing of the darkness in our mind. In addition, they shine on us to keep reminding us to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of others. On either side of the altar, there are tall light pagodas. Each consists of a number of small lights in layers, forming the shape of a tapering pagoda. Next to each small light, there is a person’s name. At the beginning of each year, devotees of the Temple, with an appropriate donation, will have their names or names of their loved ones placed on each individual light for the year. Not only lights on the light pagodas, but names of devotees can also be found on the small lights on the walls of the Main Shrine. This is called Bright Light Offering to the Buddha. Throughout the year, on the full moon day of each month, a special Bright Light Dharma Service is held and the merit will also be transferred to these devotees to have the Buddha’s blessing. Light offering to the Buddha also has the merits of ‘Bright and clear eyes, smooth career path, right views, perfect wisdom’ as recorded in the Liang Huang Repentance.

Thanks must go to Elaine Pun for her invaluable assistance with this item, particularly the information about the two light pagodas. Also to John Cartwright for his suggestions and guidance regarding aspects of the Shrine. Next month we look in more depth at the chanting instruments in the Bodhisattva Hall.


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Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun*

Humanistic Buddhism denotes the Dharma, the Buddha's teachings for humanity. Its sacredness is indubitable. It adheres to the truths of all the Buddha's fundamental teachings and holds the Three Jewels as its core. However, it also emphasizes the humanistic, relevant, altruistic, joyful, universal, and timely characteristics of Buddhism, as well as the global spreading of the Dharma. Only one side of Buddhism was shown bereft of a comprehensive interpretation of the doctrine, resulting in a divergence from the Buddha's original intents. Unsurprisingly, the spread of Buddhism was thus limited.

In the future, Humanistic Buddhism shall evolve from the passive attitudes of "suffering, emptiness, and impermanence" into one that is positive, beneficial, and essential. It shall expand from a monastic focus to one that encompasses both lay and monastics, men and women alike. It shall advance from being reclused in distant mountains and forests to connecting with society and adapting to urban life. It shall emerge from being confined to temple grounds and individual practice, toward integrating with family life, as well as with service and contribution as ways of cultivation. Humanistic Buddhism shall transform temples and families into places of practice. Bridging the gap between seclusion and society, it will ensure greater interaction between Buddhists. Similarly, Humanistic Buddhism shall strive to be socially relevant in whatever ways conditions require. All Buddhists shall unite and advocate the spirit of Buddhism. Peace and stability shall be achieved through a Humanistic Pure Land of the Five Harmonies. That is why we now propose Humanistic Buddhism: holding true to Buddha's original intents.

*Humanistic Buddhism. Holding true to the Original intents of Buddha. P 320. Translated by Venerable Miao Guang. Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise Co. Ltd, Taiwan 2016 first edition.

Give Others Hope Give Others Joy

Give Others Convenience Give Others Consideration


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Meet Your BLIAQ Chung Tian Branch Photographer

Kim is a long-term special member of our Temple family. She frequently makes us smile and often reminds us of the important things in life like friendship and family, (particularly the four-legged kind). At times she touches our hearts with her honesty and thoughtfulness. For some years she has been an avid photographer of BLIAQ and general Temple events, and more recently accepted the role of unofficial Chung Tian BLIA Branch photographer, so we could all have the benefit of views from her lenses. In addition, at times she provides us with her accounts of temple events and branch trips and so is also our unofficial ‘roving reporter’. Here are her responses to the questions we asked.

Hi. My name is Kim and I am the Committee’s official ‘photographer’......(without any

qualifications!) I have been in this role for approximately eight months. I do enjoy photography but have no claims to fame with my snaps, clicks and shots. I’ve been coming to Chung Tian Temple since about March 2004.

I was “searching”. I will say I didn’t find what I was searching for straight away. I never finished the first beginner’s class. I walked away with the book in hand, read it in my own time and then came back to the next class with a stronger belief that there may be something here for me.

I grew up with no religion – never having anything/anyone to believe in. Buddhism has whole-heartedly filled that void – not just with its teachings and faith etc, but with the genuine, beautiful friends I have made along the way.

These friendships are consequently very strong after so many years, and also secure, in that people accept me at my loud, happy, chirpiest self, but also know the other side of my journey and rally around me with loving support when things are tough. I’m not scared to be myself here at my temple “home”.

I’m an avid animal lover and am training my own little Cavoodle Lottie, as my mental health assistance dog. She is doing really well.

I also love gardening and the colour purple – you’ll spot me around the temple with my purple hair and yellow vest!!

