2023--共生與共榮

國際佛光會第十九次世界會員代表大會
主題：共生與共榮
時間：二○二三年十月
地點：高雄佛光山
主講：心保和尚

各位佛光人，大家吉祥！

今年農曆正月十五日元宵節，我們最尊敬的佛光山開山祖師、國際佛光會創會會長星雲大師，化世圓滿，示現圓寂了。大師一生對人間社會無私奉獻，今日人間驀然失去一位大善知識，全球佛光人、佛光有緣人咸感萬分不捨，同表深切哀悼。在「國際佛光會世界會員代表大會」會議開始之前，心保首先要請全體會員大眾，我們一起向大師致上最崇高的禮敬。

大師畢生以弘揚「人間佛教」為職志，致力於促進社會和諧、世界和平，為全球五大洲各界人士所敬重，此生我們能有因緣與大師生在同一個時代，又能追隨大師學佛，誠如《金剛經》所說：「不於一佛、二佛、三四五佛而種善根，已於無量千萬佛所種諸善根。」這是何等的福報！期願我等佛光人都能不忘初心，繼續以大師所倡導的人間佛教教法，做為立身處世的圭臬，謹記大師在〈真誠的告白〉裡對我們的最後囑咐：「如果大家心中有人間佛教，時時奉行人間佛教，我想，這就是對我最好的懷念，也是我所衷心期盼。」

回顧過去，一場COVID-19疫情，大大改變了人類的生活型態，從而讓人們認真看待自己與這個世界的關係，體悟到沒有任何人能夠獨自存在於這個地球上。一如大師所開示，人與人、人與物、人與萬事萬物之間，都是因緣關係的存在，彼此應該互相尊重、包容、和好，有共生才有共榮。是以本次大會，心保謹以大師經常書寫的一筆字「共生共榮」做為主題，發表六點意見，向大眾略述如下：

一、發心服務奉獻，與群我共生共榮

大師一生推動人間佛教，什麼是人間佛教？大師曾說：「就是要提倡為眾生服務。」因此，自佛光山開山以來，大師對所有的建設，都是以提供大眾最好的服務為考量；所做的事業、所辦的活動，無不是以服務大眾為目的；所成立的國際佛光會，更是擴大了佛教服務的範圍。

人生的意義就在服務裡。大師說：「未來的世界是服務的世界，服務才能生存，服務是未來社會的光明。」儘管現在科技發達，AI人工智慧的功能愈來愈強大，替代部分人力的情況已然發生，然而「人情味」仍是人類的優勢，做為佛教徒，尤其是佛光人，我們更應該發揮「人間佛教的人情味」，時時給人關懷、處處為人服務，為人間社會增添祥和歡喜，促進群我之間的共生共榮。

服務奉獻是一種身口意的供養，對人態度尊重是「身供養」，給人語言讚美是「口供養」，予人心意祝福是「意供養」。在各種服務當中，又以義工的服務最為人所稱道，特別是我們的會員大眾，平時不只發心在佛光山的道場裡做義工、在佛光會的活動裡當義工，也經常代表佛光會走入社區服務，做社會的義工，踐行大師「四給」的理念，給人信心、給人歡喜、給人希望、給人方便，可說是人間菩薩的示現。

雖然擔任義工不計待遇、不求名位，但是在服務助人中所得到的歡喜，卻總是遠勝於獲得報酬。從事義工服務，不僅擴大學習的機會，昇華自己的人生，更如大師所說，義工可以「維繫社會的綱常」、「增加社會的善美」，是帶動社會向上向善的一股力量。佛教有謂：「未成佛道，先結人緣」，期勉我們佛光大眾都能具備義工服務的精神，效法諸佛菩薩做眾生的義工，與人廣結善緣，讓更多人認同佛光會的精神理念，加入我們的行列，一起成就大師「平安幸福照五洲」的理想。

二、倡導環保護生，與地球共生共榮

隨著科技文明的進步，物質生活的富足，人類與自然萬物之間的和諧關係逐漸遭受破壞，我們賴以生存的地球，正面臨著愈來愈多由於氣候變遷所導致的災害，人類的生命飽受著巨大威脅。

