2026-01-14 – The Benefits of the Dharma: Venerable Abbot Hui Dong and Miami BLIA Discussion

On the evening of January 14, Venerable Abbot Hui Dong, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, held a seminar with nearly 30 officers from the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Miami Chapter. The Abbot used the question "Where do the benefits of the Dharma lie?" to guide the audience in reflecting on how to use Buddhist wisdom to transform worldly afflictions into fuel for spiritual practice and personal growth.

Venerable Abbot Hui Dong taught that most worldly troubles stem from inner attachment. Only through self-reflection and cultivation—observing the root of a problem—can one find the right remedy. He emphasized that learning to let go of the "ego" (self-attachment) while promoting association affairs and participating in service is a concrete way to practice Dharma in daily life. Furthermore, he explained that the core spirit of upholding the Five Precepts is to rectify one's behavior and mind, guiding life toward a correct and stable direction.

In response to a question from Executive Vice President Schiller regarding how to face current international turmoil, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, Abbot Hui Dong compassionately pointed out that the roots of global strife are the "Three Poisons" within the human heart: greed, anger, and ignorance. He encouraged the assembly to start with inner cultivation and mindfulness; only by establishing a calm and clear mind can one dissolve opposition, reduce conflict, and ultimately bring true, lasting peace to the world.

Chapter Elder Advisor Mei Hanzheng raised practical challenges regarding the promotion of association affairs, such as low participation, talent cultivation, and institutional leadership. The Abbot responded by suggesting a "start small to achieve big" strategy. By beginning with small-scale activities tailored to the public's interests, participants can build confidence and a sense of achievement through hands-on involvement. He also suggested fostering cooperation between new and veteran members to build rapport and a sense of responsibility, gradually establishing a stable pipeline of talent. At the institutional level, systems should be designed to be reasonable and welcoming; at the execution level, compassion, care, and mutual trust are essential to build cohesion.

Furthermore, in response to a question from local member Adrian on how to promote harmony in a multicultural environment, Abbot Hui Dong suggested a "cultural outreach" approach. This involves respecting different cultural backgrounds and encouraging various ethnic groups to plan and participate in their own activities, thereby creating an inclusive platform based on tolerance and respect.

Finally, the Abbot elaborated on the dialectical relationship between being "other-worldly" (transcendent) and "worldly" (engaged). He noted that only with an unselfish, "other-worldly" spirit can one truly fulfill the "worldly" service of helping people. The officers engaged actively throughout the seminar. To conclude, Venerable Abbot Hui Dong encouraged all officers to internalize the wisdom of the Dharma as a force for service, working together to continue planting the seeds of Humanistic Buddhism in Miami.