A Shift of Mind, a Light Revealed: Venerable Yi Kong Explores Avatamsaka’s Perspective Dependent Origination at Hsi Lai Temple

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
November 21, 2025

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple hosted a Buddhist lecture on November 16, featuring Venerable Yi Kong, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism. Speaking on “The Avatamsaka Philosophy of the Interdependent Arising of the Dharma Realm,” the Venerable offered clear, accessible explanations of the Avatamsaka teachings—particularly the idea that “all phenomena inter-exist in complete harmony”—and guided attendees to reflect on how to apply this wisdom in daily life. Despite a gentle drizzle, more than 200 devotees gathered, filling the Auditorium with warmth and energy.

Distinguished guests included Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong, Head Superintendant Venerable Ru Song and Deputy Superintendant Venerable Zhi Xing; Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai, Vice President Avelyn Busch, President of the Elder Advisor Council Olivia Chow, BLIA Treasurer Audrey Tang, and physician Dr. Steven Wu, among others.

Drawing from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, Venerable Yi Kong began by unpacking the rich doctrinal implications behind the three characters “Da, Fang, Guang,” (meaning great, even, and extensive) each of which carries ten layers of meaning symbolizing the boundless essence, characteristics, and function of the Dharma realm. She emphasized that the Avataṃsaka Sūtra—a cornerstone of Humanistic Buddhism—reveals the perfected qualities of Buddhahood and remains deeply relevant to both Buddhist practice and daily living.

Discussing doctrinal classification, the Venerable used the five progression levels—"Hinayana, Elementary, Final, Sudden, and Perfect"—to explain the developmental context of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing that the "Perfect Teaching," represented by the Avatamsaka Sutra, is the most complete and ultimate.

During the lecture, Venerable Yi Kong further elaborated on the Four Dharma Realms of Avatamsaka—the Realm of Phenomena, the Realm of Principle, the Non-obstruction of Principle and Phenomena, and the Non-obstruction of All Phenomena—as well as the "Perfect Harmony of the Six Characteristics" and the "Ten Profound Gates of the One Vehicle." This helped the audience understand the Avatamsaka-described state of "infinite interpenetration and perfect harmony." She used the analogy "vessels are made from gold, taking various forms" to illustrate the differentiated appearances in the Realm of Phenomena. She also used water and waves, along with the Diamond Sutra's concepts of "is not" and "is called," to explain the unobstructed wisdom of "one is all, all is one." The Venerable reminded everyone that in Mahayana Buddhism, "principle" encompasses emotion, while "phenomena" lack emotional components; Buddhists should strive for a balance between emotion and principle.

When introducing the structure of the seven locations and nine assemblies in the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Venerable explained the profound meaning of the Buddha emitting light and the division of locations and assemblies in an everyday manner. She emphasized that the purpose of studying Buddhism is to develop the "light of the mind"; if one's mind can emit light, then one can see the Buddha's light. During the lecture, the Venerable humorously asked, "Everyone has a mountain they rely on; what mountain do you rely on?" The audience replied in unison: “Fo Guang Shan (Buddha’s Light Mountain)!”—sparking laughter throughout the Auditorium.

Discussing the cultivation of the Ten Grounds of Bodhisattvas, the Venerable took the "Ground of Joy" as an example, noting that Bodhisattvas take great compassion as their foundation, with wisdom increasing accordingly. Only with a joyful nature can one give strength to others; if one can shift their perspective when facing adversity, they can see opportunities within difficulties. She encouraged everyone to learn to be a "Bodhisattva on the Ground of Joy" in daily life—providing convenience to others, strengthening faith—as the most practical practice.

BLIA Irvine Subchapter Elder Advisor Susan Su shared that the Avatamsaka teaching of “non-obstruction among all phenomena” inspired her to rethink how people mutually bring out the best in each other. Letting go of self-centeredness, she said, allows relationships to expand and deepen.

BLIA Arcadia Subchapter Elder Advisor Linda Lai noted that the “Ten Profound Gates of the One Vehicle” helped her understand her role in different situations, enabling better judgment, reducing unnecessary afflictions, and making life more easeful.