IBPS Switzerland‘s book club March 8

IBPS Switzerland
March 17, 2025

On March 8, the BLIA and ＂Yunshui—Carefree＂ Book Club was led by BLIA, Swiss- President Pan Rongying. Nearly twelve members visited Sister Li Xiufang's home, and a Buddha Light Blessing was held. At the beginning of the Dharma service, venerable Miaoyen led everyone in reciting the "Great Compassion Mantra" and praying for the compassion and blessings of all Buddha and Bodhisattvas so that Sister Xiufang and her family could find a happy, harmonious family life and inner peace.

Then, the association’s supervisor Jenny Li shared the “Four Embracing Virtues” in the “Basic Buddhist Terms” and used the “Four-Level Reading Structure” to analyze the core ideas of the article. She encouraged everyone to think about and share their own practical experiences in the four Dharmas of generosity, affectionate speech, beneficial deeds, and fellowship.

Among them, "generosity" is divided into material alms, Dharma alms, and fearlessness alms. This echoes the "Three good deeds" ( do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts) and "Four Giving" (Give Others Faith, Give Others Joy, Give Others Hope, and Give Others Convenience) advocated by Master Hsing Yun. Sister Huang Ai-feng shared her experience of helping a traumatized mother while serving as a translator, demonstrating the warm power of loving words. Supervisor Jenny Li also talked about her experience in getting along with her family and sparked a discussion on how to use the language of love between couples and between parents and children. President Pan Rongying shared her insights from work: there is no need to delve into the patient’s past; the continuation of past habits can be recognized from their current words and deeds, which also confirms the law of cause and effect in Buddhism.

Finally, Sister Jenny Li concluded with the "Four Immeasurable Minds." The Avatamsaka Sutra states, "always take joy in blissfulness, gentleness, and the practice of endurance. Abide in kindness, compassion, joy and giving". Bliss, compassion, joy and generosity form the basis of the practice and are also the principles of self-cultivation and worldly behaviour.

At the end of the event, Venerable Miaoyen explained the four stages and the guidance methods to the leader of the reading club and expressed her hope that the reading club could continue to improve. Under the guidance of the venerable Miaoyen, everyone showed their sincere commitments and brought the event to a successful conclusion.