Thursday, July 25, 2019 | 6PM to 8PM
CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue, Rooms 9205/9206, Manhattan
In today’s modern society, with all the advancement in technology, research etc, the practices of Buddhism still has an important role to keep us grounded in humanity and ethics. So how can we marry the lofty goal of Buddhahood with the reality of day to day life and interactions with the people and world around us?
Ven. Changtzu: Stages to Developing Bodhicitta
In Buddhism, an important concept is Bodhicitta, which is also translated as Bodhi mind or Bodhi Vow. Bodhi encompasses the meanings of enlightenment, awakening, and wisdom. This mind and vow reflects an aspiration that is so strong, it then drives and dictates our intentions and actions in a wholesome way. We all can develop this wonderful mind and make this precious vow, but how? The Buddha elucidated a method where our compassion and practice become intertwined with the suffering of sentient beings. This then initiates the mind to learn the bodhisattva practices and seek the goal of Buddhahood purely for the sake of removing suffering. This process develops a bodhi mind that is impartial and free from discrimination yet overflowing with compassion and treats all equally and favorably. Let us embrace this wonderful method to do our bit to relieve the suffering in this world.
Ven. Yan Rong: Dharma in Daily Life
There are many images that come to mind when people hear the word “Buddhism”: praying to statues, reciting sutras, chanting mantras, burning incense and so forth. Buddhism is certainly a profound way to live one’s life so that it is meaningful, wholesome, and mutually beneficial to oneself and others. But what principle should we follow to ensure we are applying the the Buddha’s precious teachings, Dharma, into our daily life? How can we use the Dharma to effect actual change and progress? Let us explore this issue and learn to discern what is true and false. Only then can we see the beauty of Buddhism and why we should all practice it in our daily life.
Ven. Shiyi: Benefiting Oneself and Others
When you start to learn about Buddhism and read the stories of the Buddha’s marvelous deeds, one conclusion is that in order to benefit others one must first be enlightened. This is a grave misunderstanding. When we analyze the scriptures carefully we will see that the Buddha was practicing and developing his virtues and wisdom at the same time he was undertaking extraordinary acts that benefited others. We should take this to heart and know that we all can begin practicing like the Buddha. All we need is to understand where to start, how to go about it and what are our guiding principles.
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Dharma Path