地球是人類的家，我們只有一個地球，雖然科學家努力探索是否有類似的星球存在，但太空移民仍是遙不可及的夢想，即使真有另一個可以生存的星球，假如人類對待環境的態度不能改善，最終還是要面對危機的考驗。因此，如同大師所說：「環保應從『心靈』做起，心靈健全，有慈悲的環保意識，世界就得救了。」為了留給後代子孫一個良好的成長環境，每一個人都應該建立正確的環保觀念，養成良好的環保習慣，以實際行動來愛護地球。

對於全球關注的生態環保議題，過去大師就曾提出「要推動生態環保，應先重視生權的提升」的看法。一如佛教向來倡導的「護生」觀念，主張對人類、動物等有情生命要愛護，對花草樹木、山河大地等無情生命也要愛護，大師說：「環保是對地球的愛護，護生是對生命的重視。提倡環保應該從尊重生命做起。」唯有人人尊重生命，才是與地球共生共榮之道。

國際佛光會長期致力於落實大師「環保與心保」的理念，近年為同時響應聯合國減碳目標，再於世界五大洲推行「蔬食A計劃」，宣導「低碳飲食」對環保的直接回饋，鼓勵民眾發心蔬食。為了擴大計劃的推動，佛光會並與綠色公益基金會共同發起「VEGRUN全球復蔬公益路跑」活動，先後以「你跑步，我捐餐」、「你跑步，我捐糧」等專案為號召，邀請社會大眾一同為環境的永續發展做出貢獻。此外，從台灣起步的「T-Earth森众計劃」植樹行動，已完成台灣三個氣候區的森林復育示範點，也都獲得全球佛光人熱烈回響，甚至得到當地政府支持，日後將逐步向世界各地推進計劃。

大師說：「環保是一種長期的運動，是一種長期的教育。」未來佛光會仍將透過活動、講座、會議、論壇等方式，持續實踐及推廣大師提倡的「環保與心保」，共同為維護我們居住的地球盡一份心力。

三、舉辦各種活動，與大眾共生共榮

長久以來，佛教徒多認為只有誦經拜佛、念佛參禪才是真正的修行，而大師告訴我們，舉辦有益身心的活動也是一種修行，舉辦活動具有「學習、擴大、聯誼、成就」的功能，「能增加人的信心、增加人的修行、增加佛教的人口」。所以，我等佛光人應自我肯定，參與佛化活動乃是自利利他的菩薩道，除了開發我們內在本具的慈悲、智慧、活力、能量，也是接引大眾學佛、行佛的善巧方便。

國際佛光會創會之初，大師即揭示本會是一個「具有活動性」的團體。大師說：「佛光會的發展要靠活動的加強，因為有活動才有生氣，有活動才有力量。」並且寄予期望：「希望只要有佛光人的地方，都能舉辦有意義的活動。」本之於大師的慈心悲願，佛光會成立三十餘年來，舉辦大大小小的活動，從不間斷，即便是新冠肺炎疫情籠罩全球期間，也積極辦理線上活動，提供會員大眾一個安頓身心的管道。

大師說人間佛教是「人要的」佛教，對人的生活要有幫助。為順應大眾的需要，佛光會一路來，依據對象、興趣、專長等不同，規劃豐富多元的活動，內容包含社會服務、國際會議、研習會、座談會、讀書會、音樂會、運動會、童軍團務、團康活動、營隊學習、各項比賽、聯誼交流、生活講座等，並且在各地協會及分會齊心合力策劃、動員下，活動於全世界百花齊放。

為了改善社會風氣，淨化世道人心，過去大師也曾發起一系列淨化人心的人間佛教社會運動，例如：「把心找回來」、「七誡運動」、「慈悲愛心列車」、「三好運動」、「媒體環保日」等，皆引起社會廣大回響。而今，大師在他最後的囑咐裡勉勵我們：「做好事是真，說好話是善，存好心是美，讓三好運動的真善美要在社會裡生根。」期許所有佛光人都能「以師志為己志」，持續舉辦相關活動響應「三好運動」，俾使「三好」深植在每個人的心田裡，人人實踐「三好」，這個社會必定是一個善良的社會，必定是一個大眾共生共榮的社會。

