You are welcome to submit any inquiries regarding BLIA (Buddha’s Light International Association) matters via email:losangeles@blia.org
Q: What are the qualifications and procedures for becoming a member? A: Any Buddhist over the age of 21 (those under 21 may join the BLIA YAD or Youth Division) who resides in the five counties of Southern California, i.e. Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura, who agree with the mission of BLIA may apply for membership. After submitting a membership application and approved by the board of directors, the BLIA World Headquarters will issue a membership card and uniform (additional fees apply). Members must also participate in the Annual General Meeting and take the membership oath to become an official member of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter.
Q: Can non-Buddhists participate in BLIA activities? A: Yes. BLIA is a non-profit social organization that transcends religious and racial boundaries. All activities held are lawful and open to the public. We warmly invite all friends who share and support BLIA’s mission of ‘Humanistic Buddhism’ to participate. However, as a Buddhist organization by nature, only devout Buddhists who have taken refuge in the Triple Gem may apply for formal membership.
Q: Do members need to belong to a subchapter? A: Yes. BLIA activities are primarily organized through subchapters. Subchapters may independently organize events, and individual members can participate and assist through their respective subchapters. All matters such as registration, communication, fee payments and grievance must go through their respective subchapters. If an applicant does not specify a preferred subchapter in the membership application, one will be assigned based on their residential address.
Q: What is the organizational structure of the BLIA chapter and its subchapters? How do members exercise their voting rights?
A: For the chapter, the highest authority is the Board of Directors. Directors are elected every three years, with candidates nominated by subchapters and voted by all individual members. Directors may be re-elected. The president and vice presidents are elected from among the new elected board members; the president may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms (six years total).
For the subchapters, the highest authority is the Committee. Committee members are elected every two years and may serve consecutive terms. All active members (those who pay annual dues and maintain membership) have the right to vote and run for election. The subchapter president and vice presidents are elected from among the committee members, with the president limited to two consecutive terms (four years total).
Q: How are annual membership dues paid?
A: The payment period is in October to November each year. The current annual fee is US$40 per person. Additionally, new members are required to pay a US$5 fee for the membership card and US$10 for a set of BLIA’s uniform.
Q: Who are the Monastic Advisors? A: As stated in the BLIA World Headquarters’ Charter, all BLIA chapters (including this one) recognize Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan as the permanent headquarters. We respectfully request the Fo Guang Shan Monastic Order to assign its Venerables to all regional chapters and subchapters to provide guidance at all levels, ensuring all chapters faithfully implements the teachings and vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan. For this reason, the Los Angeles Chapter respectfully requests Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, located in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, USA, to assign its Venerables to serve as monastic advisors for our various subchapters.
Q: Who are the Dharma Lecturers and Dharma Teachers? A: To encourage lay member devotees to study the essence of Humanistic Buddhism, also to possess the ability to expand the propagation of the Dharma and enhance its impact on society, Venerable Master Hsing Yun established the BLIA Dharma Teachers system in 1995. Members who pass the certification process set by the BLIA World Headquarters may be appointed as Dharma Teachers. Subchapters can invite certified Dharma Teachers to conduct public lectures on Humanistic Buddhism. There are two levels: Dharma Lecturers and Dharma Teachers, based on seniority and Dharma knowledge.
Q: Who are the Senior Advisors? A: To ensure continuity of organizational expertise in BLIA operations, the BLIA World Headquarters has instituted a Senior Advisor System. Former presidents who have completed their terms may be appointed as Senior Advisors based on the evaluation of their capabilities and dedication to BLIA’s mission, and to provide guidance on association affairs and assist in promoting various activities. Therefore, upon the completion of their term, the president of the local chapter may be appointed by the World Headquarters as a Chapter Senior Advisor, and the president of a subchapter may be appointed by the local chapter as a Subchapter Senior Advisor. There is no term limit for Senior Advisors, but they must maintain active membership. All operational authority and responsibility remain vested in the current president, directors, and committee members at each organizational level. Senior Advisors only serve in an advisory and support capacity.
Q: What is “Home Dharma Blessing”? A: Members may host gatherings at their homes, a friend’s residence, or a suitable public venue, inviting family, friends or colleagues for an informal discussion with their subchapter’s monastic advisors. The nature of the program should be relaxed and engaging, with the primary aim of fostering mutual understanding and application of Buddhism in daily life. To invite the monastics from Hsi Lai Temple, Los Angeles Chapter Dharma Teachers or Officers to lead these events, arrangements must be made through the Los Angeles Chapter. Monastics or leaders not affiliated with Hsi Lai Temple or Los Angeles Chapter should not host these events.
Q: Besides online inquiries, how else can I contact the association with questions? A: The Los Angeles Chapter’s office is located on the first floor of Hsi Lai Temple, next to the elevator. Current office hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. For questions or assistance, you may also call: (626) 923-5187.