Dharma Drum Mountain Hong Kong Centre Marks 30th Anniversary

Abbot President Encourages the Hong Kong Centre to Become an International Platform for Dharma Propagation, Guiding People of All Nations to Approach the Buddhadharma


From May 21 to 24, Abbot President Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師) carried out a Dharma propagation journey in Hong Kong. In addition to delivering public lectures and transmitting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, he also presented appointments to honorary directors and certificates to new fundraising members, and attended the 30th anniversary gala of the Hong Kong Centre.

On the evening of May 22, the Abbot President gave a talk entitled "Blessings and Joy in Abundance," sharing how to cultivate inner harmony and peace, cherish karmic blessings in daily life and practice wisdom and compassion. More than 200 participants attended the lecture at the Hong Kong Dharma Centre. The Abbot President explained that blessings arise from harmony. Only when a person is at peace with oneself and establishes correct life values can true happiness be found.

Speaking about karmic blessings, the Abbot President reminded everyone that human blessings are limited. Excessive consumption not only depletes one's blessings but also increases one's burden on the environment. People should distinguish between "needs" and "wants," practicing the principle: "What is needed may be taken; what is merely wanted should be let go," thereby returning to a life of simplicity and ease. True blessings are found not only in material wealth or longevity, but in the enhancement of the quality of life.

Addressing current climate imbalance and environmental crises, the Abbot President pointed out that the root of the problem lies in the human mind. Spiritual environmentalism begins from within, transforming greed and excessive desires and thereby reducing harm to the Earth. He further encouraged the audience with the saying, "If the road does not change, then change yourself; if the person cannot change, then change your mind." When facing difficult situations, one should transform discriminating thoughts and greed. Through "nonviolent communication," one can practice compassion and wisdom in daily life, thus bringing greater harmony to individuals, families, and society.

"Taking refuge is the beginning of returning home — returning to the home of the Dharma body and moving toward a state of health, happiness, peace, and well-being." At the Refuge-Taking Ceremony on May 23, the Abbot President transmitted the Three Refuges and Five Precepts to 180 devotees. He encouraged everyone that, after becoming disciples of the Buddha, the most important thing is "to treat others with compassion and oneself with wisdom." One should begin by "transforming oneself"—that is, changing one's own behavior, attitude, and speech-- which in turn positively influences those around them. The Abbot President also encouraged everyone to return regularly to the Dharma Center to participate in group practice and Buddhist study courses. In daily life, practitioners may recite the Buddha's name to align their minds with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, thus continually cultivating stability and wisdom.

Following the Refuge-Taking Ceremony, an appointment presentation for honorary directors was held. The Abbot President expressed gratitude to all those present for their generous support to Dharma Drum Mountain. He noted that over the past 30 years, the Hong Kong Centre's Dharma propagation activities have been widely welcomed and could even be described as "unable to meet the demand." "Modern society has a great need for the Buddhadharma and spiritual environmentalism to help people settle both body and mind," the Abbot President stated. He pointed out that Hong Kong is an international metropolis and expressed his hope that the Hong Kong Centre would become an important platform for Dharma propagation. Not only would it guide local Chinese communities, but also people from all nations to draw near to the Buddhadharma, altogether creating a harmonious and peaceful human world.


Photo: Venerable Yan Hai (釋演海), Dharma Drum Mountain Hong Kong Centre
Original text in Chinese: Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural Center
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown