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Fo Guang Shan advocates the “The Three Acts of Goodness,” which are say good words, do good deeds and thinking good thoughts. Buddhism teaches that the source of unwholesome karma comes from our body, speech and mind. Therefore, in our cultivation, we should start from these three areas.

To do good deeds is to generate good physical karma by not killing, not stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct as well as not committing any illicit acts. Instead, one should practice doing good by benefiting others with kind and beneficial deeds. To say good words is to cultivate good speech karma, which means one should not lie, nor engage in duplicitous, harsh or trivial speech. When one speaks, one’s words should be kind, rational, wise and truthful. Bearing good thoughts refers to cultivation of the mind. A mind should be free of doubt, jealousy, greed, anger and hatred, and instead have compassion, kindness, benevolence, motivation and vows. Cultivating these qualities is the practice of bearing good thoughts.

The three karmas of body, speech, and mind, as explained by Buddhism, can be practiced both positively and negatively. When we use these three karmas to do good, then we can be reborn in heaven; if we use them to commit wrongdoings, we may find ourselves in hell.

Therefore, following the three acts of goodness affects our future immensely. It even affects the whole community and nation, for the positive and negative morale of a society depends on the three karmas of body, speech, and mind of its citizens. If we all say good words, then what we always hear will be music to our ears. If we all do good deeds, then through helping one another valuable friendships can be established. If we all bear good thoughts, then we will find respect, peace and harmony anywhere we go. The movement to pursue the “Three Acts of Goodness” is one that will purify and improve the morale of society. Therefore, if one person cultivates the three acts of goodness, then one person will find peace and freedom, and when a country follows the three acts of goodness, then the whole country will attain liberation.

In Humble Table, Wise Fare there is the following verse:Say good words of compassion and kindness, for they are like the sun in winter – Encouragements and praises profuse like the scent of a hundred flowers everywhere.

Do good deeds, for simple acts of kindness beget wondrous merits –Service and contribution shine like the full moon high above.

Think good thoughts, for honesty and benevolence bring good fortune – With sages and saints in the mind, it is like reaping a good harvest.

Let us all come together to pursue the “Three Acts of Goodness,” always striving to say good words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts.

(adapted from Let Go, Move On, Between Ignorance and Enlightenment V, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing)

The Value of the Three Acts of Goodness

Issue No.31 October 2013

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‘Happy Camp’ Fun for Everyone!More than seventy primary school students, along with their parents and some school teachers, took part in this year’s ‘Happy Camp’ at Nan Tien Temple on Saturday, September 21st.

For many, it was their first time at the temple, and they were able to learn about the shrines and Buddha statues via the treasure hunt; as well as experience calligraphy, meditation and vegetarian cuisine.

This year’s theme, the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’, was the basis of activities including clay making, drama, and print making.

The one-day event officially began with representatives from each of the teams holding onto a ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ balloon, which they released together - watching as their vows flew into action!

Students were also asked to look after a single grain of rice for the day. The aim of this special task was to allow them to understand responsibility, and to show gratitude to their parents and teachers.

The camp benefited from the guiding support of Venerable Zhi Li, the efforts of temple volunteers, and the energy of Sydney members of the ‘Buddha’s Light Young Adult Association’.

The closing ceremony, which included a sharing session and prayer led by Venerable Jue Ning, wrapped up a creative, adventurous and truly inspiring day!

By Jasmine Yeung

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The ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’, also known as the ‘Moon Festival’, is a special time for family reunion, for the sharing of blessings and auspiciousness with family.

And for around eighty young friends and volunteers, the evening of Saturday, September 21st was also a special time to enjoy eating ‘moon-cakes’, under the full moon at Nan Tien Temple!

In Chinese culture, ‘moon-cakes’ symbolise completeness - like the moon.

The full moon is also significant in Buddhism. A popular analogy is of a finger pointing to the moon; with the moon representing the Truth, and the finger as the expedient means of reaching it. Buddha taught that we should not rely on the provisional means of attaining Truth, but on the definitive means - Truth itself.

The mind is also referred to as being like the autumn moon - completely untainted and pure. In attaining awakening, the minds of Chan practitioners settle in peace and tranquility, becoming bright - like the moon full of wisdom.

“The Moon of Wisdom is Always Complete.” Thus, the full moon reflects perfect wisdom or ‘Prajna’ wisdom. Unlike ordinary wisdom, ‘Prajna’ wisdom is an understanding of the reality of life as it is - like a camera bringing a picture into sharp focus. It is the light which dispels the darkness of ignorance.

So, the next time you see a full moon, enjoy its beauty - but let it also be a reminder to seek wisdom from within.

The Significance of the ‘Moon Festival’

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While uncovering the usual rubbish like soft drink bottles and cigarette packs - and even a pair of old socks - the day soon became a lesson. Some of the team members were overseas visitors, who had not seen or heard of the local wildlife. We discovered crab holes, beautifully coloured shells, sponge corral and cuttle fish; and noticed a tall tree by the waters, stretching its roots far out to survive.

We also observed a Bower Birds’ nest, so close to the entrance of the boardwalk you could almost touch it! Blue objects were scattered everywhere - another new experience for our Dharma friends.

