06/13/2024

Students' Visit from BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) at the University of Texas at Austin

- Report by Shi Cuiyu, Austin

On the morning of June 13, six students from the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) at the University of Texas at Austin visited Xiang Yun Temple. They were greeted by local volunteers Bob and Barbara on the Path to Enlightenment before proceeding to the main hall to watch a short film on the life of Buddha. The volunteers also explained the basic concepts of Buddhism, Buddhist rituals, the Eight Phases of the Buddha's life, and the mission of Fo Guang Shan in promoting Humanistic Buddhism and the practice of the Bodhisattva Path.

Venerable Jue Ji specially arranged a session at the tearoom featuring "Tea and Zen" and a Q&A segment. During the session, the venerable introduced the rules of preparing and enjoying tea meditation. In the Q&A segment, the visiting young Christians asked about the venerable’s reasons for ordination, the differences between monastics and lay volunteers, and how Buddhists express the concept of "repentance." The venerable explained using the concept of karma, stating that everyone must bear the consequences of their actions, both good and bad, and that reading and reciting scriptures can help reduce stress and express repentance.

In just two short hours, the visitors gained a lot, left with positive energy, and received keepsake ornaments. After taking a group photo, everyone happily departed!