Venerable Yi Kong's Dharma Talk in Toronto Illuminates the 'Changes' and 'Constancies' of Life

The Life News Agency
November 16, 2024

On November 16, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted an inspiring Dharma talk by Venerable Yi Kong, Elder Venerable of the Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Director of Fo Guang Shan Culture Council. The lecture, titled “The Changes and Constancies in Su Dongpo’s Life,” drew nearly 400 participants in person and online, offering profound insights into how Buddhist principles can guide individuals through life's dynamic and unchanging aspects.

How can Buddhist teachings help navigate the choices between change and constancy in life’s ever-shifting circumstances? Venerable Yi Kong offered an illuminating perspective, drawing on the life of Su Dongpo, the Northern Song Dynasty's literary and artistic genius. Known for his unyielding commitment to public welfare, Su Dongpo’s career was marked by turbulence, including periods of political exile. Despite these trials, his steadfast integrity, sincerity, wisdom, and compassion exemplified the "unchanging" qualities that helped him navigate life's "changes."

Through an engaging exploration of seven key stages in Su Dongpo’s life—from his early government service to his exiles in Huangzhou and Hainan —Venerable Yi Kong demonstrated how he harmonized unchanging values with adaptability. She explained how Su Dongpo’s literary works, composed even in adversity, reflect a deep understanding of impermanence and inner peace.

In her lecture, Venerable Yi Kong posed a thought-provoking question: “Are water and waves the same or different?” Using this analogy, she explained the Buddhist perspective on impermanence: while water and waves differ in form, they share the same essence—wetness. Similarly, life's transient nature, expressed through cycles of birth, aging, illness, death, and rebirth, reveals deeper, unchanging truths. Echoing Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teaching that reframes life’s stages as “aging, illness, death, and rebirth,” Venerable Yi Kong encouraged participants to find constancy within change.

When asked how to apply Buddhist teachings in navigating everyday challenges, Venerable Yi Kong offered guidance that was both practical and profound:

“To be a good person, one must be sincere and kind. Compassion is the ‘constant’ principle, while adaptability is to give others convenience—a manifestation of wisdom. By understanding how to act according to circumstances, one can respond to various situations with compassion and prajna (profound wisdom).”

This simple yet profound advice resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, compassion, and flexibility in modern life.

Venerable Yi Kong’s talk seamlessly wove Buddhist philosophy with timeless historical and contemporary insights, delivered with humor and clarity. Her engaging storytelling and relatable examples brought Su Dongpo’s life and wisdom to life for the audience, creating an atmosphere filled with Dharma joy.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Venerable Yi Kong’s visit, praising her profound teachings and their ability to uplift and inspire. President Mabel Lam of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter extended thanks on behalf of the community, highlighting the transformative impact of Venerable Yi Kong’s lecture.

The event concluded with a book-signing session, providing attendees with a treasured opportunity to connect personally with Venerable Yi Kong and further their journey of reflection and learning.