2021 -- 智慧與創新

主題：智慧與創新
時間：二○二一年十月
地點：高雄佛光山
主講：心保和尚


各位佛光人，大家吉祥！

　　正當全球飽受新冠肺炎（COVID-19）疫情侵襲的時候，謹以國際佛光會創會會長星雲大師在會員大眾之間倡議的「吉祥」問候，向世界各地的佛光人、佛光之友致上最衷心的慰問與祝福。大師說：「吉祥，就代表沒有災難，沒有災殃，一切都是美好的時刻，美好的因緣。」祈願疫情在人類全體的共同防治下，早日遠離，世界平安吉祥。

　　自疫情爆發以來，人類的生活方式產生變化，產業運作面臨巨大衝擊，各行各業都在想方設法尋求永續發展的新契機，顯然地，「轉型」是一個化危機為轉機的方法，「創新」才是突破困難的動力。在人世間，不但個人要透過每日的反省來更新自己，脫胎換骨，每個領域也都需要具備創新的能力，才能跟上時代的脈動。因此，今年大會擬以大師一筆字「智慧創新」做為主題，期望佛光大眾秉持大師人間佛教的理念，以佛法智慧做為創新的根底，創造各種好因好緣，尋得疫情下的出路，也為自己、為他人的未來開創嶄新的人生，為人間、為佛教做出更多的貢獻。茲以四點說明佛光人「智慧創新」的實踐方向。


一、佛法真理的還原

　　大師一生倡導「人間佛教」，有人不解：「佛教就佛教，為什麼還要加個『人間』？」大師說：「人間佛教就是佛教」，佛陀的教化是「為了解決人間的問題」、「為了增加人間的幸福安樂」。所以，佛教是具有「人間性」的佛教，是與人的生活息息相關的佛教。

可惜佛教在歷史流傳的過程中，受到時空環境等因素影響，許多佛法道理受到扭曲、誤解，背離了佛陀的原意，與人的生活脫節，失去了人間性，令一些有心想要學佛的人敬而遠之，已經學佛的人也不一定能把握到要領。因此，大師一生矢志於要對佛法做出新的解釋，俾使佛法真理還原，讓信徒大眾都能明白佛心佛意。一如他所說的：「我有一些新的解釋，不是創新佛教，也不是說標新立異，只是想宣揚佛陀的本懷，讓人容易了解佛法。」大師對佛法的新解，是本於對眾生的慈悲，為了幫助眾生與佛陀「示、教、利、喜」的本懷相應，並不是說在佛教之外又另立一個什麼佛教；佛教一樣是佛教，是以人為中心的人間佛教。

　　從解釋「四大皆空」為「四大皆有」、「一麻一麥」為「一些麻、一些麥」；「人人皆有佛性」即「我是佛」；「無常」不是只有變壞，也能變好；「苦」是增上緣，不是真目的；「六度」是度人，也是自度；「皈依三寶」是民主，「受持五戒」是自由等等，大師以其慧解，或還原長年被謬解的佛法事實，或以現代語言給予佛法新的詮釋，在在都拉近了眾生和佛陀的距離，透露出人間佛教的特質──是智信的，不是迷信的；是正見的，不是邪見的；是光明的，不是恐怖的；是積極的，不是消極的；是反求諸己的，不是要求別人的；是善巧方便的，不是執著守舊的；是符合因果緣起的，不是違背因果法則的；是與普世價值融和的，不是絕俗離世的；是能給人實踐的，不是虛無縹緲的。

　　佛教講「修行」，就是「修正行為」的意思，而行為的正確則有賴正確的觀念來引導。所以，正知正見對學佛修行很重要。如果一個人對佛法能有正確的認識，如理思惟法義，解行並重，就是修行。好比有的人以為「輪迴」是死後的事，其實輪迴就在現實的生活裡，面對人世間的是非好壞，遲遲不能忘懷，把昨天的煩惱帶到今天、帶到明天、後天，就是輪迴；反之，你能夠化解煩惱，當下脫離輪廻之苦，就是解脫。

