The Wonder of Contemplation

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Melissa Perkins
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Issue No.39 July 2014 The Wonder of Contemplation and Effect, the great scientists and philosophers of today are all important causes as great thinkers.

The latter can be too rigid while the former is more versatile.

Thinking is the driving force behind civilization. People think in order to develop their wisdom.

Confucianism, on the other hand, teaches us to put learning to practice, and also that learning without thinking is useless. The ultimate goal of contemplation is enlightenment.

1 Issue No.39 July 2014 The Wonder of Contemplation and Effect, the great scientists and philosophers of today are all important causes as great thinkers. Regrettably, however, modern education does not place much emphasis on the teaching of critical thinking, but instead focuses mostly on applied sciences. The latter can be too rigid while the former is more versatile. When we are able to think and understand more broadly, we can be more resourceful in handling matters and more effective in applying our talents. Descartes once concluded I think, therefore, I am. Thinking is the driving force behind civilization. People think in order to develop their wisdom. According to Buddhism, One should listen, contemplate, and cultivate in order to enter into perfect meditative absorption. Confucianism, on the other hand, teaches us to put learning to practice, and also that learning without thinking is useless. The ultimate goal of contemplation is enlightenment. In seeking enlightenment, the Buddha went into deep meditation in order to realize the truths of the universe and life. Therefore, some people say that aside from being a great religious leader, educator and philanthropist, the Buddha was first and foremost a great thinker. In Chan Buddhism, practitioners become enlightened by asking endless questions. In the pursuit of truth, they never stop thinking. So in reality when they are meditating, they are not just sitting there idly but contemplating deeply. A literary work takes much thinking and organizing to produce. A painting needs a lot of contemplating and planning before it can come to life on canvass. A sculpture requires not only the power of carving but also the strength of the mind. A skyscraper is not just the result of the joint effort of hundreds of workers, but also the vision of the architect s design. After all, thought produces reality, and as such, reality is the effect of thought. Based on the Law of Cause The renowned modern Chinese scholar, Hu Shi, once said, Hypothesize bravely, and prove meticulously. To hypothesize is to think, and to prove is to practice. Over the years, Taiwan has made great strides in the fields of agriculture, industry, business, and science. They are all the result of innovative thinking. Now that people in Taiwan enjoy wealth, material progress and scientific advancement, it is time for them to apply their thinking to improving social harmony, resolving the political unification issue (i.e., reunification with China), and even contemplating how to address the ills resulting from the strife of five-thousand years of history. We need to train the next generation to learn how to think at a young age. They should start with a question like, What will I do when I grow up? As they mature, they should ask themselves, How can I contribute to society and the country? Every one of us needs to think, How can we unite the strengths of people to accomplish the best results? In large organizations, the question should be, How can we best share the benefits of the organization with everyone? Likewise, parents should ask themselves, How can the home be improved? The universe is not necessarily what we know it to be. There are always deeper levels for us to explore and consider. Pure lands and Buddha worlds are established by thinking. So we need to start thinking right now about how we can build a pure land in this world. In other words, the question we need to contemplate is how to establish a peaceful and harmonious society. (adapted from Tending Life s Garden, Between Ignorance and Enlightenment VI, published by Buddha s Light Publishing) 1

Power of the Mind On 7 June, University of the West Director Venerable Yi Kong, gave a talk at Concourse Civic Pavilion to 500 in attendance.

Yi Kong using her wisdom wit and knowledge of the Buddhist texts and Chan gongans, talked about how we can strengthen our minds and bring happiness and peace into our lives.

Yi Kong shared that diligence, tolerance, making friends with the virtuous, and saying good words are ways to protect and strengthen our minds.

Yi Kong introduced the different types of mindsets. Amongst all, true mind is the source of happiness. True mind is like the sun even when shrouded by clouds still shines brightly.

Often our six senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and mental objects distract our true mind like thieves entering a house stealing away the treasures within.

