2024 Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference Special Report 第26屆澳紐佛光青年會議特別報導
The Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Origin of ANZBYC 活動緣起
The Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) was first held in Sydney in 1997 under the guidance of Venerable Man Chien. Since then, various Young Adult Division (YAD) branches across the Oceania region took turns in organizing this conference.
The conference provides an opportunity for youths to learn the roots of Buddhism and explore various ways of applying its teachings practically in different aspects of their lives. Not only does the conference allow youths to deepen their understanding of Buddhism, but it also serves as a platform for developing vital leadership skills. ANZBYC brings together like-minded youths from different parts of Oceania, fostering life-changing affinities.
This year marks the 26th ANZBYC conference, and BLIA YAD Auckland is delighted to host this event. The theme of ANZBYC 2024 is - Stay True to Initial Aspiration: Coexistence and Co-prosperity
Previous Organisers of ANZBYC
Theme Introduction
Opening Ceremony 04 06 15 18
Words of Encouragement
鼓勵的話
06 Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order
Most Venerable Hsin Bau
07 Chief Executive Officer of BLIA YAD
Venerable Hui Chuan
08 Chief Abbess of FGS Oceania
Venerable Manko
09 Abbess of FGS NZ
Venerable Manshin
10 Words by Venerables
12 President of BLIA North Island Chapter
Ms Evelyn KU
13 President of BLIA South Island Chapter
Mr Bernie SIEW
14 Advisor of BLIA North Island Chapter
Mr Lintao YU
Words by 2024 ANZBYC Chairperson
講師課程內容
22 Class by Auckland City Councillor Hon Maurice Williamson
23 Session by Advisor of BLIA North Island Chapter Lintao YU
24 Panel Session by Lay Monastic Vicky Han, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN, Superintendent Scott Gemmell & Editor Farida Master
26 Abbess Time
28 Session by Senior Constable Matt Green & NZ Paralympic Gold Medalist Michael Johnson
30 YAD Panel Session
32 Light Offering
34 Workshop by Dr Eric Chan
38 Session by Caroline ONG
閉幕典禮
其他活動
會議團隊
贊助者
綜合討論
Theme Introduction
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Venerable Master Hsing Yun dedicated his entire life to the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. We are deeply blessed and fortunate to be born in his time and to have the privilege to follow his footsteps in learning and practicing the Dharma. Just as The Diamond Sutra states, They planted virtuous roots not just with one buddha, or two buddhas, or three, or four, or five buddhas, but planted virtuous roots with infinite tens of millions of buddhas. What a blessing this is! It is hoped that all Buddha's Light members will never forget our initial vows and continue to abide by the Humanistic Buddhist teachings advocated by the Venerable Master as a guideline for our conduct in the world. Furthermore, we shall remember the Venerable Master's final words of advice in his An Honest Revelation — An Open Letter: The most fitting way to honor my memory and my sincere wish is for everyone to bear the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism in mind and always practice Humanistic Buddhism.
In retrospect, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our way of life. Humanity is now taking a serious look at their relationship with the world and has come to realize that no one can exist alone on this earth. As the Venerable Master said, humanity share a causal relationship with one another, with matters, and with everything on earth. It is important for us to respect, be inclusive, and make peace with each other.
Most Venerable Hsin Bau, inspired by the Venerable Master's frequent calligraphy of Coexistence and Coprosperity, shared the following six points:
1. Aspire to Be of Service and Contribution to Coexist and Coprosper with the Community
2. Advocate Environmental Preservation to Coexist and Coprosper with the Earth
3. Organise Various Activities to Coexist and Coprosper with the Public
4. Participate in the Causes of Benefiting Lives to Coexist and Coprosper with Society
5. Emphasise the Legacy of Faith to Coexist and Coprosper with the Family
6. Propagate Humanistic Buddhism to Coexist and Coprosper with the World
Throughout his entire life, the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun had emphasised the peace and happiness of his followers. It is hoped that all of us, as Buddha's Light members will abide by the words of the Venerable Master in An Honest Revelation – My Final Words: No one can exist solely by themselves, everyone must help and respect one another, coexist and thrive together. Only then can one grasp the fundamental essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Together, let us achieve a happy and peaceful life by practicing the Venerable Master's philosophy of Coexistence and Coprosperity.
The 2024 ANZBYC (Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference) has officially commenced. Thank you for your participation, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Venerables from various states for their dedicated preparation.
The theme for this year is Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration. I believe this is a phrase familiar to all of you. The essence of Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration is to always remember our Bodhi Mind.
Bodhi Mind means that our practice should be guided by the principle of benefiting all sentient beings. I believe our BLIA YAD represents a new hope for Buddhism. Youth signifies enthusiasm and passion, which are the very forces that Bodhisattvas rely on to save sentient beings. Let us apply the attitude of Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration in our daily lives, in our interactions with others and even in our professional environments .
By embracing this concept, we can elevate ourselves and continue to make progress. This is a crucial attitude. There's a saying, If you do not forget your initial aspiration, you will be resourceful enough to achieve enlightenment. It serves as both a direction and a goal.
I wish for the 2024 ANZBYC to be a complete success. May everyone continuously engage, learn and grow during this conference. I believe this will help us all reach new heights in faith.
Venerable Hui Chuan Chief Executive Officer of BLIA YAD
國際佛光會世界青年總團部執行長 慧傳法師
Venerable Abbess Manko, Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA members, our Young Adult Division (YAD) participants from Australia and New Zealand, auspicious greetings to you all.
During this period, our YAD members in Australia and New Zealand have been remarkable. Since March 1997, Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) has been organised annually. Even during the pandemic, you have all continued to hold these conferences. Through this, we can see from your persistent efforts, that the unity and dedication of the ANZBYC participants has inspired other youth around the world to start organising similar events.
Youth conferences in various continents have yielded excellent results. For this, I want to thank all the guiding Venerables in Australia and New Zealand and the committee members of BLIA chapters, for providing guidance and support to the youth. To our youth members, your commitment to continuing these events has deeply moved me, such enthusiasm aligns perfectly with this year's theme of the conference Stay True to Initial Aspiration. This is meaningful and is also a significant and challenging endeavour.
I once read the diary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and I found a paragraph where the Venerable Master mentioned that he renounced at the age of twelve. During that journey, he endured numerous hardships especially since he was very young at that time some seniors would tease and even bully him, causing him a lot of internal suffering. However, one day the Venerable Master reflected asking
Have the difficulties ever shaken my resolve? He concluded that his resolve must remain unshaken. Why? Has anyone ever forced me to become a monk? It's my own choice. Not anyone else's decision. Therefore, no matter how difficult or exhausting it is, I have to forge ahead courageously.
The Venerable Master said he has maintained this unchanging resolve for fifty years. This unwavering spirit is what we call Stay True to Initial Aspiration.
I hope that YAD, on your path of learning Buddhism can continue to Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration, for Buddhism, for Fo Guang Shan and for the legacy of Humanistic Buddhism. Let us all continue to strive for this great cause.
Blessings to everyone. May you all be healthy, peaceful and auspicious.
Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration, Set your Aspiration & Vows, and Move Forward Courageously
The theme of the 2024 ANZBYC—Australia-New Zealand Buddha’s Light Youth Conference is Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration. It aims to remind every BLIA YAD member of their initial aspirations. This initial aspiration is not only a commitment to personal growth but also the driving force for our sustainable development.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun said, Whether in dealing with others or engaging in Buddhist practice, it is important to first make a vow and establish a resolve. Only after setting our intention, will we have the strength to assess our progress and accumulate merits, ensuring that we do not regress. By making a vow, we will have a goal and direction, leading to achievements. The initial aspiration is pure like the Buddha’s mind; it is a precious treasure within us. By continuously cultivating compassion, wisdom, humility, and joy, we naturally will have the power to support ourselves to move upward and forward.
For the sake of Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun dedicated his life to promoting educational and cultural endeavours. All the hardships encountered in propagating the Dharma were considered insignificant. As the saying goes, Never forget your initial aspiration and you will achieve your goals
May BLIA YAD members follow Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s profound vow and care for all living beings, to never forget your initial aspirations and resolves, and carry the pure light of your true nature into your attitudes of dealing with others by persevering and moving forward.
Wishing everyone auspiciousness in all endeavours!
Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration, Coexistence and Coprosperity
Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said: Initial Aspiration is the initial resolve, a promise we make to ourselves.
In 1997, we held the inaugural Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) in Australia, which was our initial aspiration. Together with the BLIA YAD, we committed and resolved ourselves to Buddhism. This initial resolve was like a seed, and after nearly 30 years of nurturing, it has now grown into a vibrant forest.
We call the Buddhist Community the Monastery, representing a vast expanse of beautiful trees. BLIA YAD should aspire to become great trees within this forest, uniting the strength of many young people and forming a thriving forest of Buddhism. To achieve this vital vision, we must embrace the principles of Coexistence and Coprosperity. Coexistence means supporting and caring for each other, while coprosperity signifies sharing each other’s goodness.
2024 ANZBYC will be held in New Zealand, where the BLIA YAD will share their life-growth experiences. There will be challenges, joys, sweat, as well as tears, happiness and achievements. We look forward to seeing these young individuals who stay true to their initial aspiration to illuminate Buddhism Monastery with their radiance.
The Lighthouse Illuminates the Path of Buddhist Youth
Over the past year, we have witnessed the New Zealand YAD, under the guidance of Abbess Manshin and Venerables, progress step by step in planning, promotion, enrollment, fundraising and actively preparing for the 2024 ANZBYC. They hold a consensus seminar every month, in which Abbess provides guidance, aiming to develop wisdom through the right understanding and view.
Abbess Manshin once said: The Temple is like a lighthouse, guiding ships in the night. When the ships pass safely, the people on the ships may forget about the lighthouse, but the lighthouse remains standing there.
The lighthouse is like a Bodhisattva. The person lighting the lamp inside the lighthouse is a Bodhisattva who stays true to their initial aspiration. From the first ANZBYC to the present, Abbess’s care and attention towards the youth have inspired countless young people. To this day, Abbess remains steadfast in her initial aspiration, tirelessly working for the development and inheritance of Buddhism, hoping to pass on the faith from generation to generation.
The annual ANZBYC provides precious learning opportunities and a communication platform for the Buddhist youth of Australia and New Zealand. It encourages all Buddhist youth to learn to be Bodhisattvas who stay to their initial aspiration and to be people who light the lamps. Let us follow in the footsteps of the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, taking the Buddha's heart as our own heart and the Buddha's actions as our actions, to jointly establish the Pure Land with Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings and Five Harmonies.
Stay True to Initial Aspiration Advancing on the Bodhi Path of Coexistence and Coprosperity
You are the Bodhi seeds sown by the Founder, a group of outstanding young people with right understanding and views. May you Stay true to your initial aspiration, using the wisdom of Humanistic Buddhism you have learned to face various life situations; adhere to the principles of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings, and walk steadily through every step of life. Strive to handle affairs and treat people with the character of a Buddha’s Light member, advancing courageously and diligently on the Bodhi path of compassion, joy and equanimity.
No matter what we do or what business we undertake, we need a team. It takes the consensus of many people and many conditions to successfully complete a task and share the glory together. Within a team, mutual respect, tolerance and trust ensure that all endeavors can be accomplished, embodying the concept of Coexistence and Coprosperity, which gives life its true value.
Despite advances in technology and the strength of artificial intelligence, which can replace some human labor, human affection remains humanity’s greatest advantage. As members of Buddha’s Light, we should exemplify the human affection of Humanistic Buddhism, constantly showing care for others and serving people everywhere. This enhances harmony and joy among the masses, promoting Coexistence and Coprosperity between individuals and groups.
May you have the ability to face challenges in adversity and shine through your trials. On the path of life, be a practitioner who protects others' spiritual aspirations, making a vow to give generously, doing what is difficult to do and relinquishing what is difficult to relinquish, thereby achieving your Bodhisattva practice.
I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride to be part of the 2024 ANZBYC. My first ANZBYC was in 2013 in Auckland when I was searching for the meaning of life. This year, I am here with my 6-year-old daughter, sharing this meaningful event with her.
ANZBYC has a long history. For 26 years, this program has been a cornerstone of our Oceania YAD, building a legacy that each one of us is now a part of. We are not just attendees; we are contributors to a rich history that spans over two decades.
Over the years, countless individuals have put their hearts and souls into making this event a reality. Their dedication, hard work, and sometimes even tears have laid the foundation upon which we stand today.
This year, we have had the privilege of hearing from homegrown talents like Eric and Caroline, whose words have inspired and guided us. We also witnessed the leadership of local Auckland youth such as Annjo, Sinjun, and Sean, who have taken on major responsibilities. These young leaders have been involved since they were very young, dedicating 17 years of their lives to the temple. That is an amazing achievement.
Hosting this event in our beautiful temple is a privilege we do not take lightly. This magnificent space is maintained by the tireless efforts of many individuals over the years. The temple started its journey more than twenty years ago with enormous hardship. At one point, we were operating from a deserted shopping centre.
We faced a lot of doubt and uncertainties. The teachings from our Venerable Master sustained us through this difficult process. We offered what was needed by the people, provided things that resembled kindness and beauty, welcomed the community, and connected with them. The community returned their kindness and support to us.
It’s truly a privilege to be here and to continue to grow and learn with the next generation and the generation after that.
It is a blessing to be part of this extraordinary journey. May we continue to move forward with the wisdom and strength we have gained here, carving out new paths and shaping a brighter future for all.
AnnJo Chong
Organising
Chairperson
of ANZBYC 2024
Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration
Looking back on my journey from a clueless person in the 2007 ANZBYC to serving as the chairperson in 2024 fills me with gratitude and a deep sense of personal growth. Back then, I stumbled into the conference without knowing much about it, yet I was inspired by Abbess's leadership and felt a shared responsibility to contribute, despite my initial uncertainties and lack of experience. Each conference became a stepping stone, teaching me the importance of staying true to my initial aspirations amidst life's distractions.