四、參與利生事業，與社會共生共榮　

大師一生依於佛教、大眾的需要，興辦許多利生事業，除了救苦救難的慈善事業，大師認為：「佛教事業的終極目標在淨化人心，是智慧的化導。」所以，在文教事業方面，大師也多所著力，從初到台灣在宜蘭弘法時期，即開辦有慈愛幼稚園、光華文理補習班、台北佛教文化服務處等，佛光山開山以後，弘法事業更隨之逐漸擴展，不但成立電視台、報社、出版社、美術館、雲水書車、滴水坊，也為社會培育人才，創辦小學、中學、大學等。凡所辦事業，大師都是本著「非佛不作」的原則而展開，不為謀利，旨在服務人群，與社會共生共榮。

在大師興辦人間佛教事業的想法裡，也主張給予在家佛教徒為眾生服務的機會。大師希望佛光會的未來發展，會員不只是做會員，也能在佛教裡有所發揮，貢獻所長，承擔佛教事業；不一定只有在社會上發展事業，也可以到佛教裡從事有給職。好比「中華古今人文協會」，就是大師為提供會員信眾專職從事佛教事業，以推廣《獻給旅行者365日——中華文化佛教寶典》做為開端而成立的事業單位。

大師說：「未來佛教的慧命，可說是寄託在佛教事業上。」冀望佛光會能有更多人才投入佛教事業，為社會大眾提供更多的服務，僧信共同將人間佛教推展到社會各個領域，實踐大師「佛光普照三千界，法水長流五大洲」的理想。

再者，在早年佛教事業不普遍的年代，大師為支持一般民眾開設的佛教相關事業，於佛光人之間流傳著「買鞋加價」（僧鞋業）、「麵的價值」（素食業）等美談事蹟，如若再能有大家秉承大師的最後囑咐：「對於佛光會會員在社會上合乎八正道精神意義的事業，都要鼓勵並且幫助他們發展。」相信一定也會為社會再增上力量。

五、注重信仰傳承，與家庭共生共榮

家庭是一個社會的基礎，家庭美滿具有穩定社會的功能。因此，大師提倡人間佛教，以家庭為中心，注重每個人的家庭幸福美滿，所創立的國際佛光會，是一個「尊重家庭生活的社團」。佛光會素來鼓勵會員大眾建立佛化家庭，成為「佛光三好人家」，即是為了落實大師「務期佛光眷屬都能成為菩提大道上的道侶法友」，促進會員家庭和樂的期望。大師說，假如一個家庭能夠成為佛化家庭，彼此擁有共同的信仰，擁有共同的話題，談論的都是如何幫助他人、如何踐行佛法，家庭必然和樂融融。

人世間的錢財會有用盡的時候，唯有信仰的法財，一生使用不盡，信仰能令人生有方向，生命有依靠，生活更自在。大師說：「信仰，是留給孩子最好的財富。」希望各位佛光人都能熱心於建設佛化家庭，將人間佛教的信仰傳承給下一代，增進家庭共生共榮的關係，甚至進一步影響鄰里社區互助友愛，成為社會和諧的增上緣。

對於佛光會員如何開發第二代，大師也表示，不一定要求兒女念佛、拜佛，但應該予以方便引導，鼓勵他們參加活動、義工服務，給予親近佛教的因緣。尤其，大師為佛教設立有一套人生禮儀，如果佛光人都能發心幫助兒女後輩，在人生各個階段接受佛教儀式的祝福，舉凡滿月禮、週歲禮、入學禮、成長禮、成年禮、佛化婚禮等，讓他們在佛法的薰陶中成長，不僅有助於建立正確的人生觀，養成日後親近寺院的習慣，生活中有了佛法的指引，也將助其迎向更開闊的人生。

在各種治理家事之道中，大師說：「信仰傳承也是一種治家之道。」今後希望我們的會員大眾，都能發願朝著建立「佛光三好人家」的方向努力，以「人間佛教」信仰能在家庭裡代代相傳為榮！

六、宣揚人間佛教，與普世共生共榮

在傳統佛教裡，在家居士登壇說法，往往被視為末法時代的現象，但是大師認為，「弘揚佛法，人人有責」，如果能有學養兼具的在家信眾助佛宣教，也是值得鼓勵的好事。因此，在國際佛光會成立之初，大師即指導訂定「檀講師制度」，提升會員為講師，在世界各地主持講座，宣說人間佛教。