　　所謂「人身難得今已得，佛法難聞今已聞」，今生我們能夠做人已經不容易，再能親近佛教、聽聞佛法更不容易，期勉大家把握認識人間佛教的因緣，正確了解佛法的本意，適切地將佛法運用在日常生活中。


二、弘法方式的多元

　　人間佛教是以人為本的佛教，是能為人類帶來幸福安樂的佛教。大師一生洲際奔波，本著人間佛教「人要的」要旨，因應人心的需求不同，得度的因緣不同，以開放、包容的智慧，帶領佛光人以「佛光山四大宗旨」為起點，著手文化、教育、慈善、共修等佛法事業的開創，在弘法方式上不斷推陳出新，無非就是希望將幸福安樂布滿人間。

　　一路走來，大師施設各種善巧方便，給予普羅大眾接觸佛教、認識佛教的因緣。舉凡順應一般人喜歡美好事物，而設立「佛光緣美術館」，提供藝術欣賞的空間；隨順人心想要上進、學習，成立「人間佛教讀書會」，開啟閱讀交流的平台；深知人心嚮往光明，從傳統寺院青燈古佛的肅穆，再添現代建築明亮寬廣的元素；知道人心需要平安，首創「春節平安燈法會」，每年創新特色，營造新年吉祥歡樂的氛圍；甚至，有的人歡喜護持好事，對於大師發起「我出錢，你治病」、「我買書，你讀書」、「我發心，你吃飯」、「我訂報，你看報」、「我出錢，你修行」的理念，踴躍響應，藉由佛教的「無緣大慈，同體大悲」，擴大結緣的對象。

　　此外，大師將自身早年經歷的困難挫折，轉化成弘法利生的增上緣，也獲得各界人士的支持。例如：幼年貧困不得就學的經驗，啟發他推動「好苗子計畫」，幫助弱勢兒童、青少年升學；青少年時期打球的遭到開除，成就他體育弘法的願心，先後在佛光體系各級學校成立籃球隊、棒球隊、足球隊，並且組織青壯老幼一同參與啦啦隊，提升全民運動的風氣；初到台灣的衣食無著，激勵他往後建寺的「普門大開」，廣接來者；乃至於幾次的無緣加入中國佛教會為佛教效力，促成他今日創辦國際佛光會，走上國際弘法之路。

　　雖然科技發展一日千里，但是人類煩惱的本質從古到今都是不變的，佛法終究是眾生身心的依靠。本之於「不忍眾生苦」的宏願，大師開創了各種弘法的新契機，期許我等佛光人也都能秉持大師「非佛不作」的理念，運用現代化的弘法方式，持續將佛法傳播出去，讓社會大眾對佛教生起好感，進而發心學佛。特別是在疫情期間，如何安頓人心、關懷世界是當務之急，感謝佛光人在全球危難之際，發揮「集體創作」的精神，突破萬千困難，將募集到的防疫物資送抵世界各地，為恐懼中的人們帶來一線希望；同時，設置線上祈福、修持、課程、展覽、聯誼、講習、讀書會、音樂比賽等平台，為浮動不安的人心注入一股安定的力量，這些，無不是佛光人拔苦予樂的慈心悲願。

　　在日新月異的時代，科技的應用可以改變人類的生活，但是我們不能忘記，人的服務精神是永遠不能被取代的，弘揚佛法也是如此，儘管弘法方式不斷創新，接引眾生的暖度不能減少。所謂「善用其心，成就勝妙功德」，只要我們用心，每一項弘法事業、每一個弘法方式，都將是諸佛菩薩的示現說法。


