Between October and November 2024, Jianhu Shifu delivered a series of impactful lectures and participated in academic forums across Taiwan, sharing insights on Buddhist teachings and their applications to modern life.
"Awakened Education, Awakened Living"
On October 16, 2024, at Feng Chia University, Jianhu Shifu presented two discourses at the "Buddhism, Science, and Life Education" international forum. The lectures, titled "Awakened Education, Awakened Living," explored the applications of Buddhism in contemporary education and life, sparking considerable engagement from the audience. Shifu highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both Eastern and Western educational systems, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates moral cultivation with knowledge transmission. Buddhism was presented as an "awakened education" that fosters freedom and wisdom through understanding life's true nature, with applications in cultivating mindfulness, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary studies.
"Decoding 'Journey to the West'"
On October 21, 2024, Jianhu Shifu led a unique Buddhist studies lecture at Feng Chia University, titled "Are You Wukong?" Using the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong" as a starting point, Shifu delved into the wisdom of "Journey to the West," guiding attendees to reflect on overcoming obstacles and achieving inner peace. Wukong is the name of “The Monkey King,” the main protagonist in the original novel (and countless movies, TV dramas, comics, and games). It literally means “(to) realize (wu) emptiness (kong).” The lecture explored the symbolism of the characters in "Journey to the West" as representations of human tendencies, such as anger (Wukong), greed (Pigsy), ignorance (Sandy), and pride and doubt (Sanzang, the monk and initiator of the journey). Shifu also discussed the importance of personal experience in spiritual growth, as demonstrated by Sanzang's arduous journey to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures, instead of having the Buddha handing them to him. The lecture further analyzed the "Three Battles with the White Bone Spirit" to reveal the internal conflicts within a team and provided insights on how to resolve issues in team dynamics, especially when there are uncooperative members. Shifu emphasized that everyone possesses the wisdom and ability to solve problems and realize their goals. This is symbolized by the "Will-fulfilling Staff" that Wukong possesses, and his tireless effort to overcome all the monsters along the trip. These obstacles represent the challenges we have in life, and the using of the staff represents the resources we need to have. The key to unlock the limitless potential of the staff is understanding emptiness, Wukong’s namesake.
"The Three Wisdoms"
On October 23, 2024, Jianhu Shifu was invited by Yuan Jing Buddhist Humanistic Arts to lecture on the core of Buddhist practice: the three wisdoms of ABC: acquiring, absorbing, and cultivating. Shifu explained the importance of correctly understanding Buddhist concepts (acquiring, 聞慧), contemplating their meaning and internalizing these insights (absorbing, 思慧), and practicing them in daily life to eliminate afflictions and attain liberation (cultivating, 修慧). Drawing from Confucianism and Taoism, Shifu illustrated the similar learning process emphasized across disciplines and encouraged the audience to apply these principles in their lives. Using metaphors such as sending gifts and looking in a mirror, Shifu transformed profound Buddhist teachings into accessible lessons for daily application.
"Overcoming Karmic Obstacles"
On October 12, 2024, at the Dayuan Lecture Hall in Kaohsiung, Jianhu Shifu elucidated the concept of "mitigating severe retribution" from the Diamond Sutra and analyzed the logic of cause and effect behind it, pointing out the correct way to eliminate karmic obstacles for the public. The lecture clarified that the consequences of past actions can be lessened through dedicated practice and understanding of the Diamond Sutra. Shifu outlined specific methods for eliminating karma (消業障), including studying and practicing the Diamond Sutra, reflecting on one's thoughts and actions, practicing compassion, and understanding emptiness.
"Transforming Difficulties"
On October 12, 2024, Jianhu Shifu delivered a speech at the National Taiwan University Sunrise Buddhist Society (晨曦社). Shifu emphasized the importance of finding one's inherent awareness and practicing the four foundations of mindfulness (四念處), particularly Mindfulness of Feeling, to manage emotions and develop empathy. The address underscored that understanding oneself leads to understanding others, promoting harmonious relationships through skillful communication and compassion.
"Life is Like a Painting"
On October 14, 2024, Jianhu Shifu opened the "Practice and Integration of Buddhism and Art" forum at National Kaohsiung Normal University by explaining the "Juelin Bodhisattva Verse" in the Flower Adornment Sutra. Titled "Life is Like a Painting: Insights from the Juelin Bodhisattva Verse," the lecture explored the wisdom within the sutra, guiding the public to understand Buddhism from an artistic perspective and to recognize the illusions and truths in life. Shifu elucidated the relationship between "the fundamental elements" and "mind," and inspired the audience to create their pure land from the mind.
"Seeking Wisdom"
On November 6, 2024, Jianhu Shifu shared his experiences and insights on education and life with 200 high school students and their teachers at an forum organized by the Dept. of Education of Taoyuan City Government. Drawing on his experiences studying in the United States, Shifu compared the education systems of Taiwan and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of international perspectives and interdisciplinary skills. Shifu used examples from the 2024 Nobel Prize winners to illustrate the significance of AI and interdisciplinary research. Encouraging students to contemplate the meaning of life early, Shifu gave pointers on this inner journey, pointing out the importance of “still mind,” clarity of vision, and benevolence, and that happiness comes from applying their knowledge to benefit society.
"The Essence of Mind"
On November 5, 2024, Jianhu Shifu was invited by the Buddhist College of Huafan University and the Institute of Eastern Humanistic Thought to give a lecture on "Buddha-Nature, Awareness, and Emptiness." Shifu elucidated the concepts of Buddha-nature (佛性), awareness (覺性), and emptiness (空性), and guided the participating educators and students to understand the true meanings of these important concepts and how they are related to each other. Shifu clarified common misunderstandings about Buddha-nature and emphasized the importance of practicing "non-dwelling and non-attachment" in daily life.
On November 5, 2024, Jianhu Shifu was invited by the Buddhist College of Huafan University and the Institute of Eastern Humanistic Thought to give a lecture on "Buddha-Nature, Awareness, and Emptiness." Shifu elucidated the concepts of Buddha-nature (佛性), awareness (覺性), and emptiness (空性), and guided the participating educators and students to understand the true meanings of these important concepts and how they are related to each other. Shifu clarified common misunderstandings about Buddha-nature and emphasized the importance of practicing "non-dwelling and non-attachment" in daily life.
