We uphold the Buddha's teachings and sincerely respect the Triple Gem; we propagate the Dharma to benefit all sentient beings and strive to enlighten others.
The Triple Gem – the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is the basis of our faith. The Buddha is synonymous with a brilliant light that helps sentient beings mature and fulfill themselves. He is the savior of the world. Like the water that enriches sentient beings, the Dharma is the truth of life. The Sangha is like a field in which virtues can be planted and nurtured. It is the benevolent community that upholds the right Dharma. As the home of our spirituality, the Triple Gem sustains our Dharma body and life of wisdom. Therefore, paying homage to the Triple Gem is the fundamental cultivation of BLIA members in which right knowledge and views are embraced.
BLIA members come together in order to accomplish the common goal of attaining the Buddha’s Way. Therefore, we shall diligently propagate the Dharma to benefit others. Only through the understanding of Buddhism and its values will human suffering be truly resolved and social well being enhanced.
We advocate living Buddhism and seek to create a Buddha’s Light pure land; we are pragmatic in worldly affairs and compassionate in providing relief to the world.
Sakyamuni Buddha was born in the human world in which his cultivation, enlightenment, and Dharma propagation took place. Moreover, his teachings were primarily spoken to people and for the world. Therefore, in pursuing the intent of the Buddha in teaching, benefiting, and giving joy, we should actualize his teachings in the human world.
It is said in the sutras, “Dharma is to be sought among humankind." The Sixth Patriarch Master Huineng also said, "The Dharma is in this world, it is not apart from worldly awareness. Seeking bodhi apart from this world is like looking for horns on a rabbit.” The Dharma and our daily life are inseparable. It loses its meaning once it separates from life. As Buddha’s Light members, the Dharma should be our guidelines in life, progressing to our family members and establishing a Buddha’s Light family. Furthermore, we should share the Dharma with our neighbors in establishing a Buddha’s Light community. Hopefully, our saha world will one day become a Buddha’s Light pure land.
We revere the practices given to us by the Buddha and harmonize with the Five Dharma Vehicles; we cultivate the Three Learnings for a wholesome character.
In the sutras, it is said, “Buddhas of the three kalpas attained Buddhahood only in the human realm, not in the other realms.” Therefore, Venerable Master Taixu said, "Accomplishing the human character is attaining Buddhahood, such is the truth of reality.” The perfection in one’s character is the attainment of Buddha’s Way.
Buddhism is divided into five different levels in accordance with the different characteristics of every human being, hence the “Five Dharma Vehicles.” They are the Human Vehicle of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, the Heaven Vehicle of the Ten Virtuous Deeds, the Sravaka Vehicle that cultivates the Four Noble Truths, the Pratyeka Vehicle that cultivates the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination, and the Bodhisattva Vehicle of the cultivation of the Six Paramitas.
Though there are many ways of practice, it never departs from the boundary of the Three Learnings in morality, meditation, and wisdom. In other words, these practices that are without outflows connect well with the human pursuit of cultivation of purification, tolerance, perseverance, and accumulation of wisdom. By cultivating these three practices diligently, they will rid us of our defilement in greed, hatred, and ignorance. Moreover, our perseverance will enhance our morals, purify our minds, improve our career, and develop human relationships. In the Mahavaipulya-mahasamnipata Sutra, "The Three Learnings of morals, meditation, and wisdom are the supreme dharani, purifying the karma of body, speech, and mind, allowing a disposition well-liked by all." If our members wish to attain the highest bodhi and to alleviate the suffering of others, they need to harmonize the Five Dharma Vehicles, and regard the Three Studies and the Six Paramitas as pivotal to their cultivation.
We work with an international outlook and engage in cultural and educational activities; we are always willing to open our hearts to do what we can to aid others.
BLIA recognizes that the world is in fact a family and that all sentient beings are one. Therefore, as members, we should adopt a global outlook regardless of profession, race, nationality, or age. Wherever we may be, we should diligently propagate the Dharma and in helping others.
In The Diamond Sutra indicates, "Regardless of being born from eggs, wombs, moisture or metamorphosis, I will liberate all sentient beings entering into nirvana without remainder. As such, I liberate countless and endless sentient beings; in reality, no sentient beings had been liberated.” In helping others, it is not just providing them with material support. More importantly, we need to guide them into the essence of the Dharma until reaching nirvana on the other shore. This can only be achieved through the emphasis of cultural and educational means. It is essential therefore to instill cultural values in people in order to bridge regional boundaries and to enhance educational pursuits in order to purify people’s minds. Therefore, the virtue in a four-line verse is far more precious than the material giving of treasures within the chiliocosm. It is proof that while charity and donations can provide emergency relief, the merits and virtue with employing culture and education to liberate others are far more profound because the effect is deep and wide.
