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The BLIA (Buddha’s Light
International Association) is closely associated with Fo Guang Shan
in that it takes much of its direction from the order. In response
to the needs of local lay Buddhist practitioners, the "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 BLIA General Conference, Venerable 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, Venerable Master Hsing
Yun endorsed the spirit of "Joy and Harmony" as the theme for the
first BLIA General Conference. In doing so, BLIA hopes the seed of
joy is sown 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 around 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,
Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands,
Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, 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.
Guiding Principles:
We are indebted
to the Buddha's teachings and sincerely respect the Triple Gem; we
propagate to benefit all sentient beings and strive to enlighten the
world.
We promote Living Buddhism and create a Buddha's Light pure
land; we are pragmatic in worldly affairs and compassionate in
providing relief to the world.
We observe established formalities and harmonize with the
Five Dharma Vehicles; we cultivate the Three Studies for a wholesome
character.
We work with an international outlook and engage in cultural
and educational activities; we are broad-minded and respect the
multitude.
Direction:
From monastic to laity:
To extend to lay followers the opportunity to support the Triple
Gem, to spread Buddhist culture, and to propagate the Dharma.
From monasteries to society: To penetrate society and the
human mind; let compassion, moral discipline, wisdom, and
mindfulness be the sources of strength for purification of the human
spirit.
From self-cultivation to helping others: To encourage fellow
Buddhists to practice the dual cultivation of happiness and wisdom
for self-enlightenment, and at the same time, rely on compassion and
knowledge to benefit others.
From passiveness to involvement: To emulate the spirit of the
Buddha by being active and optimistic in dealing with life, thus
giving others confidence, hope, joy, and convenience.
From disciples to teachers: To train lay followers in skill
and wisdom through educational programs so that they too can be
competent propagators.
From our country to the world: The Mahayana spirit is "to
emancipate all beings prior to self-salvation." We are to follow
this glorious tradition with firm conviction and a vision that
extends across the world. Let us strive to realize the ideal of
"letting the Buddha's Light shine over the three thousand realms and
the Dharma's current flow throughout the five continents. |