大師說：「若能把佛教徒提升做老師，都能到全世界弘法，讓檀講師、檀教師不斷增加，那麼『佛化全球』必定指日可待。」所以，做為一個國際性的社團組織，佛光會希望能有更多對佛法深有研究、領會，樂於說法的會員，發心成為檀講師，共同為人間佛教在全球的弘傳而努力。

除此之外，前些年大師又再提出「人間佛教宣講員」的構想，讓佛光人在還沒有成為檀講師之前，人人就能到處宣講佛法。為落實大師的理想，佛光會也訂有相關培訓辦法，加強會員對佛法的正確認識，建立正知正見，提升信仰層次，以期順利考取資格。大師說：「人間佛教必然是未來人類世界的一道光明。」期許大家積極投入宣講員行列，以佛法真理與人結緣，讓普世的大眾都有因緣接觸人間佛教、認識人間佛教。倘若有人因為聆聽你宣講如何在生活中實踐大師的理念，而人生受到啟發，甚至加入佛光會，不就是為人間佛教又牽起一份善緣嗎？

現今的世界，人心浮動不安，亟需佛法來安住身心，社會問題層出不窮，亟需佛法來幫助改善，大師說，人間佛教可以導正人心、改進生活、淨化心靈、充實生命、提升人生，更可以美化世間，「發揚人間佛教是佛光會的目標」。期勉我等佛光大眾攜手宣揚人間佛教，同心完成大師「我對人間佛教的所有言教，都要能傳達到家家戶戶，為人所接受」的宏願，饒益眾生，與普世共生共榮。

 最後，心保要感謝所有會員大眾，對佛光會會務活動的熱心參與，對佛光山弘法事業的發心護持。今日大師的色身雖然不在了，但是法身、精神將永遠與我們同在，大師留給人間395冊《星雲大師全集》，只要我們能夠用心閱讀，實踐奉行，相信在人間佛教的法海裡就能與大師再續法緣。

大師一生重視信眾的幸福安樂，期許我等佛光人都能遵循大師〈真誠的告白──我最後的囑咐〉所說：「誰都不能單獨存在，大家要互助互敬、共存共榮，那才是懂得佛法的核心精神。」一同在實踐大師「共生共榮」的思想理念中，成就一個幸福安樂的人生。

祝福各位：仁和安康，富樂吉祥！

2023--Coexistence and Coprosperity

2023 BLIA General Conference
Theme: Coexistence and Coprosperity
Time: October 2023
Venue: Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung
Keynote speaker: Most Venerable Hsin Bau
English Translation: Ven. Miao Guang

Dear Buddha’s Light members, auspicious greetings to you all,

On the 15th day of lunar January this year, day of the Lantern Festival, our most beloved founder of Fo Guang Shan and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Founding President Venerable Master Hsing Yun, passed away peacefully. Buddha’s Light members and friends worldwide are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a great spiritual teacher who had selflessly dedicated his entire life to the betterment of society. Before the opening of the Buddha's Light International Association General Conference, I, Hsin Bau, hereby invite every member here to join in paying our highest respect to the Venerable Master.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun dedicated his entire life to the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. We are deeply blessed and fortunate to be born in his time and to have the privilege to follow his footsteps in learning and practicing the Dharma. Just as The Diamond Sutra states, “They planted virtuous roots not just with one buddha, or two buddhas, or three, or four, or five buddhas, but planted virtuous roots with infinite tens of millions of buddhas.” What a blessing this is! It is hoped that all Buddha's Light members will never forget our initial vows and continue to abide by the Humanistic Buddhist teachings advocated by the Venerable Master as a guideline for our conduct in the world. Furthermore, we shall remember the Venerable Master's final words of advice in his An Honest Revelation — An Open Letter: “The most fitting way to honor my memory and my sincere wish is for everyone to bear the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism in mind and always practice Humanistic Buddhism.”