So, though it was messy work, the time spent cleaning the environment was wonderful.

It was Buddhism in practice - teaching us to give, and to help each other as part of a team.

It was messy work, but the ‘Rise and Shine Clean-Up’ was wonderful, writes Dale Longmore…..

“Oh! What’s that horrible smell?” someone shouted. It was the natural smell of rotting mangrove tree roots and dead fish…all rolled into one! And it was a highlight of my day at the ‘Rise and Shine Clean-Up’ at Puckey’s Estate, near Fairy Meadow Beach on Sunday, September 15th.

Waking to a bright, sunny morning, thirteen members of the ‘Buddha’s Light International Association, Wollongong’ and ‘Nan Tien Friends’ headed off for some messy work; carrying our garbage bags, gloves, hats, water and a snack.

We split into two teams - one heading towards the ocean, the other up into the estate and then onto the beach. Beginning on the board walk, we moved along the edge of the river and mangroves. For some, it was their first look at a river and ocean together.

National Leadership Conference

Nan Tien Temple was invited to participate in the annual ‘National Leadership Conference’, attended by 150 students, at the University of Wollongong on Saturday, September 28th.

This year’s conference theme was ‘Change’ - inspiring young leaders to create positive changes to the world.

Early in the afternoon, Venerable Miao Zhe led a brief session outlining the benefits of meditation to everyday life.

Venerable Jue Wei then presented an inter-active ‘Mindfulness and Leadership’ workshop, introducing the two “I’s” - ‘Impermanence’ and ‘Inter-dependence’ - and highlighting the importance of understanding these key Buddhist concepts. She explained that mindfulness of the inevitability of change, and of the connections we have with each other can elevate our leadership skills; while being an effective leader also means caring for team members.

To further illustrate caring for others, she introduced the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ - do good deeds, say good words, think good thoughts - noting that “mindfulness of our behaviour, speech and thoughts is essential to lead others, and ourselves, well.”

Rise & Shine Clean up

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Painting Buddhas Within…the art of Wanda Greinenjoys creating Buddha paintings which tell stories about Buddhism, its history and teachings.

A visitor once asked Wanda why she named some of her paintings “Baby Buddha?” She explained that Buddhism’s founder, Sakyamuni Buddha, said that we all have a ‘Buddha nature.’ Venerable Master Hsing Yun also encourages everyone to publicly vow, “I am Buddha.” Hence, every child, youth, or senior can attain Buddhahood without discrimination. This is the Buddhist concept of equality.

Wanda, an art teacher for over 25 years, says her students have also participated in the “painting Buddhas trend”. She hopes everyone can learn about Buddhism, though they may have different faiths and cultures; and feels that as long as we open our hearts and accept the religious perspectives of others, we can learn more - especially about respect and tolerance.

Every Saturday, from morning to early afternoon, Kiama artist Wanda Grein sat in Nan Tien Temple’s ‘Hai Hui Hall’ painting her latest work. Curious passers-by often asked, “What is your inspiration?” “Why did you choose to paint Buddhas and Bodhisattvas?” “What do you experience during the process of painting?”

For Wanda, it all began three years ago when she took a trip to Thailand. As she read more about Buddhism, she discovered that Buddhist teachings such as the five precepts, compassion, no self, and no attachment are meant to be applied in everyday life.

Then she started painting Buddhas, quickly discovering that painting the face of a Buddha requires more than just technical skill. In her view, to paint the Buddha, one must be able to submit themselves to open mindfulness, and be willing to ‘let go’ of what the conscious mind dictates, gently allowing the spirit and soul to guide the painting hand. Her interest in Buddhist Art developed from there, and today she

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Venerable Master Hsing Yun on Living, Dying, and Learning - By Venerable Master Hsing Yun

We all can be bound up by life’s big questions: where did we come from, where are we going, and why are we here? In Endless Knot, Venerable Master Hsing Yun unravels such questions to reveal the teachable wisdom at their core: How can we protect life and help it grow? How can we prepare for death, and what lessons can we learn from it? What can we do so that our lives become joyful, meaningful, and beneficial to all living beings? Equal parts Buddhist tradition and modern-day pragmatism, Master Hsing Yun reflects on these questions and more in a down-to-earth conversational style. Endless Knot is sure to provide you with gentle words and some new ideas to carry along with you on your path.

“I often wish that with just this body of mine, with this single life and mind, that I can diligently expand my life to encompass the whole world, like a drop of water following the current into the ocean until it expands into the limitless beyond. Just as a single drop of water helps a plant to grow beautifully, so too can something as small as one person’s life blend into a country, a culture, even the whole universe until all existence is one.”

