Symposium on Discovering the Codes of Happiness and Peace
On the evening of 3 July 2009, the Dharma Drum Humanities and Social Improvement Foundation and the Alumni Association of the Ivy League in Taiwan co-hosted a symposium focusing on "Discovering the Codes of Happiness and Peace" at the Taipei International Convention Center.
Honorable guests were invited to give their inspirational speeches to an audience of nearly two thousand, including the Venerable Hui Min, President of Dharma Drum Buddhist College; Mr. Stanley Yen, President of Landis Taipei Hotel; Dr. Huo-Wang Lin, professor of the Philosophy Department at the National Taiwan University and lastly, internationally renowned kungfu star and founder of One Foundation, Mr. Jet Li.
The lectures were well received with laughter and applause. The guest speakers shared their approaches to the difficulties in life and their thoughts on the moralities that hold the key to happiness and peace in terms of the Dharma, one’s personal working experience and philosophy.
The Secretary General of Dharma Drum Humanities and Social Improvement Foundation, Dr. Li Shenyi, said in his welcoming speech that the "Six Ethics Campaign" proposed by Venerable Master Sheng Yen presents an effective approach to healing societies in which basic moralities that form the foundation of social harmony are gradually breaking down. He also mentioned the aim of the campaign; that is, to uplift the character of every individual, thereby eventually purifying the society.
The Premier of the Cabinet-level Executive Yuan, Dr. Zhao-Xuan Liu, was also invited to present a speech. He agreed that the reconstruction of modern moralities poses an immense challenge for modern governments. After all, the law merely stands as the last resort in the protection of social harmony, while moralities should remain the guiding consciousness of society.
But where can we find happiness and peace? Venerable Hui Min cited the teachings of Venerable Master Sheng Yen in interpreting the origins of happiness and peace. The Venerable encouraged everyone to learn the methods of letting go of vexation and the ego at all times, and thus, opening the door of happiness.
Professor Huo-Wang Lin said that happiness and peace are no more than living attitudes. As long as one possesses a living attitude that enables one’s life to become valuable and meaningful, then the life can be filled with happiness and peace.
Kungfu star Jet Li encouraged every individual to further comprehend the reality of impermanence in life. He said that impermanence exists naturally in the universe. If one realizes and accepts the fact that an event always has multiple dimensions, one will naturally accept the presence of impermanence in life, thereby attaining happiness and peace.
President Stanley Yen pointed out the importance of making the most of the present and simultaneously seeking to serve and consider the interests of others. He warned that one should not be consumed by avaricious desires that give no chance of happiness and peace in the mind.
The lectures were insightful and inspirational, and motivated all who were in the audience to become little magic keys which can open the doors of happiness and peace in society.
(by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