In retrospect, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our way of life. Humanity is now taking a serious look at their relationship with the world and has come to realize that no one can exist alone on this earth. As the Venerable Master said, humanity share a causal relationship with one another, with matters, and with everything on earth. It is important for us to respect, be inclusive, and make peace with each other. For this reason, I would like to introduce “Coexistence and Coprosperity,” which was often written by the Venerable Master in his calligraphy, as the theme of this year’s General Conference. The theme will now be unfolded under the following six points:

Aspire to Be of Service and Contribution so as to Coexist and Coprosper with the Community

The Venerable Master had dedicated his entire life to the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. So what is Humanistic Buddhism? The Venerable Master once said, “The core spirit of Humanistic Buddhism is to be of service to all living beings.” Therefore, since the founding of Fo Guang Shan, everything he had achieve were all based on the goal of providing the best service to the public; all of the undertakings and activities are aimed at serving the public. Consequently, the establishment of the Buddha's Light International Association profoundly expanded the scope of Buddhist service.

The meaning of life lies in service, the Venerable Master once said, “The future is all about service. Service is the only way to survive, and service is the light of future society.” Despite the advancement of technology as well as the increasing power of Artificial Intelligence, which has largely replaced parts of the human labor force, the “human touch” is still the essence of humanity. As Buddhists, Buddha's Light members in particular, it is important for us to put the “human touch of Humanistic Buddhism” into full play by caring for people at all times, being of service in every possible way, bringing peace and joy to society, and enhancing the coexistence and coprosperity of humanity.

Service and dedication is an offering of the body, speech, and mind. Treating others with respect is a “physical offering,” saying words of praise to others is a “verbal offering,” and giving them our blessings is a “mental offering.” Among all kinds of services, the service of volunteers is the most recognized. In particular, BLIA members not only volunteer at the Fo Guang Shan temples and events, you also go out into the community on behalf of Fo Guang Shan to serve as volunteers. What you have shown is the spirit of the Four Givings advocated by the Venerable Master: give others faith, give others joy, give other hope, and give others convenience; these are the manifestation of the Humanistic Bodhisattva in the world.

Although a volunteer does not ask for reward or fame, the joy gained from serving others is far greater than any kind of reward ever received. Volunteering not only offers learning opportunities and broadens our horizons, it also proves true what the Venerable Master said, “Volunteers are the backbones of social norms and the enhancement of goodness and beauty in society.” Volunteers are a force for betterment and virtue in society. As the Buddhist saying goes, “Before becoming a buddha, one must first establish affinity with others.” I hope that all of us at BLIA will have the spirit of volunteerism and follow the example of the buddhas and bodhisattvas. Let us volunteer for all sentient beings, and establish good affinity with others, so that more people will recognize the BLIA spirit and join us in fulfilling the Venerable Master’s ideal of “Let happiness and peace shine on all five continents.”

Advocate Environmental Preservation so as to Coexist and Coprosper with the Earth

With the advancement of technology and civilization, and abundance of material life, the harmonious relationship between humanity and all things in nature has been damaged. The Earth, what we depend on for our survival, is facing ever more disasters caused by climate change, and human lives are constantly under great threat.

The Earth is our home, and we only have one Earth. Although scientists are actively exploring livable planets, space immigration is still a faraway dream. Even if there is another planet where we can live on, similar crises will still arise if we fail to improve our attitude towards the environment. Therefore, as the Venerable Master said, “Environmental preservation should start from the mind; if the mind is sound and has a compassionate environmental awareness, the world can be saved.” In order to leave a good environment for our future generations to grow up in, everyone should establish a correct concept of environmental preservation, develop good environmental habits, and take practical actions to care for and protect the earth.

With regard to the global concern for ecological preservation, in the past, the Venerable Master had put forward the view that “in order to promote ecological preservation, we should first emphasize the enhancement of the right to life.” The Buddhist concept of care for living beings advocates care for sentient beings such as people and animals, as well as for non-sentient beings such as flowers, plants, trees, mountains, rivers, and the Earth. The Venerable Master stated, “Environmental preservation is to care for the Earth, and protecting lives is an emphasis on importance of life. The promotion of environmental preservation should start with respecting life.” Only when everyone respects life is there a way to coexist and coprosper with the Earth.

