Awakening the Heart: A New Life in Yilan

The Radiance of Dharma Affinity

The Dharma affinity we share today is like the first rays of the morning sun rising in the East. It casts a brilliant, warm light over the land of Yilan, symbolising a fresh beginning for all who dwell here. This light is not merely physical; it is the illumination of wisdom that awakens the spirit and brings clarity to our path. When we gather in this way, we create a powerful connection that transcends the ordinary, allowing the light of the Dharma to penetrate the deepest corners of our lives.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

If we can continue to nurture this connection, we envision the establishment of a special academy in Yilan—a true sanctuary for the spirit. This institution will be dedicated to the children of this region, providing them with a foundation that goes far beyond conventional schooling. In this place, teaching and learning will be one, and there will be no discrimination in the pursuit of wisdom. The academy will be founded upon the principles of the Dharma, ensuring that every lesson is aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. It will be a place where the heart is cultivated as carefully as the mind.

Education Rooted in the Heart

True education must begin from the heart. We must guide our children to transform their inner state, for it is from within that all outward actions flow. To foster this transformation, we must encourage them to embrace the fundamental virtues of a noble life:

• Practising filial piety:
• Honouring and caring for their parents with a sincere and grateful heart.Serving and respecting teachers:
• Recognising the guidance of those who lead them toward wisdom.Cultivating a compassionate heart:
• Developing a spirit of kindness that refrains from killing and cherishes all living beings.Diligently practising the Ten Good Deeds: Ensuring that every thought, word, and action contributes to the harmony of the world.

The Vision of Living Dharma

Beyond these essential foundations, it is even more vital to help our youth discover the true meaning of life. We must ask ourselves: Why have we come into this world? What is the purpose of our existence? By helping young people find the answers to these questions, we help them find their true selves. This is the essential vision of the Buddha’s teachings—a living education that breathes life into the spirit. It is a path that empowers the next generation to live with purpose, clarity, and deep inner peace. Through this, we ensure that the wisdom of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre continues to flourish, guiding all beings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.

This discourse was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Shi Faxi.