I am deeply grateful to the Temple, Abbess, and Venerables for providing their unconditional support and guidance throughout the years. Abbess often describes the Temple as a lighthouse, providing youth with direction and hope. The Temple serves as a nurturing environment where we can grow and develop. Whether cheering us on during our moments in the spotlight or offering guidance and comfort in times of difficulty, the Temple plays a crucial role in our journey.
I would like to thank the organising committee whose dedication and hard work made 2024 ANZBYC a remarkable event. Their tireless efforts, late nights, and unwavering commitment ensured that every detail was meticulously planned and executed, creating a fulfilling and enriching experience for all participants. Thank you to the BLIA members, volunteers, and sponsors whose contributions made this conference possible. Thank you to our guest speakers whose valuable insights enriched the event, inspiring all of us with their knowledge and wisdom.
I hope that the YADs can see themselves as light bearers, carrying forward the legacy of ANZBYC with passion and dedication. It's important that we feel the responsibility of preserving and passing on the valuable teachings and spirit of ANZBYC to future participants and generations.
Ms Desley Simpson Deputy Mayor of Auckland
大奧克蘭市副市長
I want to highlight the importance of Buddhist principles in our vibrant city, Auckland. Buddhism, particularly Humanistic Buddhism, plays a crucial role in enriching our community, promoting harmony, and enhancing our overall well-being. Humanistic Buddhism encourages us to stay true to our initial aspirations, which means sticking to our original goals and dreams, even when things get tough. It’s about remembering why we started our journey and staying focused on our path. This theme resonates deeply with the journey towards wisdom and fulfillment. Buddhism adds to Auckland’s cultural diversity. Practices such as meditation and mindfulness are increasingly popular. These activities help individuals manage stress and anxiety as well as promoting mental and emotional resilience. By embracing these techniques, we enhance holistic well-being, benefiting not only ourselves but also the broader community.
Furthermore, Buddhism emphasizes compassion, non-violence, and ethical living—values fundamental to building cohesive communities, fostering altruism, and strengthening the fabric of our society, benefitting us all. Buddhist teachings also advocate for a harmonious relationship with nature, aligning with Auckland’s sustainability goals. Environmental initiatives led by Buddhist groups contribute to our city’s efforts in conservation and sustainability, promoting respect for all forms of life, much like the beautiful gardens lovingly created by volunteers under the able guidance of the Venerable Abbess Manshin.
Education and wisdom are highly valued in Buddhism, resonating with Auckland’s commitment to lifelong learning. Lastly, and particularly relevant to this event, Humanistic Buddhism focuses on personal development and social responsibility. This approach is particularly beneficial for our young people. By encouraging our youth to discover their true selves, develop empathy, and engage in community service, Buddhism helps cultivate a generation of responsible and compassionate citizens. Let us embrace this philosophy and stay true to our initial aspirations. Together, we can make a difference in our lives, our communities, our cities and our country. Thank you.
Superintendent Shanan Gray
District Commander of Counties Manukau
紐西蘭警署部馬努考區行政首長
I have only been in the role of District Commander in Counties Manukau for the last six months. What has shone through for me is the partnership between the New Zealand Police and the Temple and Abbess’s team. This partnership is something we absolutely cherish and will continue to foster and grow as time goes on. The last time I was at the Temple, because I do love coming here, I was put to work in the kitchen cooking fried rice for the 3G4G school event which was very enjoyable to be a part of.
I am super proud of being the District Commander or the ‘big cheese’ of the police that keep the population of Counties Manukau safe and feeling safe. We have a population of half a million in Counties Manukau, made up of nearly 150 different cultures and ethnicities. It is exactly that which makes this community so vibrant and as a police service it is important that we have the right people in the right place at the right time, making sure that people feel safe and are safe. I hope the conference goes well for everyone, and that you feel safe while you are here. This is absolutely what we strive to achieve every day. As I look out at all the young faces, it does somewhat make me feel old these days, but amongst you all, you in your own right, you are already leaders; you are definitely the leaders of the future. Go well and be safe. Ka kite.
The Grand Opening of the 2024 ANZBYC
開幕典禮
On 5th July 2024, the 26th Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) commenced at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand. The event was graced by Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, Deputy Mayor of Auckland Ms Desley Simpson, District Commander of Counties Manukau Superintendent Shanan Gray, Councillors Hon Maurice Williamson and Ms Sharon Stewart. In addition, the Head Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order from HQ, Most Venerable HsinBau and BLIA YAD World Headquarters Executive Director Venerable HuiChuan, sent congratulatory messages through video. Nearly 230 people attended, including youths from Australia & New Zealand, BLIA members and professionals from diverse sectors.
The ceremony also welcomed Chair Damian Light of the Howick Local Board, Editor Ms Farida Master of Small Business Heroes magazine, BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan and Advisor Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter. The Chief Abbess of FGS Oceania Venerable Manko, along with other Venerables participated online.
The theme, Stay True to Initial Aspiration: Coexistence and Co-prosperity, embarked on a three-day exploration of life topics. The conference began with the leaders from the Young Adult Divisions marching in with flags, followed by a karakia by elder Matua Jeff Tukua and a welcoming performance by Flat Bush Primary School, involving 54 teachers and students, led by Principal Banapa Avatea.
Organising Chairperson of 2024 ANZBYC AnnJo Chong
Most Venerable HsinBau, emphasises that Stay True to Initial Aspiration means not forgetting the Bodhi Mind and practising with the concept of benefiting sentient beings. Most Venerable blessed everyone through the interactions and learning at the conference, they could apply wisdom in their daily lives and interpersonal relationships, deepening their faith.
Venerable HuiChuan expressed joy in meeting everyone online, noting that the enthusiasm and
commitment of the Australian and New Zealand youth resonated with the theme. He shared the example of the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who faced many hardships from the age of twelve but never wavered in his resolve, encouraging the youth to continue to Stay True to Initial Aspiration on their path to accomplish individual achievement.
Abbess Manshin quoted the Founder’s teaching that the initial aspiration is the first
commitment to oneself, noting that the first ANZBYC in Australia in 1997 witnessed the Young Adult Divisions commit to personal development and social responsibility. Over nearly 30 years, the seed of this initial aspiration has grown into a forest. Abbess encouraged the youths to practise the principles of coexistence & prosperity and bring light to the community.
The Chairperson AnnJo Chong of 2024 ANZBYC welcomed the participants and was grateful to the 9 lecturers to share their wisdom and experiences to the participants, deeply exploring life topics. AnnJo also expressed her heartfelt thanks to Abbess Manshin for her unwavering support since the first Auckland ANZBYC in 2007, nurturing the youth with dedication and a compassionate heart.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson highlighted the importance of Buddhism to New Zealand, enriching culture, promoting harmony and enhancing happiness. Ms Simpson
thanked the Temple team for creating a beautiful Garden, and cultivating a generation of responsible and compassionate citizens. Superintendent Shanan Gray emphasised the valued relationship with Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, hoping for further development: With over 500,000 people from 150 different cultural backgrounds in the district, New Zealand Police will continue to protect the public and aspire the youth to become future leaders.