2 Power of the Mind On 7 June, University of the West Director Venerable Yi Kong, gave a talk at Concourse Civic Pavilion to 500 in attendance. Often in our busy lives, we are stressed and anxious, leaving our minds occupied elsewhere. Ven. Yi Kong using her wisdom wit and knowledge of the Buddhist texts and Chan gongans, talked about how we can strengthen our minds and bring happiness and peace into our lives. How to strengthen our mind to reach true mind? Using verses from masters of the past, Ven. Yi Kong shared that diligence, tolerance, making friends with the virtuous, and saying good words are ways to protect and strengthen our minds. These are simple everyday tasks we could do to rediscover our true minds. Based on the Awakening of Faith in Mahayana and other Buddhist texts, Ven. Yi Kong introduced the different types of mindsets. Amongst all, true mind is the source of happiness. True mind is like the sun even when shrouded by clouds still shines brightly. Our delusions are like the clouds that cover the radiance of the sun. Often our six senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and mental objects distract our true mind like thieves entering a house stealing away the treasures within. Hence, it is important to protect our true mind. Meditation in Daily Life The next day, 8 June, Ven. Yi Kong gave a Dharma talk on Meditation in Daily Life. She pointed out that Chan or meditation is very simple just as Buddhism can be as simple. In our daily lives, we need to have meditative concentration and reason to be able to overcome our life challenges and worries. Using her wisdom and knowledge in the Chan tradition and explaining with gongans (Chan riddles and stories), she showed how Chan could be practiced in our daily lives through daily tasks such as chores. The skill of Chan is honed through the practice of compassion, letting go and focusing the mind, as well as simplifying our way of life. Then everywhere Chan can be found. 2

Exhibiting Art at Nan Tien Temple Nan Tien Art Gallery, also known as Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallerywas established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun for devotees and visitors to learn about Buddhist

Venerable Master Hsing Yun established these art galleries and exhibitions as a place for cultural arts exchange and enrich spirituality and life through art.

php Nan Tien Art Gallery has been displaying an array of paintings by Mr. Chen Yang-Chun and currently on exhibit, Ms.Liu Yunhuan. Mr. ChenYang-chun who was born in Taiwan in 1946, is known as the Master of Colour Painting.

Chen has done colour painting for over 40 years and has over time created his own technique called, Reverie with Mistiness.

During his exhibition, he was generous to donate the funds from paintings sold at the exhibition to Nan Tien Institute. Beauty of Australia Oil Paintings Exhibition, were painted by Ms. LiuYunhuan.

3 Exhibiting Art at Nan Tien Temple Nan Tien Art Gallery, also known as Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallerywas established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun for devotees and visitors to learn about Buddhist artefacts and about Buddhism. The first gallery and exhibition was set up in Tsunglin University in a small room with shelves located within the Taiwan monastery complex. Venerable Master Hsing Yun established these art galleries and exhibitions as a place for cultural arts exchange and enrich spirituality and life through art. exhibited in Sydney and currently in Nan Tien Temple Hai Hui Hall. For more info on Mr. Chun and his art work, visit Nan Tien Art Gallery has been displaying an array of paintings by Mr. Chen Yang-Chun and currently on exhibit, Ms.Liu Yunhuan. Mr. ChenYang-chun who was born in Taiwan in 1946, is known as the Master of Colour Painting. He is also a visiting professor in Tennessee University, USA, and has other positions in universities in Taiwan. Mr. Chen has done colour painting for over 40 years and has over time created his own technique called, Reverie with Mistiness. His art draws the viewer into his paintings bringing out the arts, religion, life, ideas, and emotions of the scene. His paintings are like a fond memory coming to life. During his exhibition, he was generous to donate the funds from paintings sold at the exhibition to Nan Tien Institute. Beauty of Australia Oil Paintings Exhibition, were painted by Ms. LiuYunhuan. Born in China in 1962, she entered the China Academy of Art where she learned and studied under famous art teachers in Well known for her bright and bold use of colours, her paintings have travelled around the world to over 20 countries including Russia, France, Japan and Australia. Recently she has End of Term Presentations On 22nd July, Nan Tien Temple held an End of Term presentation in the auditorium in front of 40 parents and friends.special guests included Superintendent Ven. Juening and Ms. Cindy Lin, wife of Nan Tien Institute president. The first performance was by the Children s Fun Class who amazed the audience with their drumming of the 24 seasons drum. The children then quizzed the audience with Chinese riddles bringing out laughter and wisdom. The English Self-Development and Cultivation Classpresented tai chi and invited the audience to join in. For the next few minutes, both the young and oldwere enjoying the tai chi together. The last performance of the term was the Dunhuang dance who awed the audience with their performance. The dancers put away their years of experience in ballet to practice hard to learn the Dunhuang moves and gestures. 3

