Water and Land Dharma Assembly Lecture — How to Be a Good Bodhisattva
—— by Venerable Chang Qi（常啟法師）
We often speak of going to the Dharma center to volunteer. Yet in a Buddhist Dharma center, volunteering is not simply a matter of willingly giving one’s time and energy, but rather, it is also a form of spiritual practice. When we approach service with the mindset of a Buddhist practitioner, the work becomes more than simply completing a task. Through interacting with others, taking on responsibilities, and facing both favorable and challenging circumstances, we learn to let go of the self-centeredness, understand others, and rediscover joy and meaning in life.
In this Dharma talk, Venerable Chang Qi will draw on the wisdom of the Diamond Sutra to guide us in reflecting on these questions: How can we transform “volunteering” into “practicing the bodhisattva path”? When faced with differing opinions, conflicts, and afflictions, how can we abide in wisdom and understand other sentient beings with compassion? True compassion does not mean blindly yielding or compromising ourselves; true wisdom does not mean becoming cold or detached. Only when compassion and wisdom are in harmony, can we practice among people and grow through each encounter.
From volunteering to practicing the bodhisattva path. May every act of service become an opportunity to uplift our lives and embody the bodhisattva practice.
Date: November 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center (Fremont)
Registration: San Francisco Bay Area Center/Fremont – Registration
*Free admission. You are welcome to make an offering to support the Three Jewels. Make an offering
- Nov 08 2026 (Sun)
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Conducted in Chinese
Category
Organizer
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Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Center
Speaker
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Ven. Chang QiVenerable Chang Chi is currently the Dean of Academic Affairs at Dharma Drum Mountain Sangha University. Before becoming a monk, he was an IT engineer. By chance, he participated in Dharma Drum Mountain’s Life Awareness Camp, where he witnessed the Venerable’s contented smile and joy in benefiting others, experiencing another simple side of life. Since becoming a monk, the Venerable has frequently traveled the world to preach the Dharma, broadening his horizons and allowing him to see many connections between lives. His teachings and lectures are clearly structured, and the metaphors and exercises he uses are inspiring, easy to understand, and convenient to practice. The Venerable is humorous and witty, readily quoting scriptures and stories, often enhancing everyone’s understanding of the Dharma. He always brings warmth, comfort, and Dharma joy to his followers.