Marilyn Lopega
March 19, 2024

A Dharma Talk given by Venerable Jue Ju, who is the superintendent of the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Founder’s Hall, was held on March 15, 2024 at Guang Ming College (GMC) in Tagaytay, Philippines. It is entitled “The Teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun: His Works and Words”. About 160 faculty, staff and scholars attended, together with Venerable Abbess Miao Jing of FGS Mabuhay Temple, Venerable Zhi Qin, the President Luisa So, Dharma Sister Belinda Tantoco and Linda Oliva of Buddha’s Light International Association Hong Kong Sub-Chapter.

The President of GMC Dr. Michael Tan remarked that when Venerable Jue Ju told the stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun our Founder, we would get to know him and found our root in Humanistic Buddhism. In the closing remarks, Venerable Miao Jing encouraged all to uphold the practice of Three Acts of Goodness through unconditional and universal giving in every daily doing.

Ven Jue Ju explained that if we want to know Master Hsing Yun, we have to know his personality. What better way to know him is through his works, and his words (teachings). These are the two main human characteristics that emphasized to be developed through the acts of giving joy, hope and convenience to other people.

First, we have to become uninvited friends. Venerable Master Hsing Yun means that if there is ever a need of any kind, whether material or services, we should be ready to give our services or talent or whatever we can give to fulfill the needs. There should always be a willingness to give and to serve without conditions. Just like Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the power of giving is always in his heart, always becoming an uninvited friend in every opportunity that comes his way.

Second, is the spirit of being number two. This means that we put others as the number one, and we come only second to them. We put other people who help us, who nourish us, who became part of who we are as the number one. Therefore, we think of their convenience, joy, comfort ahead of ours. They are the first consideration in everything that we do, our convenience only comes second to theirs. And we should always show this with a big heart. The power of giving is always in the heart.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun exemplified the two important characteristics throughout his life. This was witnessed especially when he was already old and having many health issues. Since he gave unconditionally to all without exceptions, he continued to work hard in his calligraphy even when he could no longer see and experiencing a lot of pain when writing. He did this to raise funds for the colleges and universities he promised to establish and support. Even if they took all of what he had, he never wavered in his vow to support these schools so that the scholars can continue their education.

These all he accomplished, as he said, to give value to his life, be of benefit to others, and help society, and bring more compassion to the world.

Now that he is a star in the sky, we will still continue to learn from him. We start with small things until given more responsibility, we can do greater things that bring joy, provide convenience and develop confidence to others.

A day before the Dharma Talk, a vegetarian cooking lesson was demonstrated by Venerable Jue Ju to the students and staff of GMC. Chef Neil has appreciated her mindfulness and calmness in cooking five dishes over three stoves within a tight timeframe.

Feedbacks about the Dharma Talk from:
Ms. Joei Eborde, 2nd year Theatre Major, teared herself when she learnt more about Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She felt very lucky to be chosen as a scholar of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Every piece about the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun is very precious teaching and practice to her.

Mr. Joshua de Puyart, 3rd year Basketball athlete scholar,  is grateful for Venerable Jue Ju’s Dharma Talk. He is able to learn about the determination, endurance and persistence in Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He is motivated and realizes how Venerable Master Hsing Yun overcome physical illness and limitation. He is looking forward to learning more about Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s sport life in the upcoming BLIA Cup in Taiwan.

Student Affairs Director Prof. Maru Percela said that she is grateful to Venerable Jue Ju for coming to inspire the scholars. The stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun helped the students to keep him alive in the hearts. She hopes that the students will pay back the Founder’s noble vision by studying eagerly and practice Three Acts of Goodness in their everyday activities.