The conference was filled with the joyous atmosphere of youth from six cities across Australia and New Zealand. The Auckland organising committee performed a captivating Dunhuang dance and sang the uplifting theme song Open Your Heart, infusing the opening ceremony with youthful energy.
Venerables & BLIA Oceania participated online
Lessons Content
2024 ANZBYC Eminent Leaders
Share Insights on the Power of Initial Aspirations
The 2024 Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) commenced on 5th July at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Auckland, New Zealand. The opening day featured interactive sessions, keynote speeches and thoughtprovoking panel discussion led by Venerable Abbess Manshin of FGS New Zealand, Advisor of Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter, Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan, Auckland City Councillor Hon Maurice Williamson, NZP Director of Partnership Tāmaki Makaurau Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and Small Business Hero Magazine Editor Farida Master. Throughout the day, the eminent leaders shared insights on the power of initial aspirations.
Advisor YU facilitated a series of reflecting questions, prompting participants to ponder What are the fundamental foundations and meanings of life? Dr Eric Chan delivered a keynote speech, sharing his empirical experiences on how the strength of one’s initial aspirations can drive life’s progress. With over 30 years in the New Zealand Parliament, Hon Williamson, who has held ministerial positions in 11 departments including Transport, Communications, Customs, Technology and Building, also served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, provided insights into the changes and opportunities in the information age and shared his vision for future technological advancements.
Class by Auckland City Councillor Hon Maurice Williamson
Where do our initial aspirations come from? Supt Gemmell reflected on his personal experience, stating that his desire to protect youth and prevent others from experiencing the bullying he endured in school led him to join the NZP at the age of 16. Snr Sgt LIN shared that he decided to attend police school after moving to New Zealand at 19 and being inspired by the dignified image of the police in television adverts. Editor Master recounted her love for writing and the power of
storytelling to connect hearts and communities.
How do we maintain our initial aspirations and face challenges? Snr Sgt LIN noted that while completing his law studies, he found that his career in policing allowed him to serve the public more effectively. Supt Gemmell shared that his work over the past 20 years on numerous lifeand-death matters was greatly supported by the wise teachings in 366 Days with Wisdom by the Founder, Venerable Master
Hsing Yun. He learned that embracing faith and living in the present moment empowers one to move forward. Farida Master concluded by expressing how Fo Guang Shan’s inclusivity resonated with her, and through the practice of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G), she saw the gravitational pull of faith. While buildings are constructed with bricks and mortar, a Temple is achieved through humility, insight and understanding.
Panel Session by Lay Monastic Vicky Han, Snr Sergeant Anson LIN, Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Editor Farida Master
We need healthy bodies to support our ambitions. The Venerable Master once said, Hurry up, there’s no time to waste, highlighting the urgency of the passage of time, Abbess Manshin advised the youth, encouraging them to harness the strength of their hearts, care about their futures and
ensure their gratitude is deeply rooted. Abbess shared her initial aspiration of overseeing the construction of the Auckland Temple, aiming for everyone entering the Temple to feel a sense of serenity and ease without a word, reconnecting with the core of their being.
Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland, Venerable Rulian addressed the youth, emphasising the importance of enlightenment, turning on the light of wisdom, when faced with life’s crossroads, following one’s initial aspirations to find a clear path forward.
The heartfelt and genuine stories shared by the speakers created a transformative learning atmosphere, prompting enthusiastic questions from participants and fostering a deeply engaging and impactful environment.
Hurry up, there’s no time to waste
Abbess Time
2024 ANZBYC Empowerment Through the Light of
Wisdom & Gratitude
The second day of the 26th Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) on 6th July 2024 featured key thematic sharing sessions. Highlights included presentations by New Zealand Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder shooter Michael Johnson MNZM
and Senior Constable Matt Green from the New Zealand Police School Community Officer Team. BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan, along with six youth leaders, facilitated interactive discussions. Edwin Teoh, committee of the BLIA YAD Auckland, invited representatives
from Oceania for a panel session. The evening also included Fo Guang Night with dance performances from different states. The day concluded with a heartwarming light offering ceremony and heart to heart session led by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ at the Main Shrine.
Sharing by NZ Paralympic Gold Medalist Michael Johnson & NZP Senior Constable Matt Green
Be Patient & Persistent
Michael Johnson shared his story of becoming paralyzed from the neck down due to a spinal cord injury caused by a car accident at the age of 22. After discovering a brochure, he decided to try shooting sports. To his surprise, he won a gold medal at the Paralympic Games within a year, breaking the world record. In the session, Michael emphasised that his initial aspiration was to follow his passion, strive to be the best shooter and transcend physical limitations, focusing not on winning medals but on challenging his limits and honouring his country. He shared seven insights to encourage the youth. 1. Embrace the Struggle 2. Maintain Your Vision 3. Be Patient & Persistent 4. Adapt & Evolve 5. Seek Support 6.
Celebrate Small Wins 7. Stay True to Yourself
Snr Const Green has participated in the FGS Auckland 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing for seven consecutive years, promoting community safety awareness through interactions with students and the Temple. He highlighted that the values of the New Zealand Police, Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Commitment, Empathy, Diversity—align closely with the ideals of Coexistence & Coprosperity. Snr Const Green shared his experiences of engaging the local students with the Temple and affirmed that FGS Auckland is a stage for young people to express their passion and value.
Auckland YAD committee Edwin Teoh led the panel session, inviting eight youth leaders from Australia and New Zealand to share their academic journeys, careers and spiritual practice. Representatives included Muyang Wang from Auckland, Serinna Ha from Melbourne, Francis Li from Queensland, HuiWen Lim from Western Australia, Elaine Huang from Christchurch, Daimi Zhang from Sydney, David Chen from Perth and KarWei Choo from Melbourne. They discussed how the wisdom of the Founder, Venerable Master’s teachings, such as Be Your Own Master, Stay True to Initial Aspiration, Where There is Dharma, There is a Way, I am Among the People and Busy is Nourishment, has empowered them.
The Fo Guang Night featured a lively performance of songs and dances by participants from Oceania, culminating in an enthusiastic atmosphere. The host, BLIA New Zealand, led the participants in singing the theme song Open Your Heart, igniting the passion of everyone present.
Where There is Dharma There is a Way
YAD Panel Session
Realising Initial Aspiration through Faith
Abbess Manshin shared her journey of discovering Buddhism at age 14 through the profound truth of Cause + Conditions = Effect. Recalling her vow to keep up with the Venerable Master’s teachings during her time at the FGS Tsung Lin Buddhist College, she emphasised the importance of becoming someone who is teachable. Over her threedecade service in Australia and New Zealand, Abbess Manshin has remained committed to the Founder’s vision of providing service, sharing positive values and uplifting the community in New Zealand, appreciating the endless Dharma treasures left by the Venerable Master.
Abbess reminded the youth of the significance of holding activities at the Temple, which is a space filled with wisdom and compassion. Abbess drew an analogy to offering lights, stating that a single light can illuminate the hall when combined with others, and similarly, each person's small contributions can collectively create significant impact.
