Buddhist Encounters Book Launch Honors Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
January 3, 2025

On October 28, 2024, the University of the West hosted the launch of the new book Buddhist Encounters: Finding a Home in the Human Condition, accompanied by a special lecture by renowned Buddhist scholar Professor Lewis R. Lancaster. Published by Buddha’s Light Publications, the book examines how Buddhist teachings can be applied in modern life and pays tribute to the legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. Nearly 150 attendees participated in person and online.

University President Minh-Hoa Ta opened the event by reflecting on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s pivotal role in establishing the university and promoting cultural exchange. He remarked, "Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate Professor Lancaster’s academic achievements but also to commemorate the profound impact left by Venerable Master Hsing Yun." President Ta emphasized that the university’s resilience through the pandemic and other challenges stems from the principles of tolerance and compassion championed by Venerable Master. "Without Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s dedication to education and cross-cultural harmony," he added, "neither the university nor tonight’s event would exist."

Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple and Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, also addressed the audience. He highlighted Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s lifelong vision of spreading Buddhist teachings to benefit all beings, explaining that the Master hoped to extend the compassionate spirit of Humanistic Buddhism beyond borders. Venerable Hui Dong commended Professor Lancaster for advancing this vision through his scholarly work and underscored the importance of institutions rooted in spirituality and compassion.

In his heartfelt speech, Professor Lancaster invited attendees to close their eyes, reflect on their support for him, and imagine him bowing deeply in gratitude. He thanked Fo Guang Shan and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) for their unwavering encouragement and shared how Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught him the value of contentment. "Contentment," he remarked, "is the foundation of peace." Using humor and personal anecdotes, Professor Lancaster illustrated the depth of this simple yet profound teaching.

He explained that Buddhist Encounters was born during the pandemic, based on a series of lectures designed to help people find resilience and peace in challenging times. "During those difficult moments," he shared, "we discovered we had enough courage to overcome our struggles." He connected Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom to the global challenges posed by the pandemic.

The book encourages readers to reflect on shared human challenges using Buddhist principles such as causality, impermanence, and emptiness. It poses questions relevant to today’s world, including: How do we relate to ourselves and others in a post-pandemic, AI-driven era? How do we navigate desires, fears, and confusion, and what lies ahead?

Professor Lancaster also shared a childhood story from WWII about longing for a bicycle when resources were scarce. When he finally received one, his excitement waned because he now desired a car. The humorous anecdote resonated with the audience, drawing laughter and illustrating the impermanence of desire.

Throughout his lecture, Professor Lancaster frequently mentioned Venerable Master Hsing Yun, recounting their decades-long friendship that transcended culture and language. He expressed gratitude for Venerable Master’s intuitive support, which he described as "just the right help at the right time." He also spoke about learning the importance of "creating space" for others—a lesson inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s example.

The evening concluded with a celebration of Professor Lancaster’s 92nd birthday. Messages of gratitude and well-wishes were shared via pre-recorded videos from Fo Guang members worldwide, including participants from FGS Tsung-Lin University, the English Translation Team of the Fo Guang Dictionary, and other Buddhist education initiatives.

Attendees and university faculty expressed deep appreciation for the lively and thought-provoking discussions. The event not only honored Professor Lancaster’s remarkable contributions to Buddhist education but also beautifully reflected Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of compassion, wisdom, and cultural harmony.