BLIA has long been committed to implementing the Venerable Master’s philosophy of “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation.” In recent years, in order to respond to the United Nations carbon reduction goals, BLIA has launched “Vege Plan A” across the five continents to promote the direct environmental benefits of a low-carbon diet, encouraging people to become more aware of vegetarianism. In order to expand the promotion of the program, BLIA and the Pure Green Foundation jointly launched the “VegRun Global Veg-Revival Online Charity Run” to promote the “You Run, I Donate Meals” and “You Run, I Donate Food” programs, inviting the public to contribute to the sustainable development of the environment. In addition, the “T-Earth Tree-planting Project,” which started in Taiwan, has completed forest restoration demonstration sites in three climatic zones in Taiwan, and has received enthusiastic responses from Buddhists around the world. The program further received support from local governments in different regions, this will enable the program to gradually expand to the rest of the world.

“Environmental protection is a long-term movement and a long-term education,” said the Venerable Master. In the future, BLIA will continue to practice and promote “environmental and spiritual preservation” as advocated by the Venerable Master through activities, lectures, conferences, and forums, so that we can do our part to protect the earth we live on.

Organize Various Activities so as to Coexist and Coprosper with the Public

For a long time, Buddhists believed that true spiritual practice only include chanting sutras, making prostrations to the Buddha, chanting the Buddha’s name, or practicing meditation. However, the Venerable Master advocated that organizing activities which can benefit the body and mind is also a kind of spiritual practice. “Organizing activities serves the purposes of learning, broadening our horizons, increasing fellowship, and accomplishing greater achievement.” Doing so can enhance people’s confidence, spiritual practice, and the Buddhist population. Therefore, Buddha's Light members must be confident that that participating in Buddhist activities is the bodhisattva way of self-benefit and altruism. In addition to developing our inherent compassion, wisdom, vitality, and energy, it is also a skillful means of attracting the public to learn and practice Buddhism.

At the beginning of BLIA’s founding, the Venerable Master stressed that BLIA is an active organization. According to him, “The development of the Buddha's Light International Association depends on activities, for only with activities will there be vitality and strength.” He also said, “I hope that wherever there are Buddha’s Light members, meaningful activities can be organized.” Based on the compassionate wishes of the Venerable Master, BLIA has been established for more than 30 years and has never stopped organizing activities of all scales. Even during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, BLIA remained active in organizing online activities to provide members with a channel for physical and mental solace.

According to the Venerable Master, Humanistic Buddhism is a Buddhism for people and helpful for their lives. In order to respond to the needs of the public, BLIA has been planning a rich variety of activities according to different target audiences, interests, and specialties, including social services, international conferences, seminars, symposiums, book clubs, concerts, athletic events, scouting, recreational activities, learning camps, competitions, social exchanges, and seminars on life. Through the concerted efforts of worldwide chapters and subchapters in planning and mobilizing, the activities have blossomed all over the world.

In the past, in order to improve social atmosphere and purify human minds and hearts, the Venerable Master initiated a series of Humanistic Buddhist social movements such as the Rediscover Our Mind Campaign, Seven Admonishments Campaign, Compassion and Loving-Kindness Movement, Three Acts of Goodness Campaign, Media Environmental Conservation Movement, and so on, which have received positive responses across society. Now, in his final words, the Venerable Master encouraged us, “Speaking good words is truthful, doing good deeds is virtuous, and thinking good thoughts is beautiful. We must let truth, virtue, and beauty take root in our society through practicing the Three Acts of Goodness.” It is hoped that all Buddha's Light members will make the Venerable Master’s will their own and continue to organize relevant activities in response to the Three Acts of Goodness Campaign so that the Three Acts of Goodness will be planted in everyone’s mind. When everyone practicing the Three Acts of Goodness, society shall become a better society, and it will be a society where all people can coexist and coprosper.