Quoting the Most Venerable Abbot HsinBau of FGS Buddhist Order, Abbess Manshin emphasised that everyone should focus on meaningful practice and learning, avoiding distractions that do not enhance wisdom or address life’s essential questions. Abbess encouraged the youths to cherish their affinities, support each other and strive together for a better future, drawing strength and value from the peaceful environment of the Temple
Rediscovering Initial Aspiration through Academics
Dr Eric Chan's lectures spanned three days, beginning with a focus on finding one's initial aspiration by looking inward and facing one's true self. He highlighted the spirits of compassion, wisdom, vow, and practice exemplified by the Four Great Bodhisattvas. Dr Eric shared his journey of receiving Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s benevolence, which supported him to study at Nanhua University without tuition fees, giving him the opportunity to pursue and complete his doctorate in medicine and become a
professor. Dr Eric inspired the youth by emphasising that the initial aspiration lies at the root of one's heart, encouraging them to harness their fearlessness, sincerity and faith to give back to the many causes and acts of kindness that have shaped their lives.
During the workshops, participants engaged in group discussions to explore their insights and questions. Dr Eric addressed various concerns such as the feeling of disappointment when not recognised by others, the
challenges of adversity in interpersonal relationships and the source of motivation for maintaining one’s initial aspirations. He quoted Venerable Master’s teachings: Only one who can take hardship has a bright future, reminding the youth that doing good for others stems from enduring hardships and the desire to help. Reflecting on his role as a university professor, he shared that his motivation comes from teaching the way he wished to be taught, which naturally empowers him.
Workshop by Dr Eric Chan
Nurturing Initial Aspiration through Careers
Caroline ONG, who currently serves as a risk management director at a financial institution shared her extensive career experience in finance. With over the last 24 years of dedicated service at Fo Guang Shan, Caroline’s growth from a youth leader to a BLIA advisor illustrates the profound impact of
commitment and responsibility. She recounted her first volunteering experience at the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration at Nan Tien Temple, starting in the food stall and eventually leading event planning. She emphasised Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words, to delve deep, one must first be involved; to excel, one
must first contribute, highlighting the Temple as a platform for youths to realise their potential and contribute to the community. Participants inquired about various career aspects, including interview preparation, workplace culture, essential qualities and industry prospects. Caroline advised the youths to embrace responsibility early in their careers and to be meticulous in their work. She shared her experience of mastering office equipment maintenance and document management, which opened doors for her in the company, demonstrating that diligence in small tasks can lead to greater opportunities. She encouraged considering the broader impact of decisions and adhering to Venerable Master’s philosophy: I am one among many.
Session by Caroline ONG
Conference Conclusion 綜合討論
The 26th ANZBYC Concluded Joyfully Flag Handed to Perth YAD
閉幕典禮
The 26th ANZBYC concluded successfully on 7th July 2024 at Fo Guang Shan NZ. During the closing ceremony, the ANZBYC flag was handed over from the BLIA Auckland Young Adult Division (YAD) to the Perth YAD, who will host the next conference in 2025. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan NZ, List Member of Parliament Ms Nancy LU, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN from the Counties Manukau, Member of the Howick Local Board Ms Adele White, Editor Farida Master of Small Business Heroes magazine and Advisor Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter. Additionally, the Chief Abbess
of FGS Oceania Venerable Manko, along with several Venerables and presidents from BLIA Oceania, attended the ceremony via Zoom, with over 200 participants both online and in person.
Abbess Manshin led the participants in giving a warm round of applause to Chief Abbess Manko and the online participants who joined the closing ceremony virtually. Abbess shared, The greatest honour of my life is following Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan. I am grateful for the Venerable Master’s selfless compassion and profound wisdom. The
Abbess presented certificates to the various state YAD Groups and encouraged the next host, the Perth YAD, with the Founder’s words, Live Among the People, Create Collectively.
2024 ANZBYC Chairperson
AnnJo Chong delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Abbess Manshin and the Temple for their strong support, as well as to the committee team and BLIA members for their hard work in making this conference a success. She also thanked the speakers for their inspirational lectures, which provided many insights to the participants. She emphasised to the participants to remember that The Temple is our
Home, and a beacon guiding us forward. May this conference be a source of inspiration and growth for all of us.
List MP Nancy LU described the Fo Guang Shan Temple as a Home to her and expressed her delight at seeing the youth from Australia returning home. She mentioned that the unknown and challenges are a constant in life, as well as opportunities for progress and breakthroughs. The participants are fortunate to have Abbess Manshin and the Temple team to guide them with wisdom and Truth.
Advisor Lintao YU recalled his first participation in 2013 ANZBYC in Auckland, during a time when he was searching for the meaning of life. He remarked that it is a remarkable achievement to see the youth who were once teenagers grow into leaders. He stated that ANZBYC is the cornerstone for YAD in Oceania, providing nourishment and inspiration for growth. The Oceania YAD are not only participants but also contributors to its rich 26 year history. Advisor YU encouraged participants to continue working together to shape a brighter future.
David Chen, representative of the Perth YAD, congratulated everyone on the successful conclusion of the 26th ANZBYC and thanked Abbess Manshin and the BLIA New Zealand YAD for their dedication and effort. He expressed that the theme for next year is Finding Inner Peace in the Heart, welcoming everyone to Perth and carrying on the ANZBYC legacy.
During the conference, the participants engaged in various courses and discussions across different topics, strengthening their faith and moving forward with the right attitude. The Auckland YAD created a video review of the activities, allowing everyone to relive the conference’s highlights. The closing ceremony concluded on a warm and hopeful note with the performances of I Have Faith and Star & Cloud.
Other Activities 其他活動
Heading to Temple 前往道場
Temple Tour 寺院導覽
Tai Chi & Meditation
Wishing
Sydney YAD
Christchurch YAD
Auckland YAD
Melbourne YAD
Queensland YAD
Perth YAD
Conference Feedbacks 心得迴響
Auckland YAD
Edwin Teoh
Educational Administration Team Lead of 2024 ANZBYC
A seedling is still germinating.
He does not know if he will make it through the cold weather and strong wind.
Exhausted, but all he knows is to never give up and keep going.
Raising his head, he sees a big branch extending towards himself,
So bright and heartwarming that it shielded the seedling from adversity.
And here we are as the seedlings, residing under the guardian of Abbess, Venerables and the Temple, providing a safe shelter for us to grow…
I do not become a part of the ANZBYC organising committee because I need to, it is because I want to. Every opportunity to organise ANZBYC has been so precious, as it has the special something that hammers the purpose and mission deep in my heart.
We need to make this conference heartwarming, meaningful and inspirational had been at the frontend of my mind while organising the conference, so it would not be a let-down for the external speakers that shuffled their schedule around to make time to speak and participants who flew all the way to Auckland for the conference. This exact thought is that special something this time - the motto that fuelled my exhausted physical body throughout the conference.
Months of preparation for the conference have fostered comradeship among the committee members. Only the ones that have truly immersed in the organising work would understand the laughter, hard work, blood, sweat and tears along the journey. The feeling of jubilation after the conference, coupled with dharma joy and spiritual growth have been truly rewarding for me.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abbess, Venerables the Temple and all speakers for giving us the opportunity to organise the conference and I appreciate your patience in tolerating with our imperfections. I will continue to strive hard to refine my inner diamond and grow stronger, whilst reaching out to smaller seedlings to give them warmth.