三、身心環境的淨化

　　好幾年前，我們聽到一個名詞，叫做「溫室效應」，知道地球出了一些毛病狀況；過不多久，又出現一個名詞，叫做「全球暖化」，全世界對關心地球這件事就愈來愈重視。

　　在全球暖化帶來的危害當中，最明顯的當屬氣候變遷。受到極端氣候的影響，近年來世界到處不是旱災，就是水澇，不是極熱，就是極冷，災難時有所聞，甚至因此導致的動物遷徙，增加了物種之間的病毒移動機會，使得傳染病發生的頻率增高，在近二十年間就爆發有SARS、H1N1、H7N9，以及從去年初至今仍未消除的COVID-19等嚴重傳染性疾病，對人類的生命安全造成威脅。所以，保護地球是當今人類責無旁貸的義務，面對環保問題需要投入更多的因應對策。

　　長期以來，佛光山、佛光會對環保議題相當關注，分布在全球五大洲的別分院道場，以及各佛光協會、分會，經常響應或發起環保運動，舉凡資源回收、淨灘、淨山、植樹、掃街、二手物品義賣等，以實際行動為減緩地球暖化盡一份力量。近年，為了擴大對環境保護的推廣和實踐，智慧創新，再發起「蔬食A計劃」，於全球各地推廣蔬食救地球，並於今年成立「綠色公益基金會」，將綠色環保設為專案執行計劃，展開「T-Earth植樹行動」，陸續在世界各地進行林地復育，為平衡生態貢獻力量，同時也邀請專家學者、企業家共同舉辦「綠色公益世界國際氣候論壇」，分享環保經驗，攜手朝向聯合國「淨零排放」（Net Zero Emissions）的目標努力，找回地球原有的生命活力。  

　　自古以來，佛教就是一個重視自然生態的宗教，寺院多半座落在林木蓊鬱的山林裡。承襲祖師大德植樹造林，保護生態的風範，大師在世界五大洲興建的主要寺院，也都樹木圍繞，綠意盎然。事實上，早在佛光山開山之初，面對滿山遍野的麻竹、水土流失嚴重的荒地，大師即展開整地植栽，如今五十五年過去，小樹苗早已長成參天大樹，生氣蓬勃。甚至近十年間相繼興建的佛陀紀念館、藏經樓，大師不但每日前往工地巡視，更將關心周邊樹木移植、生長的情況，視為要務。

　　國際佛光會創會三十年來，大師多次在世界大會主題演說的內容中，言及佛教對環保護生的重視，也曾以主題「自然與生命」，呼籲大家珍惜生命，與大自然合為一體；以「環保與心保」為題，直指「搶救地球，首重環保」，勉勵全球佛光人對唯一的地球做出更多的保護，同時指出保護外在環境，需要靠人類的自我覺醒，從心靈環保出發。假如人人都能淨化身口意，減少貪瞋痴，所謂「心淨國土淨」，外在環境的清淨將是指日可待。

　　在這個世間，眾生是一體的，每一個人與這個世界都是有關係的，做為佛教徒當然也要關心這個世界，國際佛光會做為聯合國非政府組織成員，將持續對世界展開關懷行動，散播希望的種子，期盼世界愈來愈好。


四、信仰傳承的重視

　　過去的佛教，給人留下青磬紅魚、早晚誦經的刻板印象，以為佛教就只有在寺院中、在殿堂裡，因此，一般人就算有心想要學佛，也都是規劃在年老退休之後。但是現在的佛教不一樣，在大師推動的「人間佛教」之下，佛教走入家庭、走入社會、走入各行各業裡，佛法在人生的每一個階段都能受用。所以，今日大家有緣信仰人間佛教，對自己的選擇要有信心，有信心就會有力量。

　　或許有的人會說：「參加佛光會，活動這麼多，工作這麼忙碌，會有時間修行，提升信仰的層次嗎？」事實上，人間佛教是在大眾中、在服務中修行，而佛光山、佛光會是一個教團、一個團體，正是行佛的大平台、修行的大道場，有助於我們淬鍊人生更高的智慧，實現人生的價值。誠如大師在佛光會成立之初提出的「佛光會員的展望」，第一條就是「為自己留下信仰」，希望每一位佛光人都能把握這一生信仰人間佛教的因緣，透過各項佛光事業、弘法活動、法會共修的參與，在大眾中認識自己，改變自己，昇華自己。

