From May 24 to 25, 2024, the Fo Guang University Buddhist Studies Center held a workshop titled "From Language as Body to Precepts as Substance," with around 150 guests attending both in-person and online.

This workshop is an extension of the "Interdisciplinary Studies in Buddhism and Psychology" research project from 2020 to 2022, gathering 11 experts and scholars from Fo Guang University, National Chengchi University, Tzu Chi University, University of Taipei, and Fo Guang Shan's Institute of Humanistic Buddhism to discuss how Buddhism and psychology interpret the formation and transformation of the "self."

The Yogācāra school posits that sentient beings' existence is composed of the "seeds of name and form" from the ālaya-vijñāna, hence "language as body," with the body being the subject of precept practice. The workshop aimed to highlight that "holding precepts" is not just about adhering to external regulations but starting from vows to gradually internalize norms and ethics, ultimately achieving self-transformation, thus termed "precepts as substance." This idea, where language drives ethical behavior and ultimately alleviates suffering for oneself and others, parallels the therapeutic process in psychology, where language and ethical actions lead to healing. These concepts form the core of the workshop discussions.

In addition to paper presentations, the workshop included courses and practical experiences such as "Yogācāra Contemplation in Buddhist Conduct" and "The Body and Language: Exploring the 'Precepts' in Psychological Therapy."

Venerable Miao Fan, director of the Institute of Humanistic Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan, conveyed Venerable Tzu Hui's blessings to the conference. Venerable Miao Fan emphasized the dual challenges of interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue between Buddhism and psychology but noted that both fields focus on the "mind" and seek solutions to mental suffering. As civilization progresses, addressing issues related to the mind becomes increasingly important, hoping that the dialogue can produce practical solutions to mental problems.

Professor Wei-Lun Li  from the Department of Philosophy at National Chengchi University, also representing the Chinese Indigenous Psychology Research Foundation and the Chinese Psychotherapy Foundation, mentioned during the comprehensive discussion that Venerable Master Hsing Yun advocated for Buddhists to affirm "I am Buddha," which can be seen as a vow of precept action. Buddhists should avoid understanding the "self" as an isolated entity or inherent existence and instead practice "self-reflection" in daily life.

Professor  Chao-Shun Kuo, the lead researcher and Dean of the College of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, stated that the research project's goal is to combine the liberation theory of the three studies—precepts, meditation, and wisdom—with modern psychological therapy techniques to create more opportunities for the salvation of sentient beings. This workshop focused on "precept studies." When reflecting on the vow action of "I am Buddha," it involves daily meditation practice, with Chinese Buddhism characterized by "dynamic meditation." The next interdisciplinary dialogue will incorporate "meditation in action."

Participants appreciated the workshop's return to Buddhist practice and ethical conduct, with speakers demonstrating how Buddhist teachings can be applied in daily life. Some attendees hoped that the dialogue between psychology and Buddhism would develop indigenous psychotherapy models, spreading academic knowledge to the public and enabling more people to transform themselves and others, creating a pure land on earth.

The workshop attracted experts from fields such as medicine and social work, as well as professors and graduate students from university departments of counseling, education, religion, life and death studies, psychology, and philosophy.