With this initial aspiration in mind, I vow to deepen my spiritual journey into Humanistic Buddhism and serve the NZ community wholeheartedly. Building on the dharma wisdom and rich life experiences shared by the speakers at ANZBYC this year, there is no better reason to persevere through this arduous yet rewarding journey!
During this ANZBYC, I shared the role of DO with fellow committee member Lisa. I felt the moments of uncertainty and fear take over my mind while making announcements in front of the participants. Nevertheless, I am so grateful to have the support of the strong team that empowered me to take on the responsibility of DO.
Thank you to Abbess, Venerables and the team for providing nourishment and giving me this opportunity to grow and improve. The ANZBYC also served as a wakeup call to show how much I am lacking and to not take for granted the collaborative efforts that have made the ANZBYC possible - Cherish all the causes and conditions.
My initial aspiration has been to be someone that can serve the community and be useful to society. I believe if you have an aspiration, you will have the strength to get back up after mistakes and push through the hardships. If you have merits, you will be determined and not stray from the path. Therefore, it is important to have an initial aspiration and stay true to your roots.
Lastly, you will not find the same person twice even in the same person.
Activity Team Lead and Public Relation Officer of 2024 ANZBYC
ANZBYC
Sean Chua
Another teary conference. This year's conference made me reflect on the cause of Auckland YAD's uncontrollable emotions. What was it that made us emotional? Was it sadness? Anger? Happiness? Exhaustion? Or was it frustration? Maybe a combination of all of them? Are these emotions impacting us negatively or positively?
Personally, at this point, I am leaning towards a combination of frustration, happiness, exhaustion and sadness, along with both negative and positive impacts. There is frustration over things not going according to plan before and during the conference or thinking things could have been better. I am happy that the conference is over and was a success, exhausted from the lack of sleep, and sad that I wasn't fully involved in the planning of the conference as Abbess and Venerable had hoped, feeling that I may have let them down again. These emotions negatively impact our energy as we try to chase perfection in one area, causing other areas to fall behind, creating a never-ending cycle. However, this could also be seen positively, as it shows that we genuinely care about this conference and want everyone to gain something from it.
I have not come to a conclusion yet, but all I know is that it is easy to cry and not think too much about it. At some point, we need to move on and come up with solutions to all our issues. What do I need to do going forward to have better control of all these emotions?
All of these emotions aside, one thing is certain: no matter the situation, the Temple, Abbess, and Venerable will be there to support us and guide us with all their heart.
Attending the ANZBYC this year was a profoundly enriching experience, the theme of this year is Stay True to Initial Aspiration. It has inspired me to stay authentic and integrate these valuable lessons into my daily life, striving to be more mindful, compassionate and balanced. The session led by Dr Eric Chan has sparked a deep sense of reflection within me, prompting me to contemplate various aspects of my life and practice. He posed a powerful question: How can I change myself? Do you understand yourself? True change, as he emphasised, begins with self-understanding. By acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, I can pave the way for meaningful transformation. This self-awareness is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, reminding me to be present and mindful in every moment.
A key takeaway from Dr Eric's session was the idea that all work should be directed towards oneself. This means understanding the underlying reasons for our actions, rather than just performing tasks because we are told to. By reflecting on the motivations behind our actions, we can align them with our personal growth and spiritual development.
Being a part of the organising committee for this year's ANZBYC has been an incredible learning experience. Thanks to the experienced members for their guidance and support. I am deeply grateful to Abbess Manshin and all the Venerables for providing us with opportunities to cultivate ourselves through practice and guiding us whenever we need it. This opportunity has shown me the importance of humility and the need to learn and grow. I am committed to practising more in the future and learning quickly to better support our community. Thank you all for your patience and mentorship.
Muyang Wang
Emcee Team & News Team Lead of 2024 ANZBYC
Steven Sun Committee of 2024 ANZBYC
Transportation & Accommodation Team Lead of 2024 ANZBYC
he 2024 ANZBYC was an incredibly touching and unforgettable conference for me. It marked my second attendance, and I was privileged to serve on the committee, engaging in the preparatory efforts and leading the registration team in welcoming the youth from Australia and New Zealand. Collaborating with everyone to present such a unique conference was a deeply meaningful experience. I am thankful to Abbess Manshin and Venerables for entrusting me with this opportunity and providing unwavering support, guiding us to achieve a flawless outcome together.
The theme of ANZBYC this year Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration, highlights the importance of sticking to our original goals and wisdom throughout life's journey. Despite the challenges and temptations we face daily, aspiration reminds us of our purpose and helps us uphold our beliefs and values consistently. As a committee member, I deeply appreciated the strength of teamwork. My aspiration is to contribute positively and spread warmth to others. I remember Abbess always said: You are never alone; there are many around you willing to offer support. Stay connected with the community. Success is a team effort, not a solo journey.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the fabulous team who supported me during the 2024 ANZBYC. I am so proud to be a New Zealand YAD!
Roger Huang
I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of the highly anticipated event 2024 ANZBYC which was held in our very own Auckland Temple. This year's theme of Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration helped to remind us not to get lost in the midst of all the distractions that life throws at us, or the expectations that others may impart on us, but to rediscover our core purpose in order to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. As an adult now there are many obstacles and challenges that I face in my career or personal life, and I often find myself questioning things when going through difficulties. This conference allowed me to contemplate and remember that my Initial Aspiration was to become the best version of myself and to make the world a better place. The theme could not have been better taught by the Special Guest Lecturers which included Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, Dr Eric Chan and our very own renowned Abbess Manshin.
It was an incredible experience to have been a part of such a strong team and to have been able to witness the tremendous growth of the members in upholding greater responsibilities this year compared to ANZBYC back in 2019. Every member knew their role, pouring their hearts into their assigned jobs and worked seamlessly across the 3 days to deliver a successful conference. We have none other than the Abbess Manshin and the Venerables to thank for their guidance in training and supporting us for all these years to help us develop ourselves. We can also be incredibly grateful to have our Temple, an all-purpose environment which allows communities to reconnect with others as well as themselves which was built through hardship and adversity. This eye opening conference allowed me to learn and made me incredibly grateful for the causes and conditions which brought me to 2024 ANZBYC this year.
ANZBYC 2024,hosted by New Zealand, and the second ever ANZBYC I have attended. This years topic is "Staying True to your Initial Aspiration. This year there was a wide diversity of speakers, ranging from Superintendents, to Doctors, many unique perspectives were presented during the conference. One of these people was even the former Minister of Customs, and another person was Editor Farida Master, the editor of 'East Life' magazine, she said everyone was a 'Bundle Of Stories' as her initial aspiration was to tell the lives of others.