　　學佛是生命中最好的投資，是人世間一本萬利的好事，假如大家能夠進一步將信仰推展到家庭，傳承給下一代，必然會為家庭留下長遠的貢獻。因此，國際佛光會自創會以來，大師即一再鼓勵會員大眾在參加會務活動時，夫婦偕同出席，一起成長，同時也勉勵大家以建立現代佛化家庭「佛光人家」為目標，讓世世代代的子孫都能成為佛教護法，講道德、明因果，以佛法做為生活的指南。近幾年，佛光會為了在會員之間推動大師「三好運動」的理念，再提出「佛光三好人家」的構想，也獲得全世界佛光人的積極響應，號召全家，甚至一家三代共同奉行「三好」，可謂都是信仰傳承的典範。

　　在「佛光人家」、「佛光三好人家」的建立之外，大師更期許所有會員，對人的關懷不只局限於一個家庭，可以再擴大，把學佛的法喜傳遞給街坊鄰居，接引社區居民參與佛光會舉辦的活動，或者擔任義工，服務社會，讓鄰里中大大小小都能法雨均霑，營造一個互助友善的「佛光社區」。

佛光會員的進展，從自己成為「佛光會員」，再讓家庭成為「佛光人家」，進而成就「佛光社區」，共創「人間淨土」，這是大師續佛慧命的智慧創新，希望全球佛光人共同努力，邁向佛光會創會的目標──佛光普照三千界，法水長流五大洲。


　　綜合以上所述，在這個瞬息萬變的時代，大至每一種行業，小至每一個個人，都需要具備「智慧創新」的能力，才能跟上世界迅速發展的腳步。佛教的弘揚也是如此，唯有「智慧創新」，與時俱進，才能順應大眾的需要。因此，國際佛光會成立三十年來，回顧過去，「智慧創新」一直是會務發展的動力；展望未來，「智慧創新」也必然還是會務成長的指引。

　　各位佛光人！在全球疫情嚴峻的時刻，雖然人與人之間空間的距離變大了，但是我們擁有共同的信仰，有大師推動的人間佛教做為依靠，相信心與心之間的距離是更近了。面對器世間發生的災難，希望大家全力配合政府的防疫措施，團結一心，「互助關懷，避免驚慌失措；彼此鼓勵，增加信心無畏」。祝福大家六時吉祥！

2021 -- Wisdom and Innovation

Theme: Wisdom and Innovation
Time: October 2021
Venue: Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung
Keynote speaker: Most Venerable Hsin Bau


BLIA Members:

Auspicious Greetings!

      As the world grapples with the COVID-19 Pandemic, I would like to say “jixiang” (auspicious greetings), the greeting offered by the founding president of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to all BLIA members and Buddha’s Light friends and extend my sincerest regards as well as best wishes to all. As the Venerable Master says, “Auspiciousness means to be free from adversity or disaster, with all moments and conditions being favorable.” May the pandemic soon come to an end through global effort, and may the world be safe and auspicious.

      Since the pandemic outbreak, our lifestyle has changed and businesses face tremendous hardships. Hence, all walks of life seek new opportunities for sustainable development. It is evident that transformation is a way to turn crisis into opportunity, and innovation is the driving force to break through challenges. Similarly, as we improve and change for the better through daily introspection, we also need the ability to innovate in every field to keep up with the changing times. Therefore, the theme for this year’s General Conference, “Wisdom and Innovation,” is derived from the Venerable Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy. It is hoped that BLIA members will uphold the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism as advocated by the Venerable Master—to take Buddhist wisdom as the basis for innovation, create an abundance of good causes and conditions that lead to new opportunities, and find a way out of the pandemic. Furthermore, may these new opportunities open up new doors in life for both self and others, while providing and contributing to the world and Buddhism.

        Here are four directions for BLIA members to actualize “Wisdom and Innovation:”


      Throughout his life, the Venerable Master has advocated Humanistic Buddhism. However, some are still doubtful, “Buddhism is Buddhism. Why add ‘Humanistic’ in front?” The Venerable Master answers, “Humanistic Buddhism is Buddhism.” The Buddha’s teachings are for resolving issues of the human world and increasing people’s peace and happiness. Therefore, Buddhism is Humanistic Buddhism, which is closely connected to human life.