Giving and Service - the True Essence of Buddhism Fo Guang Shan has always placed emphasis on education. The Essence of Buddhism lecture originated from the enthusiasm of Mr.

4 Giving and Service - the True Essence of Buddhism Fo Guang Shan has always placed emphasis on education. The Essence of Buddhism lecture originated from the enthusiasm of Mr. Lin, Tsong-Ming, Chancellor of Nan Hua University to establish an award that recognises Excellence in Service to the Disadvantaged, as well as the building of new facilities at the university campus. In response to the devotees enthusiasm at the lecture, Ven. Master Hsing Yun openly shared his personal lessons and offered great insights into Buddhism. He also took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support of Nan Hua University. Venerable Master Hsing Yun clarified that the amount of merit one gains is not measured by merely how much one gives. The practice of giving (dana) must be in accordance to Buddhist principles, be pure and lawful for merit to exist. Venerable Master is a joyful monk who enjoys giving to others. Hence, Fo Guang Shan s motto is the Four Givings: Give others confidence Give others joy Give others hope Give others convenience. extremely poor in his youth with nothing to his name, however he was happy. Growing up in poverty taught him to gain happiness through suffering and hardship. For him, suffering and hardship is one and the same as happiness. Suffering and hardship is in fact nourishment for the heart, providing the strength and hope of rising above one s adversities. Hence, suffering and hardship is the catalyst for growth. On Emptiness Venerable Master Hsing Yun pointed out that emptiness is in fact to possess. The notion in Buddhism that the world is void actually reflects a world of goods. When the pocket is empty, that s when more money can be inserted; with the land cleared, that s when a building can be erected; the cup must be emptied before it can be filled again; health is possible when the stomach is cleansed. When the mind is emptied, the fundamental truth can exist and one can accept the world at large. This so called emptiness or void is our inherent nature and one that must not be misunderstood. (adapted & excerpt from 高惠萍 report in the Merit Times Newspaper) On Growth Venerable Master Hsing Yun explained that he was Dharma Words from Ven. Master Hsing Yun: A life of receiving is poor. A life of giving is rich. 4

Recommended Reading Living Affinity Nurturing the Environment, Our Relationships, and the Life of the Spirit By Venerable Master Hsing Yun Living Affinity examines the complex web of relationships

Exploring our relationships with others, with the natural world, the world of wealth, the world of time and space, and with Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun shows us the inherent potential for

Without these differences, we will not have the dexterity that we take for granted. Each finger by itself cannot exert much force.

5 Recommended Reading Living Affinity Nurturing the Environment, Our Relationships, and the Life of the Spirit By Venerable Master Hsing Yun Living Affinity examines the complex web of relationships that make up the communities in our lives. Exploring our relationships with others, with the natural world, the world of wealth, the world of time and space, and with Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun shows us the inherent potential for forming meaningful affinities. Each of us, like a fine strand in a web, is a part of the overall picture. Take a look at the five fingers of the hand. They are all different in length. Without these differences, we will not have the dexterity that we take for granted. Each finger by itself cannot exert much force. However, if we combine the force of the five fingers into a fist we can really pack a punch. Celebrating the differences in people while viewing everyone through the eyes of oneness nurtures powerful connections and creates a place of existence where everyone is mutually supportive and respectful. Ullambana Festival Day of Joy and Filial Piety In ancient India during the Buddha s time, the rainy season would last for three months from 15th day of 4th lunar month to the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. As it was inconvenient for the monastic community to go out for alms and walk long distances because of the flooding and harm of insects, the Buddha decided that all monastics would enter a rain retreat to practice diligently indoors. During this period, many monastics studied and meditated diligently on the teachings of the Buddha. Many even attained enlightenment. On the last day of the retreat, disciples would gather to share their personal insights and progress within the last three months. The Buddha rejoiced over his disciples attainment. Hence, this day is also known as Buddha s Day of Joy or Sangha Day. It also happened during this time, Buddha s disciple,maudgalyayana discovered his mother was suffering terribly in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Maudgalyayanasought the Buddha for advice, after having tried many ways to relieve his mother s suffering without success. The Buddha instructed Maudgalyayana to make an Ullambana offering to the Sangha, monastic community, on the 15th day of the 7th lunar. On this day, everyone would receive blessings. With the blessings, he could transfer the merits to his mother and relieve her from suffering. Hence, the day is also known as Day of Filial Piety, day of paying respect to parents. 5

