Fo Guang Shan Ottawa Buddhist Lecture: Venerable Yi Kong Guides Participants in Understanding Guanyin

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa
November 29, 2024

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa hosted a profound Buddhist lecture on November 17th, and welcomed Venerable Yi Kong, President of Fo Guang Shan Culture Council, to deliver an illuminating discourse on "Get to Know Guanyin (Avalokitasvara) Bodhisattva"; it drew nearly 200 attendees. Distinguished guests included Jing-mei Li, Marketing Manager of Ottawazine; Lucy Yang from Health Times; Ven. Yung Ku, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa; Venerable Chueh Chung, Director of BLIA World Headquarters America Secretarial Office; Shigu Xiuling Wu; and many other BLIA members and supporters.

Venerable Yi Kong opened the lecture with a provocative question: "Every home has Amitabha, every household Guanyin. But do you know which country Guanyin Bodhisattva is from?" She then embarked on an interactive exploration of the bodhisattva's identity, utilizing over 20 accessible stories and Buddhist cases to deepen everyone’s understanding. The lecture hall resonated with laughter and applause, with attendees nodding in appreciation of the present Buddhist wisdom and compassionate energy.

Additionally, the venerable also elaborated on Guanyin's twelve manifestations of self-mastery, and encouraged participants to internalize these principles. She poignantly noted that through the deep practice of prajna paramita, those who achieve bodily, verbal, and mental freedom realize that the distant bodhisattva is ultimately within themselves. Finally, Venerable Yi Kong also shared the story of her relationship with Guanyin Bodhisattva and encouraged everyone to diligently study Buddhism.

Jun Sun, President of the BLIA Ottawa Chapter, expressed that Ven. Yi Kong's emphasis on Guanyin's compassionate spirit has deepened his understanding of bodhisattvas, and helped him feel the practical significance of Buddhism in daily life. Hui-Li from the BLIA Ottawa Central District Subchapter highlighted Ven. Yi Kong's comprehensive analysis of the Guanyin Bodhisattva's twelve self-manifesting phenomena, and recalled Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teaching to say "I am Buddha" as a means of awakening his inner Buddha-nature.

Zhi-nan Zhang from the BLIA Ottawa Central District Subchapter summarized the lecturer's essence into three key words: "Compassion, Fearlessness, and Self-Mastery." Emmy Zhang from the BLIA Ottawa Southern District Subchapter noted the lecturer's profound impact on everyone’s understanding on bodhisattvas; also on her personal cultivation and life's meaning. Jin Li from the BLIA Ottawa Western District Subchapter described Venerable Yi Kong's explanation as a transformative experience, making him realize that his understanding of Guanshiyin Bodhisattva was still very superficial. In the future, when he recites the Heart Sutra, the Universal Gate Chapter or the Great Compassion Mantra, he will have in-depth understanding.

The post-lecture book signing saw extensive lines, with participants eagerly purchasing the  works of the venerable. Discussion groups across the BLIA Ottawa Subchapters buzzed with reflections; each member experiencing a renewed perspective on Guanyin Bodhisattva and personal spiritual practice. Everyone was grateful to Ven. Yi Kong for her wonderful lecture and felt deeply that the reflections would last.

Before departing on the 18th, Venerable Yi Kong personally praised the construction project of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, offering encouragement and blessings that brought the dharma mission to a harmonious conclusion.