Venerable Hui Zhao Unlocks the Keys to Happiness through the Diamond Sutra in Ottawa

I.B.P.S. of Ottawa Carleton
November 26, 2024

The Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa celebrated a momentous occasion with the arrival of Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan and Dean of the Men's Buddhist College of FGS Tsung-Lin University. He delivered an illuminating discourse on "Diamond Sutra: The Key to Happiness" on October 6th. Following a vegetarian banquet and foundation ceremony, nearly one hundred attendees gathered to delve into the profound wisdom of the Prajna teachings, and opened a gateway to spiritual joy.

Venerable Yung Ku, Abbess of the FGS Temple of Ottawa, introduced Venerable Hui Zhao, and highlighted his distinguished background as the former head of Fo Guang Shan's Cultivation Center, with extensive research into meditation guidance and the classic Buddhist scriptures like the Diamond Sutra.

In his lecture, Venerable Hui Zhao characterized the Diamond Sutra as a profound text of merit, historically renowned for its numerous miraculous accounts. The presentation focused on four key interpretive points: "Samādhi of Non-contention," "All Marks as No Marks," "Equality of Dharma," and "Non-Abiding Mind." During the talk, he creatively employed a Yangzhou folk melody to chant the poetic verse "Why argue about right and wrong?" He further elaborated on the second key point, "All Marks as No Marks," referencing the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng's wisdom: "External detachment is Chan; internal tranquility is meditation." The master emphasized that attachment to self, others, living beings, and life itself breeds countless troubles. His central message urged listeners to retain control of their own happiness, rather than surrendering their joy to external influences.

Continuing his profound exploration of the Diamond Sutra, Venerable Hui Zhao delved deeper into the principles of "Equality of Dharma," and emphasized the critical importance of mutual respect and self-affirmation.  Quoting the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Venerable Master underscored a powerful insight: "The most tragic aspect of human life is not physical limitation, but psychological incompleteness." He stressed that self-affirmation represents the inaugural step toward success.  Addressing the concept of "Non-Abiding Mind," Venerable Hui Zhao shared insights into a question frequently posed to him: how to achieve this spiritual state? He explained that individuals often unconsciously remain trapped in sensory experiences—form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharmas—and become entangled in interpersonal conflicts. The key, he proposed, is to achieve "constant awareness" that can lead to "no abiding." He encouraged attendees to cultivate "mindful non-attachment" in their daily lives.

The session concluded with an interactive book-giveaway Q&A, during which Ven. Hui Zhao also distributed photographs of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Wang Rui, president of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Ottawa Central District Subchapter, praised Ven. Hui Zhao's engaging approach, and noted his ability to blend Diamond Sutra philosophy with practical life lessons through humor, storytelling, and musical interludes. Especially, the concept of "constant awareness without attachment" was profoundly enlightening. It represents genuine Buddhist wisdom that can be directly applied to everyday living.