Participate in the Causes of Benefiting Lives so as to Coexist and Coprosper with Society

Throughout his life, the Venerable Master had created beneficial causes to meet the needs of Buddhism and the general public. In addition to the charitable causes of relieving those in suffering and hardship, the Venerable Master believed that the ultimate goal of the Buddhist cause is to purify the human mind, which is a transformation with wisdom. Therefore, in terms of cultural and educational undertakings, the Venerable Master focused on a variety of efforts. When he first came to Taiwan to propagate the Dharma in Yilan, he established the Ci Ai Kindergarten, the Guang Hua Tuition Center, the Buddhist Culture and Services Center in Taipei, etc. After the founding of Fo Guang Shan, Dharma propagation efforts gradually expanded, not only had he established a television station, a newspaper, publishing houses, art galleries, the Cloud and Water Mobile Libraries, and the Water Drop Teahouse, he also established elementary schools, middle schools, and universities to nurture talents. All of the undertakings established by the Venerable Master were not only to help people in the community, but also to coexist and coprosper with society. In all his endeavors, the Venerable Master had abided by the principle of “do what is in accordance with Buddha,” which is not for profit but to serve the populace and to coexist and coprosper with the society.

In his objectives of founding Humanistic Buddhist undertakings, the Venerable Master also advocated that lay Buddhists be given the opportunity to serve all living beings. He hoped that in the future development of BLIA, members would not only be members, but will be able to put their strengths and expertise into full play for Buddhism, contribute to the Buddhist cause; not only develop their careers in society, but also engage in Buddhist missions. For instance, the Chunghua Society for Ancient and Modern Humanities is an undertaking established by the Venerable Master to provide members with the opportunity to devote themselves to the Buddhist cause, beginning with the promotion of 365 Days for Travelers: Wisdom from Chinese Literary and Buddhist Classics.

The Venerable Master indicated, “The future of Buddhism rests on Buddhist undertakings.” It is hoped that more talents of BLIA will devote themselves to the Buddhist cause and provide more services to the public. Furthermore, may the monastic and lay communities work together to propagate Humanistic Buddhism in every corner of society, realizing the Venerable Master's ideal, “may the Buddha’s Light shine universally, and the Dharma water flow eternally.”

In addition, in the early years when Buddhist undertakings were not common, in order to support Buddhist-related businesses established by the general public, the Venerable Master spread among the Buddha's Light members such beautiful stories as “Paying Extra for Shoes”' (for the monastic shoe business) and “The Value of Noodles” (vegetarian food business). Moreover, adding the resolve of everyone to follow the Venerable Master’s final words, “Members of BLIA should be encouraged to keep a livelihood that is in accord with the Noble Eightfold Path. Let us help one another so that we can progress and develop together;” I believe we will become an extra force for the betterment of society.

Emphasize the Legacy of Faith so as to Coexist and Coprosper with the Family

Families are the foundational units of society, and happy families are stabilizing forces of society. Therefore, the Venerable Master advocated Humanistic Buddhism, which is family-centered and focuses on the peace and happiness of every individual’s family. BLIA is an association that values family life; it always encouraged members to start Buddhist families and to become “Three Acts of Goodness Families” in order to fulfill the Venerable Master’s expectation that, “all Buddha’s Light family members should become Dharma companions on the Bodhi Path” in promoting family harmony among its members. According to the Venerable Master, if a family can become a Buddhist family, sharing the same belief and common interests, and discussing how to help others and practice the Dharma, the family will certainly be happy and harmonious.

Worldly wealth will eventually run out, only the wealth of faith will last a lifetime. Faith can give people directions for life, offer refuge, and create a sense of ease in living. “Faith is the best wealth to leave to your children,” said the Venerable Master. It is hoped that all Buddha's Light members will be enthusiastic in building Buddhist families, passing on the faith of Humanistic Buddhism to their future generations, coexist and coprosper with the family, further influencing their neighbors and community to enhance social harmony.

As for the development of the next generation of BLIA members, the Venerable Master also said that it is not necessary to make their children chant Buddha’s name or prostrate to the Buddha. Instead, they can adopt expedient means by encouraging their children to take part in activities and volunteer services so as to give them the opportunity to get close to Buddhism. In particular, the Venerable Master had set up the rites of passage for Buddhists. If all Buddha's Light members can devote themselves to helping their children and future generations to receive the blessings of Buddhist rituals in all stages of life such as the Baby’s First-Month Celebration, the Baby’s First Year Celebration, Start of School Ceremony, Coming of Age Ceremony, and the Buddhist wedding ceremony, they can grow up under the blessings of Buddhism. Not only does this help them establish a right outlook on life, they can also cultivate the habit of staying close to the temple in future. This also helps them to progress to a broader future when Buddhist teachings can serve as guidelines in their lives. With the guidance of the Dharma in living, they will also be able to embrace a broader life.

