1. Buddhism
a. What drew you to Buddhism initially, and how has your relationship with the Dharma evolved over time?
I am a journalist of religion. I loved writing ever since childhood, exploring my creativity and ideas in reflective pieces, short stories, and prose. I have always been fascinated by the idea of the transcendent or the divine since high school. I pursued this interest more fully at university when I studied religion and philosophy. It was during this time that I was particularly influenced by Catholicism and Buddhism, but after reading the Huayan jing (Avatamsaka Sutra), I made the decisive shift toward Buddhism and took refuge in the three treasures in the Chinese Buddhist tradition in 2008, the third year of my undergraduate studies. By 2012, I had the good fortune to combine my Buddhist beliefs with a career in journalism after completing two Masters in Buddhist Studies and Christianity and interreligious relations respectively.
b. Are there any particular Buddhist teachings or practices that have had a profound impact on your life? If so, could you share how they have influenced you?Since I initially converted to Buddhism many years ago based on the cosmic, mystic vision of the
Huayan jing, I have also aligned with Pure Land Buddhism, which is based around the Buddha-invocation of Amitabha Buddha. But I also enjoy delving into early Buddhist practices, and I am particularly interested in the meditative and contemplative practices that can be feasibly dated closer to the pre-recorded Buddha-era.
c. In your opinion, what sets Buddhism apart from other spiritual traditions, and what do you believe are its most compelling aspects?
Most certainly, the Buddha’s insight into no-self (anatta) is the most unique idea in the history of the world’s great religions, since every other single tradition preaches the existence of a soul. It is also the most counter-intuitive and most difficult to practice in our everyday life, simply because we rely so much on conventional language and conceptual constructs like, “I,” “me,” “mine,” and more: the construction of the false ego. We depend on this false ego to exist in our society, yet the Buddha advises that this is not the right way to live. One might almost think that he was posing a near-impossible challenge to humanity. But if he thought this insight was worth preaching despite its counter-intuitiveness, even unattractiveness, then no-self must have a very important core of truth to it.
2. Buddhistdoor Global
a. Could you tell us more about Buddhistdoor Global and its mission?
Founded in 1995, BDG is a platform focused on reporting on Buddhist personalities, trends, and news around the world. It is non-sectarian and embraces all mainstream Buddhist traditions. We have a team based around the world, complete with contributors and columnists. Its beginnings were initiated in Vancouver by Mr. Robert H. N. Ho, a Buddhist philanthropist.
3. Hong Kong Society of Dharma Supporters
a. As the Vice-chairman and director of the Hong Kong Society of Dharma Supporters, what are some of the key initiatives or projects that the organization is currently involved in?
HKSDS is a non-profit organization that supports various Buddhist activities in Hong Kong. These can be in the form of retreats or Dharma talks. Apart from events, we have also sponsored small publications by certain Buddhist teachers. In this sense, the Society carries on a tradition that has been the mainstay of Buddhist laypeople in China and Hong Kong since the turn of modernity.
b. How do you envision the role of the society in promoting Buddhist teachings and fostering community engagement in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is stereotypically seen as a very unhappy, stressful city. However, it also has a very rich and precious Buddhist heritage, and the Society sees the propagation of the Dharma as critical to the wellbeing of the city’s people.
4. Heythrop Association
a. As a Trustee of the Heythrop Association, what inspired you to become involved with this organization?
In 2012, before beginning my career in Hong Kong, I did an MA in Christianity and Interreligious Relations at a constituent college of the University of London called Heythrop College. In 2018, this Jesuit college closed permanently for various unpleasant reasons, but it institutionally lives on in the Heythrop Association, which is a registered charity in the UK and whose membership is made of former alumni and associated academics.
b. Could you share some of the activities or initiatives that the Heythrop Association is undertaking to support its mission?
The HA hosts events among its membership, including lectures by former professors of Heythrop College and tours of various Jesuit and Christian sites. We continue the Heythrop heritage by supporting fruitful discussions about the place of faith in today’s world, with a focus on philosophy and theology.
5. Life Journey and General Philosophical Questions
a. What experiences or events have shaped your personal and spiritual journey, leading you to where you are today?
As far as I can remember, there was no formative moment or event that defined my path to where I currently stand. Rather, I see it as a constellation of karma, self-initiative, and luck that pushed me in various directions, culminating in who I am today. It is an ongoing process, life after life, and even when one attains bodhisattvahood or Buddhahood, the project to help liberate sentient beings across the cosmos never stops.
b. How do you navigate the balance between your professional commitments and your personal spiritual practice?
I see both as one and the same. At least, that is the ideal. The reality is that spiritual commitment cannot be like a piece of clothing like a shirt or dress, to be picked up and dropped in the span of a day. If how we behave at work (or our choice of industry) is not aligned with our religious practice, then we will be living inauthentically, in bad faith. On the other hand, we are human and we will always make mistakes, sometimes big ones. I would rather ask: in BOTH our professional and spiritual lives, how can we forgive ourselves when we mess up, and aim more true the next time?
6.Other Insights
a. You are involved in several notable organizations and platforms. Could you please share more about any other websites or projects you are currently engaged with?
At the moment, my main efforts are focused on my own Substack publication, “Gaze on the World.” It is a play on a Buddhist deity’s name, Avalokiteshvara (those who know his name will understand), but also references my observer’s role in my journalism career, and my global interests. As I focus on religion in my day job, “Gaze on the World” is all about non-religious subjects through an international, cosmopolitan angle. You can subscribe to my Substack for free, although the option to support the publication for the price of a coffee per month is always available.
b. How do you perceive the Indo Buddhist Heritage Forum and its significance in promoting understanding and appreciation of Buddhist heritage?
I have had the privilege to travel to India at least 1-2 times a year before the pandemic. I am very eager to get back into the habit of visiting India again regularly, because India is the heartland of Buddhism and desperately needs more of what the Indo Buddhist Heritage Forum is doing. Its promotion and appreciation of Buddhist heritage is critical to informing people globally about the essentials of Buddhism, and capturing the richness of Buddhist ideas for a modern, hyperconnected online audience. I am proud to collaborate with the Forum and I look forward to seeing its many accomplishments in the future.
Raymond Lam
Senior writer,
Buddhistdoor Global
BDG | Tea House | YouTube