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Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founding
president of Buddha's Light International |
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Association has been challenged
by a vision and propelled by a vow: to "Let the Buddha's
Light shine over three thousand realms. Let the water of Dharma
flow through the five continents." |
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Upon retiring from the post as
the abbot of Fo Kuang Shan, the Venerable Master continued to
expand his vision wherever he traveled and preached throughout
the world. As he listened to the faithful all around the globe,
a common idea emerged:
In order to meet the many challenges
of this time in history and the depth of human need reflected
in the diverse people around the world, Fo Kuang Shan should
take the lead in bringing Buddhism into cities and communities
in order |
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to reach the masses across national
boundaries and in every corner of the globe. From this vision,
BLIA was established to provide the faithful with an opportunity
to sponsor spiritual activities, educational opportunities to
purify the human mind, to fulfill one's human potential, and
to establish a Buddha's Light Pure Land on earth. |
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As organizing committee for BLIA,
Taiwan chapter was formed in 1990, followed by formal inauguration
in the Dr. Sun Yatsen's Memorial Hall on February 3, 1991. On
March 31 of the same year, BLIA Los Angeles USA was inaugurated
at the Hsi Lai Temple, followed by the establishment of chapters
in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, Philippines,
Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Brazil, Paraguay and South Africa. |
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The Inauguration of the BLIA World
Headquarters and First General Conference were held at the Hsi
Lai Temple USA from May 17-22, 1992. Delegated 20,000 people
from 51 regions attended the gathering with representatives from
the Southern and Northern, Esoteric and Esoteric Buddhist traditions,
as well as monastics and members of the lay community.Venerable
Master Hsing Yun was elected president. The conference participants
had passed the charter, purpose, mission and future direction
of BLIA. The Venerable Master noted the following: |
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"The
Buddha taught us that the entire universe is our heart.
Therefore, in BLIA, we will make no distinctions according
to race, culture, or country in the world. Thus we will be
able to fully express the spirit of the Tathagata and a global
perspective in promoting Buddhism. Buddhism is living with
compassion, universal benevolence, and the wisdom
to distinguish right from wrong."
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20,000 BLIA regional delegates gathered for a group picture
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the Inauguration of the World Headquarters, chapters have sprung up all
around the globe like spring grasses after the first rain. In November
1992, the BLIA, Victoria of Australia chapter was established. Currently,
there are over 150 regional chapters around the world. Applications for
new chapters pour in on a regular basis as well. BLIA invites your participation
so we might, together, build a world of peace and harmony. |
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