6 Nan Tien Temple Aug ~ Sept 2014 Upcoming Events Date Time Activities Venue 09/08~10/09 Tues~Sun 9am~4pm Chinese Zen Painting & Calligraphy Exhibition by Kim Hoa Tram Hai Hui Hall 10am Ullambana Festival Main Shrine 10/08 Sun 1pm Amitabha Triple Contemplation Service Main Shrine 16/08 Sat 2pm Nan Tien Institute Free Seminar: Don t Forget to Breathe! (Ven. Huifeng) 269 Sussex Street Sydney 17/08 Sun Venerable Master Hsing Yun s Birthday (founder) Nan Tien Temple Sun 11am Ksitigarbha s Birthday Offering Service Main Shrine 24/08 Sun 10~4pm A Day in Chan One day youth meditation retreat with Ven. Huifeng* Nan Tien Temple 6:30~7:30pm Basic Buddhism Class (Beginners & Intermediate)* Nan Tien Temple 03/09~15/10 Wed 7:30~9:00pm Meditation (Beginners & Intermediate)* Nan Tien Temple 5:00~6:00pm Tai Chi (Introduction)* Nan Tien Temple 05/09-10/10 Fri 6:00~7:00pm Tai Chi (Continuation & Refinement)* Nan Tien Temple 12~14/09 Fri~Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat* Nan Tien Temple 13/09 Sat 4:30pm~8pm Moon Festival Friendship Gala Evening Nan Tien Temple 28/09 Sun Starts at 10am Nan Tien Temple 20th Anniversary Celebration Nan Tien Temple *Requires registration, contact or register online at 6

The road to an enlightened education Free Seminar Don t forget Guest Speaker Venerable Huifeng Assistant Professor (Fo Guang University, Taiwan) Vice-Abbot (Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan) Member of

BE (Mechanical) (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Monograph Work: Chiasmus in the Early Prajñāpāramitā Translation Project: Kumārajīva s Xiăopĭn Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Chinese to English trs.

) Free Seminar 16 August 2014 Date: 2:00pm, 16 August 2014 (Saturday) Venue: Nan Tien Institute Sydney 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW to breathe For more information: Tel: +61 2 4272 0648

7 The road to an enlightened education Free Seminar Don t forget Guest Speaker Venerable Huifeng Assistant Professor (Fo Guang University, Taiwan) Vice-Abbot (Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan) Member of Association of Buddhist Studies Member of Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies PhD (University of Hong Kong, HKSAR), MBS (Master of Buddhist Studies) (University of Hong Kong, HKSAR) BE (Mechanical) (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Monograph Work: Chiasmus in the Early Prajñāpāramitā Translation Project: Kumārajīva s Xiăopĭn Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Chinese to English trs.) Translation Project: Yìnshùn s An Investigation into Emptiness (Chinese to English trs.) Free Seminar 16 August 2014 Date: 2:00pm, 16 August 2014 (Saturday) Venue: Nan Tien Institute Sydney 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW to breathe For more information: Tel: events@nantien.edu.au Fax: Online: nantien.edu.au/events Find us on: The road to an enlightened education Venerable Huifeng Date: 1:30pm, 8 August 2014 (Friday) Venue: Library Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley (Wollongong), 2506, NSW Chiastic Structure of the Vessantara Jātaka: New Approach to Criticism & Hermeneutics of a Classic Buddhist Text The Vessantara Jātaka is not only perhaps the most popular of all the Buddhist Jātaka tales, but is an important Buddhist text in the tradition as a whole. While considered as displaying the epitome of the bodhisatta s perfection of giving (dānapāramī) according to the Theravāda tradition, and has appeared in modified forms in other traditions, scholars have sometimes felt difficulty in explaining the popularity of the text and how its renunciant content has been popularly thought to convey worldly power and benefit. Free Seminar 8 August