      It is a pity that, throughout the history of its dissemination, Buddhism was affected by time, space, and other factors. Many Buddhist teachings have been distorted and misunderstood, deviating from the Buddha’s original intent, being out of touch with people’s lives, and losing their humanistic qualities. Consequently, people interested in learning Buddhism maintain a respectful distance while practicing Buddhists find it hard to fully grasp the essence of Buddhism. Hence, the Venerable Master devoted his life to harmonizing the Buddha-Dharma to hold true to the original intent of the Buddha for everyone to have the opportunity to understand the Buddha’s true heart and intention.

        As the Venerable Master said, “What I have are some new interpretations; I am neither creating a new Buddhism nor trying to be novel and different. I only wish to expound the original intent of the Buddha and make it easier for people to understand the Buddha-Dharma.” The Venerable Master’s interpretation of the Dharma is based on his compassion for sentient beings, helping people to understand the original intent of the Buddha to inspire, teach, benefit, and bring joy to all beings. This does not mean a new form of Buddhism; Humanistic Buddhism is the Buddha’s teachings and focused on human beings.

      In his wisdom, the Venerable Master reestablishes Buddhist teachings that have long been misunderstood and reinterprets the Dharma in a contemporary way. For example:

       The Venerable Master’s interpretations bridge the gap between people and the Buddha, displaying the following qualities of Humanistic Buddhism:

      Buddhism speaks of cultivation, meaning right action, and right action depends on the guidance of correct concepts. Therefore, right knowledge and right view are crucial to the practice of Buddhism. If people have right understanding of the Buddha-Dharma and practice the teachings accordingly, focusing equally on both understanding and practice, that is cultivation. For example, many believe that the cycle of transmigration occurs only after death. In fact, transmigration is within everyday life. When faced with the good and bad in the world, if we find it difficult to let go and abides in afflictions day after day, it is akin to being caught in the cycle of transmigration. On the other hand, if we can resolve these afflictions, we will be liberated from suffering within the cycle of transmigration in the here and now.

      “Hard it is to attain the human body, which I have now attained; hard it is to hear the Dharma, which I have now heard.” It is not easy for us to be reborn as humans in this life, and even harder to listen and learn the Buddha-Dharma. I encourage everyone to grasp the present conditions to learn Humanistic Buddhism for really understanding the original intent of the Buddha and actualizing the Dharma in daily life.


      Humanistic Buddhism is Buddhism aligned with people and aims to bring them peace and happiness. The Venerable Master has traveled around the world throughout his life and responded to the different needs and conditions of people by upholding the principle of Humanistic Buddhism in giving “what is essential to people.” Given that each person has their unique conditions to be inspired by learning Buddhism, the Venerable Master leads Fo Guang Shan with open and all-embracing wisdom, establishing various cultural, educational, charitable, and spiritual cultivation endeavors according to the Four Objectives of Fo Guang Shan. His only hope is to spread peace and happiness in the world through these new expressions of Dharma propagation.

      Throughout the years, the Venerable Master initiated various skillful and expedient means to provide opportunities for people to learn Buddhism. For example:

Furthermore, many of the Venerable Master’s endeavors, such as free medical aid, book donations, food offerings, newspapers, and cultivation retreats are supported by those who find joy in doing good deeds. These supporters form good affinities with many people through the cultivation of unconditional loving-kindness and universal compassion.

Moreover, the Venerable Master has transformed setbacks and challenges of his early years into supporting conditions for propagating the Dharma and benefitting all beings. For example:

      Although science and technology are advancing by leaps and bounds, the nature of human afflictions remain unchanged. Hence, the Buddha-Dharma is still the ultimate support of people’s body and mind. The establishment of such diverse methods of Dharma propagation is built on the Venerable Master’s profound vow of “cannot bear the suffering of sentient beings.” I sincerely hope that we, as BLIA members, uphold the Venerable Master’s motto of “do only what is in accord with Buddhism.” Through applying modern methods of Dharma propagation, may we continue to spread Buddhism to people in society, so that they can find affinity with Buddhism and be inspired to learn it.