Snap..... Click..... “SMILE”


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As Gary is away at present, I have the honour of adding a few

words to the, as always, beautifully presented newsletter. The Mid- Autumn Festival on Friday 13th September, was a lovely experience, especially as it is also called the Moon Festival, and the moon was clearly visible all evening

The branch meeting on Sunday 22nd September was well attended

with seventeen members, and there were lots of good ideas presented for us to think about over the coming months, particularly in relation to fund raising. We welcomed several new members, and our guiding venerable, Venerable Chueh Chang, who we must thank for her input (and lollies). Karina will be completing the minutes to be sent to all our members in the near future.

Some of the items for your diary and other recent events include: • Sunday 13th October 9.00 – 3.30. One Day Meditation Retreat, ($40.00 includes lunch and

refreshments). This is a silent retreat and includes various ways to find peace through meditation. If you have not yet attended one of these retreats, it is well worth experiencing.

• Sunday 20th October is the start of term 4 for the Buddhism and Meditation 6-week course, at all 4 levels.

• Every Sunday at 9.00am we have the English Chanting Service. We encourage you to come and join us, it is a very special way to start the week.

• Looking a little further ahead, The BLIAQ AGM will be on 9th November, and on December 15th there is to be a Local Council Markets event part of which will be at our Temple.

• Also, just a note that there is an India Pilgrim Tour planned from 11 December for 11 nights, 12 days, and those interested should contact guiding Venerable Chueh Chang, but be aware that bookings have to be in by early October.

• On 29 September we had an informal meeting with Venerable Miao Lai and Abbess Venerable Man Wang. We were delighted to welcome Abbes Man Wang personally and she met with some 15 of our members. There was much laughter during the meeting particularly in relation to a special significance of Australian Koala bears occasionally seen at our Temple.

• A further item added to the meeting was that Abbess Man Wang informed us that Venerable Miao Lai is to again be our Guiding Venerable.

That’s it for now. I’m sure Gary will let you know if there is anything else when he returns.

Omituofo Sharon

Branch Vice-President Diary Notes


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On Saturday afternoon, 20/9/19, a Farewell was held for Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in the Conference Room. Afterwards there were light refreshments, so everyone was able to mingle and share anecdotes of the time Abbess Shan had been such an integral part of Chung Tian Temple.

How do you even begin to contemplate organizing, planning, scheduling and running an event on such a scale as this? How do you say a Fond Farewell to someone with a small stature and a huge heart? The energy in the room was buzzing……so many people from different branches, different areas of the temple, past members, current members and those whose lives have been touched in some way by our special Abbess Venerable Shan.

It was wonderful just to be there, and to have the opportunity to personally say “Thank You” but, more importantly, to share the afternoon with so many others who were there to pay tribute to Venerable Shan. In all the years we have been coming, we have never seen the Conference Room so full. It was bursting at the seams with fellow Dharma Brothers and Sisters. Even the ex-Lord Mayor of Logan John Freeman and his wife Jenny attended.

Clearly it was a very sad event having to say “Goodbye” to Venerable Shan, but there were also many lighter moments. Several speakers gave anecdotes of their experiences at the Temple during the time Venerable Shan was Abbess and at the helm.

These reminiscences included several humorous stories, together with touching examples of the Venerable’s compassion and humanity. The ex-Lord Mayor spoke of a very personal memory, how Venerable Shan, or “Shan” as he said he had always politely referred to her, was a great comfort to his wife when she had experienced a serious illness.

At one point there was an amazing overhead display reflecting the 25 years since Venerable Shan first came to the Temple. She told us that it was half of her lifetime with 13 years as Abbess. It was marvelous to see the multitude of changes and achievements that she had accomplished over that time. Everyone was filled with gratitude and appreciation of her vision, and the unending hard work she dedicated on our behalf.

Gary shared a few humorous memories of his time with Venerable Shan, e.g. once when he thought he had finished his meal the Venerable pointed out that his plate wasn’t empty – he had three grains of rice remaining! Gary also spoke from his heart about how Venerable Shan leaving the Temple was a difficult lesson on Impermanence, and he offered her both his personal gratitude and best wishes, together with those of the Chung Tian Branch.

A Farewell and a Welcome


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Towards the end of the farewell, the Choir performed a beautiful song and the ex-Lord Mayor then led a rousing, (and in his words,) very Aussie farewell of three cheers. It was a wonderful moment and so very heartfelt by the whole room.

In spite of the sadness at losing Abbess Shan there were also feelings of anticipation for things to come, and recognition that just as things change, causes and conditions had meant this Farewell was also a Welcome to our new Abbess, Venerable Man Wang.

