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In
Ven. Master Hsing Yun, Buddhism has found a reformer, an
innovator, and an educator.
Under his strong leadership, Buddhism has extended beyond
traditional temple life to integrate and further enrich the
modern living of city dwellers.
Today, it has transcended national boundaries and has
afforded people from all over the world the opportunity to be a
part of it.
Initially
formed on February 3, 1991 in response to the needs of local
Buddhist practitioners, the BLIA ROC gradually gained
recognition overseas. Subsequently, "Buddha’s Light
International Association" was officially inaugurated in
Los Angeles, California on May 16, 1992 during which a new
chapter in Buddhist history emerged. As Buddhist delegates from
Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Australia rendered their
support by attending the first world conference, Ven. Master
Hsing Yun commemorated the unprecedented event with the
following verses:
“My
compassionate vow is to save sentient beings;
My body is that of the Dharma ocean that binds no
boats.
Ask me what have I achieved in this lifetime?
May the Buddha's Light shine over the five
continents."
As
a starting goal for Buddhist propagation, Ven. Master Hsing Yun
endorsed the spirit of “Joy and Harmony” as the theme for
the first World Conference.
In doing so, BLIA hopes the seed of joy is sowed
throughout the world and the ideal of harmony prevails among all
people.
BLIA
is not the organization of a certain sect, temple, or person.
It is an organization that belongs to all the Buddhists
in the world. People
who subscribe to the guiding principles of BLIA are welcome as
"Buddha’s Light Friends".
Currently, over 100 BLIA chapters have been established
worldwide. There
are establishments in the United States of America, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the
Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, the
Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand, India, Brazil,
Argentina, Africa, etc. Gradually
but surely, there will be BLIA establishments throughout every
corner of the world where the presence of BLIA members will make
a difference for the benefit of humanity.
BLIA
works closely with members of other Buddhist temples, colleges,
scholastic organizations, lay practitioners associations, and
meditation groups. BLIA
will attempt to accommodate the request for assistance from any
affiliation if a need arises.
Evidently, the primary objective of BLIA is to serve the
multitude, spread a joyous spirit among people, and help others
to instill the virtue of compassion.
As
members are aware, BLIA places a lot of emphasis on social
services through a host of well-designed activities.
For example, BLIA is active in “Save The Earth”
campaign and the preservation of nature and the environment.
There are regular schedules to collect recycled products
and the planting of trees.
In the recent past, BLIA was instrumental in planting
about 20 millions trees in Taiwan.
As a means to help improve the conditions of our
communities, BLIA has also participated in some governmental
sponsored activities such as anti-drug campaign, international
disaster relief efforts, etc.
Due
to the fact that BLIA is able to meet the challenges dictated by
modern technology, the seeds of Buddhism can easily be planted
throughout the five continents.
In addition, under the strong support in the ideal of
“Respect and Magnanimity”, members of BLIA strive to emulate
the bodhisattvas spirit to help actualize the motto of BLIA:
“May
kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity
pervade all dharma realms.
May
all beings from heaven and earth benefit from our blessings and
friendship.
May our ethical practice of Ch’an and Pure Land help us to
realize equality and patience.
May we undertake the greatest vows with humility and
gratitude.”
Modeling
our behaviors on the Four Great Bodhisattvas, we recite this
motto before each meal to remind us of our vows to help others,
to make this world a better place, to bring joy to humanity, and
to achieve peace among nations.
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