Donglin Pure Land College held the opening ceremony of the 2024 spring academic year
Just after the Lantern Festival of the New Year in Jiachen, Jiangxi Province, the teachers and students of Donglin Pure Land College ushered in the new school year. On the morning of February 26, 2024, teachers and students of the college gathered together to participate in the opening ceremony of the new academic year 2024.
At the solemn ceremony, Director Zhuang Yanggu of the Provincial Religious School Service Center, Monk Da'an Da'an, Tutor of Donglin Pure Land College, Venerable Deshou, Dean of the Pure Land Academy, Venerable Dejin, Executive Vice President Venerable Yaohong, Provost Venerable Deqiu, and Vice Provost Venerable Yiwu attended to witness this important moment.
Venerable Deshou first delivered a speech, saying that just after the Chinese New Year, everyone welcomed the opening ceremony with a new look, and extended a warm welcome and congratulations to everyone. The Venerable Master put forward three requirements for the students in the new academic year: first, they must rely on good knowledge, second, they must respect their teachers, and third, they must be rigorous in their studies. He hoped that the students would devote themselves to their new learning with high enthusiasm and rigor.
In his speech, Venerable Dejin emphasized the importance of studying the scriptures. He pointed out that through the study of sutras and teachings, one can strengthen the root of faith, establish a Pure Land feeling, accept those who should teach other sects, and even dispel some people's doubts, prejudices, and even slanders against the Pure Land Method. He encouraged the students to go deep into the scriptures and open the door to wisdom.
Venerable Yao Hong reviewed the purpose and mission of the college, and put forward requirements for everyone: as a student of the college, you should set an example of Buddha's practice; Be a good role model among the students and follow the rules and regulations; In the course of study, we must stick to our original aspirations and love the country and religion. He hoped that the students would be able to practice the purpose and mission of the college with practical actions.
Venerable Dehui has three hopes for everyone. I hope that everyone will uphold the fine tradition of loving the country and religion, and that diligent study and diligence are the main expressions of patriotism; Be grateful, make good connections, and create a clean learning atmosphere; It is necessary to learn widely and pay attention to the practice of reciting Buddha. He hoped that the students would cherish their study time and strive to grow into useful talents.
Venerable Yi I encouraged everyone to understand and practice at the same time, not only to have fun studying theories, but also to have fun reciting Buddha practice; As a student of the Academy, you should always reside in the school office, put yourself in a correct position, and practice the method of humility and gentleness. He hoped that the students would continue to improve with a humble attitude and a spirit of practice.
Subsequently, the representatives of the students of the graduate class, the bhikshu class, the novice class, the lay class and the online class spoke respectively, saying that they should cherish the study time, cultivate the Buddha's words and ancestors in a down-to-earth manner, and take the bliss of the past life as the reference, self-benefit and altruism, and consciously realize him. They will practice the purpose and mission of the college with practical actions.
Director Zhuang Yanggu put forward three requirements: as a student of the Pure Land Academy, he must be a politically aware person; It is necessary to adhere to the direction of sinicization of religion; We must keep the bottom line of safety and stability. He hoped that the students would keep in mind the entrustment and strive to become Buddhist talents with faith and responsibility in the new era.
Finally, the monk Da'an gave a lecture. The great monk said, "In this era, everyone can have the opportunity to study the Pure Land method and Confucian culture courses with peace of mind. There are not many people in the world who really torture the truth of life. The great monk said that the Chinese civilization accepted the Mahayana Buddhism of ancient India and spread it to this day, emphasizing that the only people who propagate the Dharma must understand and practice at the same time, and integrate knowledge and action. Finally, he put forward three expectations for everyone: first, to establish correct knowledge; Second, in terms of learning methods and attitudes, it is necessary to "believe in the ancients, and describe but not do"; Third, improve self-learning ability and master learning methods.
The ceremony came to an end in a solemn and warm atmosphere. At the beginning of the new academic year, the teachers and students of Donglin Pure Land College will devote themselves to learning and practice with more enthusiasm and firmer faith. I believe that under the care and guidance of the leaders and teachers of the college and the joint efforts of the students, Donglin Pure Land College will be able to cultivate more outstanding talents and contribute to the development of Buddhism!