Dharma Lecture at Zu Lai Temple: the Profound Wisdom of the Avataṃsaka Sutra

Fo Guang Shan Zu Lai Temple

On June 21, Venerable Man Chien, Director of Overseas Monastic Affairs of Fo Guang Shan and Deputy Secretary General of BLIA South America, delivered a lecture at Fo Guang Shan Zu Lai Temple in Brazil titled "The Avataṃsaka Sutra: A Treasury of a Truly Wealthy Life." Nearly 180 participants attended, with simultaneous Portuguese interpretation provided. The lecture introduced the profound wisdom of the Avataṃsaka Sutra, emphasizing that all beings possess Buddha-nature and have the potential to attain Buddhahood.

Venerable Man Chien explained that the "wealth" described in the Avataṃsaka Sutra is not material prosperity, but the inner treasure of Buddha-nature and the wisdom of the Dharma. Drawing on examples ranging from the Lotus Sutra's "Parable of the Poor Son" to modern athletes such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he illustrated that genuine success comes not from privilege, but from perseverance, aspiration, and benefiting others. He further explained that the Avataṃsaka Sutra teaches the path of faith, understanding, practice, and realization, encouraging practitioners to develop Bodhi Mind and cultivate the bodhisattva path.

The lecture concluded by stressing that Humanistic Buddhism brings the teachings of the sutras into everyday life. Acts of kindness, mutual understanding, volunteer service, and the willingness to benefit others are all ways of "radiating light" in daily life. Referring to the Avataṃsaka Sutra's teaching of Indra's Net, Venerable Man Chien explained that all beings and phenomena are interconnected and interdependent, a vision that resonates with today's concept of a global community.