Abbess Man Wang made a speech, which introduced herself and told us a little

about herself. This is not the first time she has been a Venerable here at Chung Tian Temple. When it was in its initial building stages she was here. She told us stories about how the end of the day would actually be when the work really began……everybody would begin stacking roof tiles for the builders for the next day’s work. Abbess Man Wang was here for 7 years before moving onto her next post and as is normally the way for our Venerables, she moved around to different Temples over the years but is looking forward to staying with us here for some time. Consequently, she was very warmly greeted, then both she and Venerable Shan shared cutting a cake of both thanks and celebration. So, with auspicious blessings we said a fond farewell to our much-loved Abbess Venerable Shan, and welcomed with warm hearts and open arms our new Abbess Venerable Man Wang. There is much for us all to adapt to in the months ahead, but we hope Abbess Venerable Man Wang can feel the genuine welcome and warmth we extend to her. We look to her for continued guidance as we all continue our shared journey into Humanistic Buddhism at Chung Tian Temple. Anne Maas & Kim Perryman


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Date Day Time Program 5 Oct. Sat. 10:30am Gratitude Repaying Dharma Service

12 Oct. Sat. 9:30am-12:00pm Great Compassionate Repentance Dharma Service (Grand Offering)

13 Oct. Sun. 9:00am-3:30m English One-Day Meditation Retreat

13 Oct. (Lunar 15/9) Sun. 11:00am Bright Light Dharma Service (Grand Offering)

17 Oct.(Lunar 19/9) Thur. 11:00am

Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Renunciation Day (Grand Offering)

18 Oct. Fri. 10:30am Study Group of Loving Care Group

19 Oct. Sat. 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service cum Merit Transfer to the

Deceased

1:30pm BLIAQ Monthly Presidents Meeting

20 Oct. Sun. 2:00pm Teacher’s Day Fellowship Gathering

19 - 26 Oct. Sat. 1:30pm-3:30pm Chinese and Cantonese Buddhist Classes（Term 4）

26 Oct. Sat. 9:00am-3:00pm Medicine Buddha Dharma Service

(Medicine Buddha Repentance + Grand Offering)

27 Oct. (Lunar 29/9) Sun. 10:30am Medicine Buddha’s Birthday

(Sutra of Medicine Buddha + Grand Offering)

28 Oct. (Lunar 1/10) Mon. 11:00am Bright Light Offering (Grand Offering) 6 Oct.-20 Oct. Sun. 10:00am-12:00pm Chung Tian Youth Buddhist Study (Term 3) 20 Oct.-24 Nov

Sun. 9:00am-12noon English Buddhist and Meditation Classes（Term 4）

10:00am-11:00am English Children/Teenagers Buddhist Classes（Term 4）

Every week Sat.

9:00am-12:00noon Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Classes

1:30pm-4:30pm Chung Tian School City Centre Children/ Teenagers Chinese Classes Chung Tian School Adult Chinese Class

Every week Sun.

9:00am-12:00pm Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Classes (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan)

Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Classes

9:00am-9:40am English Chanting Service

1:00am-3:00pm Chung Tian Choir

1:00pm-3:00pm Buddha’s Light Scout Group Activities

Every week Wed. 9:30am-11:00am

Chung Tian Tai Chi Class Sat. 9:00am-10:30am Sun. 8:30am-10:00am

Every week

Wed. 9:30am-12:00pm English Basic Class

Thur. 9:30am-12:00pm English Progressive Class

Fri. 9:30am-12:00pm English Intermediate Class

1st and 3rd week Thur. 10:30am-12:00pm Buddhist Chanting Service (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan)

2nd and 4th week Thur. 10:30am-12:00pm Study Group (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan)

FO GUANG SHAN CHUNG TIAN TEMPLE ACTIVITIES FOR OCTOBER 2019


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Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Day: Sunday Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Time: 9:00am-10:00am (Meditation) 10:10am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $30 per term - Booking required Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 4 (Free for BLIAQ members) Day: Sunday Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $30 per term – booking is required

Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 2 Day: Sunday Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) 11:10am-12:00am (Meditation) Cost: $30 per term - Booking required Bodhi Class For Children Ages: 4 - 12 years Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Cost: $30 per term Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. Ì 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.

Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 3 Day: Sunday Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $30 per term - Booking required

Ì 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. Ì For all enquiries please contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday, or email: [email protected] or see www.chungtian.org.au

Thank you

Teenager’s Buddhist Class Ages: 13 - 19 years Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Cost: $30 per term Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. Ì 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.

Tai Chi Class Day: Every Wednesday Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation Tai Chi Class Day: Every Saturday Time: 9.00am – 10.30am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation Tai Chi Class Day: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am – 10.00am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation

Please send items & suggestions for inclusion in the newsletter to: [email protected] with the word “Newsletter” in the subject. If referring to another person by name (or photograph) in your submission, please ensure you have their permission to do so. A special thank you to Kim, Peter Wu & 惜寬 for their photographs, also to Anne and Kim for their piece about the Farewell Welcome Event and to Elaine Pun and John Cartwright for information and suggestions for the Beautiful Temple segment.

2019 Term 4 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple

1034 underwood road newsletter pries - chung tian templevenerable master hsing yun’s immediate...

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