What More Should I Do? – Dr. Paul’s Inquiry

I served as a video recording technician at FoGuang HuB (FGS North America Humanistic Buddhism Courses) fall semester of 2023.The course I was responsible for was taught by Professor Paul Kjellberg, titled “History of Buddhist Philosophy: The Development of Buddhist Schools from India to the Present.”

As the semester drew to a close, Dr. Paul asked me, “What do you think I should do more to keep Chinese students interested? I’ve noticed many of them are dropping the course.” I was both moved and embarrassed—moved by Dr. Paul’s sincerity and embarrassed by the relatively low total of in-person and online students each time. However,  perhaps a majority of students are watching the recorded playback instead.

The term “Chinese Students” has a broad definition. Coming from an upbringing in an Asian-style education system and with Mandarin as my native language, I responded back to Dr. Paul: “Your teaching style involves interactive questioning, which is quite different from what we are accustomed to. We tend to be more passive in class, often shy to speak up, and having to do so in English can be quite intimidating!”

Dr. Paul nodded, indicating his understanding, and I proceeded with a suggestion (or a mischievous idea): “You could emphasize before and after each class that the Buddha once said, ‘Among all offerings, the offering of the Dharma comes first.’ Encourage everyone to speak freely and make Dharma offerings. Bringing the Buddha into the picture might work well, as Chinese students raised in the Asian educational tradition, who often obediently follow their teachers.”

I wonder if Dr. Paul regrets asking a non-expert, someone who just throws out random ideas?

In each class, Dr. Paul and the students discussed questions such as: “What is the true Middle Way?” “Must the Buddha leave the palace to practice?” “If there is gain from generosity(giving), how does it differ from conditional exchange?” and “Why did the Buddha, after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, choose to propagate the teachings?”

I truly admire Dr. Paul. He teaches at Whittier College and regularly leads students to visit Hsi Lai Temple. I witnessed him instructing his Western students to respectfully greet venerable in accordance with Buddhist etiquette before their lectures, a sight that surprised me.

During the semester’s exploration of Mahayana Buddhism, Dr. Paul asserted, “Fo Guang Shan’s Humanistic Buddhism is Mahayana Buddhism, and all venerable at Hsi Lai Temple are bodhisattvas.” His affirmation resounded strongly, and excitedly, I shared it with a venerable who responded, “As Dr. Paul himself is a bodhisattva, he sees everyone as bodhisattvas!”

This is truly “Bodhisattva praising Bodhisattva!” I am moved! On one hand, it makes me reflect on why I often feel like I see demons and debtors. Therefore, I am…

I began practicing writing bilingual articles in Chinese and English in 2023. During the translation process, in addition to relying on my own efforts, I sought others’ assistance, which proved to be quite time-consuming. The articles not only received positive feedback from colleagues whose native language is English but also garnered a response from an English-speaking BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association) member. She enthusiastically encouraged, “Your content is very interesting, especially the articles that integrate Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma teachings are impressive. I really like them and would like to spread them widely. Could you please write more? Also, can your Chinese news be translated into English?” Feeling inadequate in my English proficiency, I was tempted to reply, “Can you use the almighty Google Translate?” Especially considering those who could help me are quite busy, so the translation work in 2024 will have to rely entirely on myself.

However, Dr. Paul’s question, “What do you think I should do more?” touched me and provided the motivation to strive forward.

Thank you, Dr. Paul! As you do, so shall I! Despite my limited abilities, I can still do more! Here’s to continuing my efforts in 2024!

Professor Paul Kjellberg (the microphone holder) during his lecture. (Source: A wordsmith)