To celebrate the 59th anniversary of the founding of Fo Guang Shan, BLIA members worldwide participated in a synchronized Heart Sutra calligraphy session on May 16, 2025. Sixteen devotees from Fo Guang Shan Chicago joined the cultivation online, practicing the Dharma with reverence and sharing in the joy of the teachings.
The activity began with Head Priest Venerable Yung Han leading the assembly in seated meditation to settle the mind in the present moment. This was followed by a video of the FGS founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who encouraged everyone to practice sutra calligraphy with the same diligence as academic study. He explained that through the Prajna wisdom of the Heart Sutra, one can cross from this shore of suffering to the other shore of enlightenment and ease.
Following the talk, the assembly recited the Heart Sutra and, with upright posture and focused minds, began the calligraphy practice. Every character was written with sincere respect. The session concluded with the recitation of “A Prayer for Those Who Calligraph Sutras and Hear the Dharma,” praying for all beings to be free from suffering and to grow in both blessings and wisdom.
The Most Venerable Heart Mu, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, noted that the global synchronization of Heart Sutra calligraphy to commemorate the 59th anniversary was deeply significant. Through the practice of sutra cultivation, one observes the mind and walks the Middle Way, avoiding attachment to either “existence” or “emptiness.” He reminded the group that if the “mind is without hindrance,” one can “stay far away from distorted dream-thinking.” He encouraged the assembly to engage in worldly affairs with a transcendental spirit, continuously promoting Humanistic Buddhism.
Venerable Yung Han also shared an important announcement: 2026 will mark the “60th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the Centennial Birth Anniversary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” which will be celebrated with a series of events. Starting May 16, BLIA sincerely invites members worldwide to consistently recite or calligraph the Heart Sutra daily. Through these collective vows, they pray that the wheel of Dharma at Fo Guang Shan continues to turn and that the sun of wisdom forever illuminates the world.
Yian-Zhi Ni, who recently moved to Florida, joyfully participated online. She shared that practicing alongside global BLIA members filled her with Dharma joy. She noted that the fine tip of the pen helped reawaken her concentration, entering a “meditation mode” where calligraphing the Heart Sutra became a warm dialogue with her inner self, manifesting the Pure Land in the present moment.
Hui-Lan Li, a member of the Second Subchapter, added that sutra calligraphy is a form of spiritual practice. By dedicating the merits to all sentient beings, one not only forms positive connections but also performs the most sublime form of generosity.