Superintendent Scott Gemmel, talked about his initial aspirations, which was that he did not wish to see bullying in any situation, which was the reason he decided to become a police officer since he was young. Gemmel also talked about the hardships during his career, and his way of regaining that fire of initial aspiration in his heart, when felt the lowest. During his talk, he expressed that there was a time he was called for a job, and when he arrived at the scene, and found that he had lost three of his colleagues from a gun fight. It was these times that the fire in his heart started to waver, and his advice for this was to seek help and support from those you love and trust. Keeping everything in the heart only leads to it being a burden. And just like steel, it must go through the harsh fires to improve, and must be cooled once more with water to strengthen itself and regain composure,
Dr. Eric Chan a well respected doctor talked about the concept of 'Being With'. Humans go through challenges every day. There being a myriad of challenges we face in our lives, whether that be ours or others, 'Being With' is the concept of hearing out the other person and 'Being With' them through the rough patches in their lives. Simply listening to their worries is enough to relieve the person of their stress, and reignite that fire in the heart for them. Being in the present is another point Dr. Eric Chan covered, we use our phones so much we can be in the present, yet our mind can be elsewhere.
Throughout the conference I as a person felt that I have even by a little, with the many different perspectives of the speakers whether they be, editors, Doctors, fellow YADS, or even police officers. Being able to attend this year's conference is a great opportunity for me, and I believe that is true for many others as well. I am still very young, I have not experienced many things in life, I am only a small picture book, whilst others have been novels, or short stories. My initial aspiration is to be a better version of myself, whether that is to be smarter academically, or to have better bonds with friends, and family, or to spend more time in the temple. At this age, I feel that I could have been better, and by that I feel that I should be in the present more, spend more time with family, and cherish the moments that I have with them, because one day I can only think back on the times that I was with my family, to stay in the present and cherish the moments with family and friends is the best gift in it-self.
Alan Han
General Affairs and Dining Service Team Lead of 2024 ANZBYC
Attending the ANZBYC conference hosted by Fo Guang Buddhist Temple Auckland was an incredible experience. As a committee member, I gained valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of organising such an event. The various workshops were immensely beneficial. Dr Eric Chan’s lecture was particularly inspiring, helping me reconnect with my original aspirations. BLIA Sydney Advisor Caroline's workshop provided critical reflections on my past job interviews, highlighting areas I had previously overlooked, and her statement, the only constant is change, resonated deeply with me. The group discussions were equally enlightening, allowing me to further rediscover my core motivations. Organising an event of this scale was no easy task, and I am deeply grateful for the help of many volunteers. Their support enabled the committee to focus on the conference and enjoy delicious food. Overall, this conference not only enhanced my professional skills but also fostered personal growth and self-awareness. Last but not least, very thankful for the Abbess for her guidance and also all Venerables that help to succeed the event.
This is my first year participating in the ANZBYC. Here are four parts of my thoughts on what I learned from the program:
First: From Hon Maurice Williamson, I learned to be curious, stay hungry, reflect and be ready for the rapid changes in the world.
From other speakers, I learned that I need to cherish every single moment. This insight especially helps and inspires me when I am feeling frustrated and unmotivated in the workplace and other areas of life.
Prioritising my work, family and personal time is very important as well. From the sessions, I learned to strive for balance in all aspects of my life.
After the sessions, I understood the power of my initial aspirations and realised that I shouldn’t pay too much attention to other people’s opinions, especially when I encounter harsh feedback. Finally, the most important lesson for me is to celebrate small wins and remain positive to continue learning and growing.
Fred Gu
Committee of 2024 ANZBYC
Christchurch YAD
Elaine Huang
Vice President of Christchurch YAD
This year marked my first time attending ANZBYC since joining Fo Guang Shan last year. The first day was packed with information. My initial aspiration was to come to the Temple to practise giving and dedicate my merits to those around me. In alignment with the theme, I reflected on my initial goals as a Buddhist youth, guided by our guest speakers. Throughout the session, all the guest speakers shared their unique experiences of serving and committing to the community, using their initial aspirations as their guides. This inspired me to continue cultivating my bodhi mind and practising 3G4G, enabling me to remain true to my original inspiration and benefit both our Buddhist community and the wider community.
The second day was another enlightening experience with our special guests – Senior Constable Matt Green, Paralympic Medalist Michael Johnson, Dr. Eric Chen, and our youth panelists from New Zealand and Australia YADs. I especially enjoyed the brainstorming session led by Dr Eric Chen, where we discussed our initial aspirations, the obstacles to maintaining them, and how to achieve them using the platforms of YAD and the Temple. This session filled me with hope for our Buddhist youths and motivated me to become more engaged with Temple activities. From Snr Cons Matt's session, I gained new ideas for working with children and now see him as a role model. His dedication and passion for educating our young tamariki inspire me to follow my initial aspiration as an educator.
On the last day of the conference, I felt reluctant to leave the Auckland Temple, a place filled with memories that motivated me to pursue my initial aspiration as a Buddhist youth. I am deeply grateful to Abbess Manshin for creating such a heartening opportunity for young people on their path to becoming greater individuals and contributing to society.
Wan Theng Chua
This year’s ANZBYC 2024 theme is Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration. Before attending the ANZBYC, I had an understanding of what my initial inspiration was, but the speeches given by the different speakers especially Dr Eric Chan on Day 1 allowed me to deeply reflect on whether the initial aspiration I had set was what I truly wanted in life or what the society expects me to be in life. The workshop conducted on Day 2 helped me rediscover my initial aspiration again and provided small steps to work towards my goal.
I attended the ANZBYC with an open mind - with a mindset to learn and absorb anything. Listening to the speeches sharing their passion and perseverance in serving the community was inspiring and thought-provoking. They made me realise my inadequacy and the personal development I needed to quickly work on to improve myself to better serve the community.
Louis Hu
Member of Christchurch YAD Member of Christchurch YAD
This year was my first time attending the ANZBYC at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. The theme, Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration, really spoke to me. My goal has always been to become a person who helps others, especially within the community.
The conference had many great speakers who shared their experiences. Dr Eric Chan's talks were both funny and meaningful, leaving a big impression on me. Venerable Abbess‘s straightforward guidance was challenging but helped me grow a lot. The second day's workshops were very helpful. They gave us practical steps to reach our goals and ways to overcome obstacles. Sessions led by Dr Eric Chan and our youth panellists were inspiring, giving me hope and motivating me to stay involved with Temple activities.
Throughout the conference, I thought a lot about my goals and how to keep them. The talks and workshops showed me areas where I can improve and strengthen my commitment to practising Humanistic Buddhism by serving the community.
Serinna Ha
President of YAD 3 Melbourne
The theme for this year's ANZBYC was Stay True to Your Initial Aspiration Staying true to one’s aspiration is never easy, and I've faced many challenges in my career and YAD aspirations. This year's ANZBYC was thought-provoking and full of reminders.
My biggest takeaway was the importance of adapting, evolving and embracing struggles as I work towards my aspirations. Achieving our dreams involves challenges and setbacks that shape us into better individuals. Michael Johnson, Abbess Manshin and the 2024 ANZBYC Team emphasized that every journey has its challenges, crucial for shaping a better you. Michael Johnson encouraged us to Dream big, pursue your passions. The road may be long and challenging, but stay true to yourself and never give up
Additionally, Superintendent Scott Gemmell and Dr Eric Chan introduced the four foundations of mindfulness. When overwhelmed or faced with obstacles, we should be mindful, focusing on our senses and the task at hand. Dr Eric Chan shared that faith is his protector and emphasised a moral framework around Buddhism.