Translated by FGS International Translation Center5.5 x 8.25 inches, paperbackISBN: 978-1-932293-71-5

Endless Knot

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Date Time Activities6/10~11/11 Sun 2:30pm~4pm Children’s Buddhism Class Nan Tien Temple

6/10~20/10 Tues~Sun 9am~5pm Life at Nan Tien Buddhist College Museum

3/10~17/11 Tues~Sun 9am-4pmBeing in the Moment: Art and Mindfulness Exhibition Hai Hui Hall

12~13/10 Sat~Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat Nan Tien Temple

19/10 Sat 11am Guan Yin Bodhisattva Renunciation Day - Light Offering Dharma Service Front Shrine

26/10 Sat 9am-4pm2pm

One Day Meditation RetreatBaby Blessing Ceremony

Nan Tien TempleMain Shrine

27/10 Sun 10am – 4pmNan Tien Institute Graduation Ceremony & Information Day

Auditorium & Conference Room

2/11 Sat 10:30am Medicine Buddha Dharma ServiceMain ShrineAll Branch Temples

06/11~11/12 Wed

6:30pm7:30pm

English Buddhism Class Term 4Meditation Class Term 4 (Beginners & Ad-vanced)

Nan Tien Temple

9~10/11 Sat~Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat Nan Tien Temple

23/11 Sat 9am-4pm One Day Meditation Retreat Nan Tien Temple

12~15/12 Thu~Sun Nan Tien Cultivation Retreat & Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Five Precepts Retreat. Nan Tien Temple

25,26&28,29/12

9am~5pm Nan Tien Cultural Festival Nan Tien Temple

Nan Tien Temple 2013 Oct ~ Dec Upcoming Events

Use kind, compassionate heart to care for all living beings;Use kind, compassionate eyes to look at all things;Use kind, compassionate words to rejoice in and praise others;Use kind, compassionate hands to do good deeds broadly.

~Humble Table, Wise Fare by Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Contact NTI now:Tel: +61 (2) 4272 0648 Email: info@nantien.edu.au www.nantien.edu.au

ABN: 80 139 338 819CRICOS: 03233C

NTI has announced its’ timetable of 2014 subjects. Now is the time to enrol in a Masters, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certi�cate in the Applied Buddhist Studies program. Or to secure your place in individual subjects of interest in NTI’s Non-Award Program.

An increasing number of students are discovering this insightful education opportunity and using it to forge new career paths and enhance their personal lives.

2014 will include a comprehensive range of inspiring subjects grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom. The year will start with core subjects to build a solid foundation of understanding. You will then have the opportunity to build on this by learning the skills to further study Buddhism and develop original research; and enhance your studies further with fascinating special-interest subjects. There are also plans to hold a Study Tour in India – The Heartland of Buddhism at the end of the year.

Plan your unique education journey for 2014

Nan Tien Institute (NTI) is Australia’s newest accredited tertiary education provider grounded in Buddhist wisdom and values. 2013 is NTI’s third year of postgraduate programs, o�ering an increasing number of students a unique and holistic education.

The Road to an Enlightened Education

Applications for study scholarships starting in 2014 are closing on 2 December. The scholarships are designed to support quali�ed professionals in the �elds of Health and Education, as well as students interested in an Applied Buddhist Studies research pathway, who want to study a postgraduate quali�cation at NTI.

There are 12 scholarships, valued at between AUD$3,400 and $10,200, available for 2014.

Teaching, health and research scholarship applications for 2014 closing

NTI’s upcoming subjects will stimulate students intellectually and o�er practical insights into the contemplative world of Buddhism.

‘Mindfulness and Cognitive Science’ (21-25 October) is an opportunity to learn about recent developments in the area of the study of the human mind. This subject positions mindfulness into the context of modern scienti�c research, and explores how these two paths of inquiry into the human condition complement each other. Lecturer: Professor Urban Kordes (international cognitive science specialist from Europe)

‘Interfaith Seminar: Buddhist-Christian Dialogue’ (18-22 November) combines perspectives from humanities and the social sciences, and applies them to Buddhist and Christian religious topics. Ideal for anyone interested in the study of comparative religions. Lecturers: Dr Douglas Golding and Ven. Dr Juewei

FEE-HELP is now available for all NTI subjects. See www.nantien.edu.au/content/nti-fee-help.

NTI’s upcoming 2013 subjects

NTI’s Graduation Ceremony and Information Day will be held on Sunday 27 October 2013. A range of sessions designed to inform potential new students about an NTI education – including presentations, lectures, and an art exhibition launch, will be followed by a Graduation Ceremony.

All are welcome and entry is free. Bookings are essential for catering.

Visit www.nantien.edu.au/information-graduation for details.

NTI’s third art exhibition will continue to explore and develop the conversation and related themes of Australian Artists in the Asian Century. ‘being in the moment: art and mindfulness’ will feature contemporary local artists whose works respond to teachings about mindfulness, and the concepts of attention and awareness.

The exhibition will be held at:

Graduation opens paths for new students

Art exhibition – ‘being in the moment: art and mindfulness’

The Timetable can be found at www.nantien.edu.au/study/lecture-timetable

Nan Tien Institute (NTI) is Australia’s newest accredited tertiary education provider grounded in Buddhist wisdom and values. 2013 is NTI’s third year of postgraduate programs, o�ering an increasing number of students a unique and holistic education.

Melanie Duncan, One journey

NTI Art Gallery, Hai Hui Hall, Nan Tien Institute Temple Campus3 October – 24 November (not open Mondays)

Entry is free andall are welcome.