Mabuhay Temple Humanistic Buddhism Reading Seminar Explores the Lotus Sutra’s Path to Happiness and Peace

By Xi Chen, Life News Agency | Manila, Philippines | August 10, 2026

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the Centenary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, FGS Mabuhay Temple held the 2026 Humanistic Buddhism Reading Seminar on August 9 as part of the commemorative series, "60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy."

Centered on The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun: The Lotus Sutra, the seminar explored the theme “The Lotus Sutra and the Practice of Humanistic Buddhism.” More than 200 participants gathered at the Prajna Lecture Hall on the fifth floor of Mabuhay Temple to delve into the profound teachings of the Lotus Sutra of the Wondrous Dharma, revered as the “King of Sutras.” BLIA Young Adult Division member Li Zi-Hua served as the emcee.

The seminar opened with a performance by the Mabuhay Choir. Their melodious Buddhist hymns filled the hall with an atmosphere of solemnity and serenity.

Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of FGS Mabuhay Temple, delivered the welcoming remarks. She expressed her gratitude to Fo Guang Shan members, as well as teachers and students from Chinese schools, for their enthusiastic participation. She encouraged everyone to cherish this precious opportunity to learn the Dharma, bring its teachings of happiness and peace home, share them with family and friends, and put Buddhist wisdom into practice in daily life.

Venerable Jue Pei, Executive Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Reading Association Headquarters, was then invited to lead the guided reading, taking participants into the vast ocean of wisdom contained in the Lotus Sutra.

Venerable Jue Pei explained that the Lotus Sutra presents the Buddha’s ultimate teaching and reveals one of its central truths: everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood.

In the sutra, the Buddha bestowed predictions of future Buddhahood upon sravakas, pratyekabuddhas, bodhisattvas, and even Devadatta and the eight-year-old Dragon Girl. These examples demonstrate that the attainment of Buddhahood is not determined by social status, gender, or one’s past deeds.

Drawing upon the Seven Parables of the Lotus Sutra, including the Parable of the Burning House, the Parable of the Poor Son, and the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs, Venerable Jue Pei explained how the Buddha employed skillful means to guide sentient beings according to their different capacities and circumstances.

She further emphasized that the Humanistic Buddhism advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun throughout his life embodies the spirit of the Lotus Sutra—“uniting the Three Vehicles into the One Vehicle”—and brings the Buddha’s teachings into everyday life.

As Venerable Master Hsing Yun often taught, “Where there is Dharma, there is a way.” By applying Buddhist wisdom to daily life, people can transform their perspectives and overcome many worries and difficulties.

Following the guided reading, Venerable Man Mu facilitated discussions and reflections. Drawing upon the four practices of peaceful and joyful conduct—body, speech, mind, and vows—presented in the Peaceful Practices Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, she encouraged participants to practice the Three Acts of Goodness, arouse the bodhi mind, and transform their lives through the power of vows.

“60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy” Forum

A highlight of the seminar was the “60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy” Forum, moderated by BLIA World Headquarters Lay Dharma Lecturer Li Xiong-Cai.

The forum featured three panelists: Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines; Venerable Chue Pei, Executive Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Reading Association Headquarters; and Venerable Miao Lian, Abbess of FGS Da Ming Temple.

Drawing upon the Parable of the Jewel in the Robe, Venerable Yung Guang encouraged participants not to underestimate themselves or give up on others. Instead, they should help others discover the precious jewel already present within their lives.

Using the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs and the Parable of the Poor Son, Venerable Miao Lian spoke about the importance of accepting oneself while continually transforming one’s habitual tendencies. She emphasized that everyone possesses the potential to attain Buddhahood.

Reflecting on her own life experiences, Venerable Jue Pei explained the progressive path of Buddhist practice—from the Four Noble Truths and the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination to the Six Paramitas. She encouraged participants to engage with society, connect with others, and truly bring the Dharma to life through their actions.

At the conclusion of the forum, all participants gathered for a commemorative group photograph, bringing the Dharma-filled gathering of reading, reflection, and spiritual joy to a fulfilling close.

Through guided scripture reading, discussion, and meaningful exchange, the seminar encouraged participants to “nourish the heart through reading and cultivate wisdom through insight.”

By nurturing wholesome roots through reading and awakening wisdom through dialogue, participants were inspired to bring the Lotus Sutra’s teachings on happiness, peace, and joyful living into their everyday lives.