ABOUT US
The UQ Buddhist Education Society (UQ BEST) was founded in 2006 by Venerable Ding Hong (Professor Zhong Mao Shen) under the guidance of Venerable Master Chin Kung. The society is established under the UQ Union at the University of Queensland. It is also also affiliated with the Pure Land Learning College Association based in Toowoomba, and the Amitabha Buddhist Association of Qld in Calamvale.
OUR VISION
UQ Buddhist Education Society (UQ BEST) aims to introduce Pure Land sector Mahayana Buddhism and provide a Buddhist education channel to the UQ community. We also introduce basic concepts of Buddhism for beginners.
We focus on Pure Land Mahayana Buddhism, with the ultimate goal of reaching enlightenment at Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This may be achieved by cultivating Bodhi Mind (Bodhicitta) whilst practicing Buddhism.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Our society open for the general public in the community to join. Our events are free of charge and is open for anyone in the community to attend.
UQ BEST is made up of 70% of UQ students. However, students of other universities, or members of the general public may also join!
Pure Land Buddhism
What is Pure Land Buddhism?
Pure Land Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, which focuses on Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings on Amitabha. The teachings are primarily drawn from the 'Amitabha Sutra' and the 'Infinite Life Sutra' (a.k.a Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra).
We practice with the ultimate goal of attaining enlightenment at Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, with the help of Amitabha's 48 vows.
Who is Amitabha Buddha?
The name of the Buddha of the Western Pure Land, primarily meaning “Infinite Life and Infinite Light.” To help all beings attain Buddhahood, Amitabha Buddha created the Western Pure Land, an ideal place of cultivation.
WHAT WE DO
We offer dharma classes during Tuesdays, and also dharma classes in Chinese Mandarin during Saturdays.
Our dharma classes focus on self-cultivation by applying the basic teachings from Buddha.
We also organise trips during semester breaks.