      In this pandemic, resolving people’s fears and caring for the world is the highest priority. I express my gratitude to all BLIA members for their collaborative efforts in donating protective equipment and necessary supplies worldwide despite many challenges, shining the light of hope in such troubled times. Moreover, online prayers, cultivation, classes, exhibitions, meetings, workshops, reading groups, and singing contests were also held for caring and comforting worried minds. These activities embody the kind and compassionate vows of all BLIA members in eradicating the suffering of people and bringing them happiness.

      In this ever-changing era, technology can change the life of humanity, but the spirit of serving others can never be replaced and the same holds true for the propagation of Buddhism. Though the methods of Dharma propagation continue to change, our warmth towards embracing all people cannot be lost. As the saying goes, “Make the best use of the mind, accomplishing wondrous merits and virtues.” As long as we devote ourselves wholeheartedly, all Dharma propagation endeavors are the manifestations of teachings by buddhas and bodhisattvas.


        More than a few years ago, we learned the term “greenhouse effect” and understood that the Earth faced some problems. Not long after, there was another term “global warming,” and the world has paid further attention in caring for the state of planet Earth.

        Among the hazards caused by global warming, the most obvious one is climate change. In recent years, affected by extreme climates, the world has suffered droughts and floods, as well as record-breaking temperatures at both extremes. Natural disasters abound, and the resulting migration of animals has increased the frequency of cross-species transmission of infectious viruses. In the past two decades, serious outbreaks of infectious diseases such as SARS, H1N1, H7N9 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens the lives of all humanity. Therefore, it is the shared duty of everyone to protect the Earth and it is crucial to invest in more strategies in the face of these environmental preservation issues.

      Environmental protection issues have long been a main concern of Fo Guang Shan and BLIA. Branch temples along with BLIA chapters and subchapters worldwide initiate environmental activities on a regular basis, such as recycling, beach cleaning, mountain cleaning, tree planting, street cleaning, and second-hand charity sales, doing their part in slowing down global warming. In recent years, to promote and actualize environmental protection, BLIA launched the global Vege Plan A project to encourage environmental protection through adopting a vegetarian diet. Furthermore, the Pure Green Foundation was established this year to carry out environmental protection activities, such as the T-Earth Forest Restoration Campaign. Reforestation efforts will be conducted globally, contributing to ecological balance. BLIA has also invited experts and entrepreneurs to speak at the Climate Crisis International Forum where speakers share their environmental preservation efforts. May we work together towards the United Nations goal of “Net Zero Emission,” and return to the Earth its original vitality.

      Since ancient times, Buddhism has been a religion that values the natural ecosystem. Most monasteries are located in forests and mountains. Following the footsteps of past eminent masters in reforestation and protecting the ecology, the principal monasteries built by the Venerable Master across the five continents are surrounded by nature and greenery. In the early days of Fo Guang Shan Monastery’s construction, the land was overgrown with wild bamboo and suffered severe soil erosion. The Venerable Master reclaimed and reforested the land. Fifty-five years later, saplings have now grown into luscious towering trees. Similarly, during the last decade-long construction of the Buddha Museum and Sutra Repository, not only did the Venerable Master visit the construction sites daily, but he also viewed the transplantation and growth of surrounding trees as crucial.

      Over the past thirty years since the founding of BLIA, the Venerable Master has repeatedly mentioned Buddhism’s emphasis on environmental protection in his general conference keynote speeches. In his keynote speech “Nature and Life,” he reminds us to appreciate all life and be one with nature. In “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation,” he emphasizes environmental preservation as the first step to saving the Earth, and encourages all BLIA members to put more effort into protecting our home planet. The Venerable Master states that environmental protection can only be successful if we, members of humanity are self-awakened. Therefore, spiritual preservation is the prerequisite condition to the preservation effort. It is said, “When the mind is pure, the land is pure.” Hence, if the physical, verbal, and mental karma of all people are purified, environmental purification is within reach.