Among the various ways of governing the family, the Venerable Master said, “The legacy of faith is also a way of governing the family.” In the future, it is hoped that all our members will be willing to work towards building a “Buddha's Light Three Acts of Goodness Family,” and take pride in passing down the faith of Humanistic Buddhism from generation to generation within the family!

Propagate Humanistic Buddhism so as to Coexist and Coprosper with the World

In traditional Buddhism, it is often regarded as an End-of-the-Dharma-Era phenomenon for lay Buddhists to be giving teachings. However, the Venerable Master believed that everyone shares the responsibility to propagate the Dharma and that it is a positive matter to encourage lay Buddhists who are well-educated and knowledgeable to help spread the Dharma. Therefore, at the beginning of the founding of BLIA, the Venerable Master introduced the Lay Dharma Lecturer System aimed at promoting members to become teachers to give Dharma lectures and to propagate Buddhism around the world.

The Venerable Master said, “If Buddhists can be promoted to become teachers and go around the world to propagate the Dharma, there will be more and more Lay Dharma lecturers and teachers. This way, the globalization of Buddhism will certainly be within reach.” Therefore, as an international social organization, BLIA hopes that more members will gain a deep understanding of the Dharma. Anyone willing to speak the Dharma can become Lay Dharma Lecturers and work together for the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism in the world.

In addition to the above, some years ago the Venerable Master proposed the concept of Humanistic Buddhism Speakers so that all Buddha's Light members can begin to share the Dharma before they even become Lay Dharma Lecturers. In order to realize the Venerable Master’s vision, BLIA also established training methods to enhance the members’ right understanding of the Dharma, establish correct knowledge and vision, and deepen their level of faith in order to successfully acquire the qualification. The Venerable Master said, “Humanistic Buddhism will certainly be a light for the future of the human world.” It is hoped that everyone will actively participate as teachers and establish affinity with people through the truth of the Dharma so that the general public will have the opportunity to come into contact with and understand Humanistic Buddhism. If someone is inspired by your teaching on how to realize the Venerable Master’s philosophy in life and further joins BLIA, is it not a wonderful cause for Humanistic Buddhism?

In today’s world, people’s minds are restless, in dire need of Buddhist teachings to calm the body and mind; social issues are emerging endlessly, desperately in need of help with Buddhist teachings to resolve them. According to the Venerable Master, Humanistic Buddhism can correct people’s minds to improve day-to-day living, purify the spirit, enrich lives, enhance their being, and beautify the world. For this reason, the development of Humanistic Buddhism is the goal of BLIA. We encourage all Buddhists to join hands in propagating Humanistic Buddhism, and to fulfill the Venerable Master's wish that “All my teachings on Humanistic Buddhism should be conveyed in a way that reaches out to families and be accepted by people,” so as to benefit all sentient beings, and to coexist and coprosper with the whole world.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all members for their enthusiastic participation in BLIA affairs and its activities, and for their dedication to all Dharma propagation efforts at Fo Guang Shan. Although the Venerable Master’s physical body has already passed, his Dharma body and spirit will remain with us forever. The Venerable Master left to the world 395 volumes of “The Complete Works of Master Hsing Yun.” As long as we can read them with all our hearts and put them into practice, I believe we will be able to renew our Dharma affinity with the Venerable Master in his ocean of wisdom within Humanistic Buddhism.

Throughout his entire life, Venerable Master Hsing Yun had emphasized the peace and happiness of his followers. It is hoped that all of us Buddha's Light members will abide by the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in An Honest Revelation – My Final Words: “No one can exist solely by themselves, everyone must help and respect one another, coexist and thrive together. Only then can one grasp the fundamental essence of the Buddha’s teachings.” Together, let us achieve a happy and peaceful life by practicing the Venerable Master's philosophy of “Coexistence and Coprosperity.”

May I offer you all my best wishes as follows:

May Benevolence and Harmony Bring Peaceful Wellbeing;

Let Abundance and Joy Yield Auspiciousness in Our Lives!