2026-04-17 Finding Peace in Turbulent Times: Venerable Miao Guang Discusses Compassion and Self-Compassion at FIU

Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, delivered an English Buddhist lecture on April 17 at the joint invitation of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) and the Department of Religious Studies at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University (FIU). The lecture, titled "Compassion and Self-Compassion: Finding Well-Being in a Time of Unrest," attracted over 70 faculty, students, and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) members, creating a focused and enthusiastic atmosphere. Distinguished guests in attendance included CARTA Dean Brian Schriner, Professor Lidu Yi, Religious Studies Department Chair Professor Erik Larson, Asian Studies Program Director Dr. Jin Zeng, as well as Venerable Miao Fan, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, and Venerable Ju Yuan, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Miami.

During the lecture, Venerable Miao Guang drew upon Professor Lewis R. Lancaster's book, Buddhist Encounters: Finding a Home in the Human Condition, to guide the audience in reimagining the profound meaning of "compassion." She pointed out that compassion is not an escape from real-world difficulties, but rather an inner strength that anchors the body and mind when facing stress and anxiety. In today's volatile and uncertain society, cultivating self-compassion not only helps build personal psychological resilience but also fosters interpersonal understanding and tolerance, which in turn stabilizes overall community relations.

The attendees came from diverse backgrounds; alongside students and professors, scholars of Christianity and Hinduism also participated. The audience listened intently, took diligent notes, and asked enthusiastic questions during the Q&A session, demonstrating high interest in Buddhist philosophy and practical applications. Kaylin Perez from Brazil shared that her family is Christian but she has Buddhist cousins, prompting her to ask about the differences between Buddhism and other religions (such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). Venerable Miao Guang responded that while all religions advocate love and care as core values, Buddhism elevates this to "compassion" (karuna). It emphasizes selfless dedication and altruism, which is ultimately embodied in the Bodhisattva path—vowing to help all sentient beings leave suffering behind and attain happiness.

Another student, Sophia Rocha, asked why Buddhism often emphasizes "afflictions," seeming to overly focus on negative experiences. The Venerable explained that when the Buddha first turned the Dharma wheel, he presented the concept of "suffering" (dukkha) to help sentient beings recognize the problem and give rise to the desire for liberation, thereby forging a path to freedom. The Venerable further clarified that dukkha is closer in meaning to "imperfection" or "dissatisfaction" rather than mere pain. Because of multiple translations over time, the meaning has sometimes been oversimplified. In reality, the core of the Dharma is teaching people how to transcend this imperfect state of existence.

A book donation ceremony was also held that day. The Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism and Fo Guang Shan Miami donated the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts to FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts, accepted by Dean Brian Schriner and Professor Lidu Yi. Furthermore, to support religious academic research, the organizers donated several English works by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, to the Department of Religious Studies, accepted by Chair Erik Larson. This gesture not only enriched the university's research resources in arts, architecture, and religious humanities, but also injected diverse cultural and aesthetic perspectives into the campus, further deepening cultural exchange between Buddhist studies and international academia.

In her speech during the book donation ceremony, Venerable Miao Fan expressed how deeply impressed she was by the friendliness, harmony, and inclusivity shown by the local community. As the lecture concluded, she encouraged the audience with a renowned 16-character Chinese motto: "Cherish one's own beauty, respect the beauty of others, harmonize these beauties together, and the world will be one." She shared her hope that in an era of multicultural integration, people will respect and appreciate one another, working together to realize the ideal of harmonious coexistence.