Hsiang Yun Temple “60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy” Lecture Series Exploring the Empowerment of Women in Humanistic Buddhism

By David, The Life News Agency, Austin

On May 30, Hsiang Yun Temple held the fourth lecture in the “60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy” series. The event featured Dr. Kenneth Holloway, a Fo Guang Shan Lay Dhatma Lecturer and Levenson Professor of Japanese History at Florida Atlantic University, who delivered a lecture in English titled “Empowerment of Women in Humanistic Buddhism”, attracting nearly 70 attendees from the Buddhist community and the wider public.

Dr. Holloway examined the significant role of women in the historical development of Buddhism, pointing out that women have long participated in propagating Buddhism, yet their contributions are often overlooked. Using the development of Buddhism in China and Japan as examples, he illustrated women’s contributions in practice, temple support, and cultural preservation. He emphasized that Humanistic Buddhism, as advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, centers on the equality of all sentient beings and the Buddha-nature inherent in everyone, with gender equality being a concrete manifestation of Buddhist principles.

During the lecture, Venerable Jue Ji conducted a coming-of-age ceremony for two young participants, offering blessings and encouragement to cultivate responsibility and gratitude through Buddhist teachings. Following the lecture, a discussion session explored topics including Buddhist chants, Buddhist music, and the impact of artificial intelligence on propagation and practice, generating lively interaction. Through historical reflection, mindfulness, and life education, the event highlighted the spirit of equality in Humanistic Buddhism and ensured the continuation of the Dharma across generations and cultural exchanges.

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