      In this world, all beings are interconnected in sharing a relationship with this world; as Buddhists, we must also care about the world. As a United Nations NGO, BLIA will continue to take proactive actions on environmental issues, spreading the seeds of hope for a better world.


      In the past, Buddhism left people with the stereotype of concern only for daily chanting, thinking that Buddhism only existed in temples and shrines. Therefore, if people wanted to learn Buddhism, they mostly made it a part of their retirement plan. However, Buddhism today is different. Under the leadership of the Venerable Master, Humanistic Buddhism has become part of family, society, and all walks of life; the Buddha-Dharma can be applied to every stage of life. Today, as we have the opportunity to call Humanistic Buddhism our faith, so be confident in our own choice, because when there is faith there is strength.

      Some people may say, “We become involved in so many activities after joining BLIA. With such a heavy workload, will there be time for us to cultivate and increase our level of faith?” In truth, the cultivation of Humanistic Buddhism lies in being a part of and serving the multitude. As a monastic community and an organization respectively, both Fo Guang Shan and BLIA are great platforms for Buddhist cultivation, helping us to hone greater wisdom and realize the value of life. According to the “Outlook of BLIA Members,” proposed by the Venerable Master during the founding of BLIA, the first outlook is “keep faith for oneself.” May all BLIA members take hold of this affinity as a Humanistic Buddhism practitioner, as well as self-realize, self-transform, and self-transcend through participating in various BLIA endeavors, Dharma propagation activities, and Dharma services.

      Learning Buddhism is the best investment in life the most profitable endeavor in the world. If everyone can further extend this faith to the family and pass it onto the next generation, there will surely be a lasting contribution for every family. Hence, since the inauguration of BLIA, the Venerable Master has repeatedly encouraged BLIA members to participate in chapter activities with their spouse. At the same time, the Venerable Master also encourages us to build a modern Buddhist family—a Fo Guang Family—so that future generations can also be Buddhists, living a life guided by morality, ethics, and the law of cause and effect. In recent years, to promote the Three Acts of Goodness among its members, BLIA has initiated the “Fo Guang Three Acts of Goodness Family.” This has been positively received by BLIA members worldwide, calling on whole families and even three-generation families to practice the Three Acts of Goodness together. This is an example of passing down the legacy of faith.

      Besides establishing a “Fo Guang Family” and a “Fo Guang Three Acts of Goodness Family,” the Venerable Master hopes that all BLIA members can expand love and care beyond their own families. We can spread the Dharma joy of learning Buddhism to neighbors, invite local residents to participate in BLIA activities, or be a volunteer serving society. Through sharing the Dharma with everyone around us, we are also building a friendly and supportive “Fo Guang Community.”

      The evolution of BLIA members has changed from becoming a BLIA member into a Fo Guang Family, then becoming a Fo Guang Community, and creating a pure land on Earth together. This is the wisdom and innovation of the Venerable Master in passing on the torch of Buddhism. May all BLIA members strive as one and realize the founding goal of the BLIA: May the Buddha’s light shine universally on the three thousand realms; may the Dharma stream flow across all five continents.

In this rapidly changing era, from big businesses to ourselves as individuals, we all need to cultivate wisdom and innovation to keep up with the quick pace of the world. The same holds true for Dharma propagation, and only through wisdom and innovation in navigating the times that we can answer the needs of people. Therefore, since the founding of BLIA thirty years ago, wisdom and innovation has always been the motivation for BLIA-related activities. Similarly, it is also the guideline for the future developments of BLIA.

      Dear BLIA members, although this pandemic has widened the space between us, our shared faith in Humanistic Buddhism has brought our hearts closer. In facing disasters and calamities in the world, may we come together as one in complying with government rules and regulations to combat the pandemic. Let us care and help each other to live without fear, while encouraging each other to strengthen faith.

      May you always be auspicious!