The road to an enlightened education EDUCATING LEADERS OF TRANSFORMATION Australia s first government-accredited tertiary institution grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom Health and Social

Introduction to Buddhism, Mind-Body Wellness and Mindfulness: Theory and Practice are already attracting significant interest. The new program has so far been received very positively by students.

Completion is on schedule for October. Interesting facts of the building include: The walls consist of 169 unique concrete panels. The heaviest panel is 15.5 tonnes.

com/user/ntiau NTI in the community NTI is proud of its place in the Illawarra and Sydney communities.

8 The road to an enlightened education EDUCATING LEADERS OF TRANSFORMATION Australia s first government-accredited tertiary institution grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom Health and Social Wellbeing subjects Three core subjects for NTI s new Health and Social Wellbeing are coming up in Semester 2. Introduction to Buddhism, Mind-Body Wellness and Mindfulness: Theory and Practice are already attracting significant interest. The new program has so far been received very positively by students. Enrol now. New Campus update The structure of Nan Tien Institute s new Tertiary Campus, Cultural Centre and Art Gallery is complete, and building fit-outs are now underway. Completion is on schedule for October. Interesting facts of the building include: The walls consist of 169 unique concrete panels. The heaviest panel is 15.5 tonnes. 6 shipping containers of glass are being installed. The project is employing between full time construction workers. NTI in the community NTI is proud of its place in the Illawarra and Sydney communities. NTI staff engage regularly in community activities, and actively create activities and events aimed at community development and enrichment. NTI reached out to the community with two well-attended free seminars over the past month Dr Andrew McClelland, NTI Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Program gave a seminar in Chatswood on Mind-Body Wellness for a Fulfilling Life, and Dr Tamara Ditrich, NTI Head of Applied Buddhist Studies Program gave a seminar in Wollongong on Mindfulness and Education. English Language Centre Nan Tien Institute Sydney is opening this month with NTI s new English Language Centre offering quality accredited Intensive English classes for international students. The Sydney CBD building includes multi-purpose classrooms, library and student common room facilities, with advanced computer services and ultra high-speed fibre connections. NTI also plans to offer business courses at this facility in the future, including a Business Degree and Master of Business Leadership. Upcoming NTI community events Maritime Buddhism FREE Seminar Speaker Professor Lewis Lancaster 1 August Buddhism via the Maritime Silk Road FREE Seminar Speaker Dr Ananda Guruge 2 August Nan Tien Institute International Conference Mindfulness, Education & Transformation 5-7 September Nan Tien Institute Sydney: Official Opening and Launch of NTI English Language Centre 27 September Nan Tien Temple 20th Anniversary Celebrations 28 September NTI Wollongong Official Campus Opening and Information Day 8 March 2015 NTI 2015 Graduation Ceremony 8 March 2015 Register now for these events: Upcoming NTI Subjects Introduction to Buddhism 28 Jul-4 Aug Development of Chinese Buddhist Schools August Mind-Body Wellness Aug Tradition and Change Sept English Language Centre LATEST TECHNOLOGIES MAXIMUM LEARNING ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT Intensive English English For Working Holiday Visa Students Custom Designed English Language Study Tours The road to an enlightened education Enrol now 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, Australia english@nantien.edu.au 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley (Wollongong), NSW Australia 2506 Tel +61 (2) info@nantien.edu.au CRICOS: 03233C ABN:

Mencius believed that human nature was

Mencius believed that human nature was Issue No.38 June 2014 Self-Nature lightning, wind, clouds, and rain each have their own individual nature. As for people, children tend to cry a lot, and some women are fond of looking good. When we develop