Thank you Abbess Manshin, Venerables, BLIA members from New Zealand and the 2024 ANZBYC organising committee for organising such an amazing ANZBYC, allowing me to remind myself of my initial aspiration, recharge and continue my path to pursuing my aspirations.
I have just started a new chapter in my life, filled with ups and downs. Recently, my mind has been so muddled that I have almost lost faith in myself.
However, joining ANZBYC has given me the opportunity to take a break from my busy lifestyle, engage in deep self-reflections and rediscover the initial aspirations hidden deep within my heart. It has also allowed me to recognize how fortunate I am to have a strong support network, including Dharma, Venerables, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings, Yad friends, family and friends.
Without the causes and conditions, from the Venerable Master’s vows to propagate Humanistic Buddhism at the very beginning to every single person who put effort into the preparation for this conference, I would not have gained so much from this year's ANZBYC. I am grateful for every single cause and condition that made this happen.
Through this short yet meaningful journey, I have identified both my initial aspirations and ways to sustain them. With these insights, I vow to: 1. Keep learning and growing every day 2. Apply Humanistic Buddhism in my daily life 3. Make a positive impact on myself, those around me, the community and the world
Treasurer of YAD 3 Melbourne
Jia Xuan Oi
Melbourne YAD
Sydney YAD
Daimi Zhang
Former President of Sydney YAD North
Looking back in time... My first ever YAD event was the 2016 ANZBYC in Sydney. At the age of 13, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, often falling asleep in classes and wondering why I was even there.
Fast forward eight years, here I am again, at my fourth ANZBYC, under the theme of Stay True to Your Initial Aspirations. I arrived at this conference unsure of what my initial aspiration was, but determined to find it.
This year's ANZBYC in Auckland was a fresh and enriching experience. With an average age of 25, the conference felt more mature and profound. As soon as we donned our blazers, we embraced a sense of professionalism. We were truly at a conference, with speakers from various professional backgrounds sharing their life experiences.
Throughout this 4-day and 3-night journey, I discovered that the initial aspiration I thought was lost had never left me. It is to lend others a helping hand and to share the Dharma with those in need. As Venerable Master Hsing Yun says, 發心才會有力量，發願才會有目標 Only with determination can we have strength, and only by making a vow can we achieve our goals. I realised that I had been lacking this sense of determination, often afraid to face obstacles and challenges. But just as Dr Eric Chan says, 逆增上缘 Adversity creates opportunities. Do it for yourself, not for others, and all challenges become resources to build and grow you.
Thank you for the causes and conditions that have brought me to this year’s ANZBYC to find my initial aspirations, and finally a huge thank you to the Temple, Abbess Manshin, Venerables and New Zealand YADs for their effort in organising this year’s ANZBYC. Let us all stay true to our initial aspirations for the many years to come!
Ethan Luu Deputy President of Sydney YAD North
Buddhism and its teachings are a significant part of our lives and it’s important that we remind ourselves through special occasions such as the Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC). New Zealand YAD have put immense effort into this event which can be seen throughout every session, becoming an omen teaching for all youth to stay true to their initial aspirations. Throughout the 4 days you can really see the tight bond and connection within the BLIA New Zealand community and it becomes very apparent how they were able to deliver the 2024 ANZBYC.
From various panels to lectures to workshops, the 2024 ANZBYC provided participants with wisdom & strategies that they could potentially adopt to stay true to their aspirations. Wonderful speakers such as Superintendent Scott & Dr Eric Chan shared how their life experiences influenced their aspirations and their mindsets. Through their hardships they imparted some of their life lessons such as CAT: Courage, Authenticity & Trust, an acronym teaching us that in order to help others we must build affinities and upon it we act with courage and a genuine heart.
ANZBYC has always been a special event to the Oceania YAD and it’s of the utmost importance that we preserve this legacy. Thank you to New Zealand YAD for taking on this opportunity, I look forward to what Perth YAD has to add to this legacy in 2025!
Queensland YAD
Sam Liu President of Queensland YAD
Francis Li
Vice President of Queensland YAD
Attending the ANZBYC 2024 conference has been both enlightening and enriching. The inspiring speeches by Michael Johnson and Senior Constable Matt motivated us to reflect deeply on our journeys and aspirations. The opening ceremony, featuring captivating Māori performances and YAD dances, set a positive and energetic tone.
Listening to stories from like-minded leaders about overcoming obstacles, especially Caroline Ong's session, emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s aspirations. Her dedication to BLIA and professional achievements were incredibly motivating. Dr. Eric Chan’s sessions on Humanistic Buddhism and life & death studies, provided profound knowledge and new perspectives.
This conference has been a blend of self-reflection, gratitude, and inspiration, giving me a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to polish the diamond within me. I am excited to continue this journey with the support of my fellow YAD members.
This year’s ANZBYC was a conference I wanted without realising it was something I needed. From inspirational stories by local heroes and success stories from public figures, to having multiple opportunities to have our questions and uncertainties answered by Abbess Manshin, it was an experience that has reinforced and developed my connection with my initial aspiration as well clearing what seemed to be a hazy and uncertain path ahead.
I came into this conference without a clear understanding of what my initial aspiration was, thinking that as long as I work hard and continue to do do do, suffer suffer suffer, patience patience patience, and wait wait wait within YAD, I was on the right path. I left the conference reaffirming my aspiration as well as exploring the deeper meanings behind my purpose and goals, and the path that I need to take towards my goal.
This conference has sparked inspiration of what we, Perth YAD, should do as a committee to continue the legacy of ANZBYC, inspiring youths from Oceania, whether they are completely new to seasoned members, to continue their journey on learning about Humanistic Buddhism.
Lastly I would like to thank Abbess Manshin, Venerables and YADs from New Zealand for organising this thought provoking and stimulating conference and congratulations on another successful ANZBYC!
Ke Wen Lim
Secretary of Perth YAD
Firstly, thank you to NZ YADs for organising such a valuable and inspiring conference. It was organised in a high standard conference style from having various influential guest speakers who have achieved amazing results to the requirements of maintaining a professional attire. The conference encouraged like-minded youths to engage in deeper conversions and sharing of opinions. I went on a journey of self discovery as I was challenged to ask myself deeper questions and reaffirm my initial aspirations.
The biggest lesson I’ve gained from this conference is from Superintendent Scott Gemmell on the importance of being present in the moment and place and giving the person in front of you your full attention. He mentioned that the number one priority for that important person in the moment should also be the number one priority for me. This conference was charged with a lot of emotion, inspiration and energy. I learnt that there will always be challenges in life, but staying true to our initial aspirations will be able to help us overcome these difficult times.
It was really inspiring to see the tremendous amount of effort that NZ YADs have put into organising this year’s ANZBYC and the strong connection and support they have with Abbess Manshin and Venerables. With 2025 ANZBYC coming to Perth next year, I am determined to set the standards high and ensure that next year’s ANZBYC will be even more valuable and engaging for our participants.
Jay Woodhill
Treasurer of Perth YAD
This year was my first time attending ANZBYC, and I can't express enough gratitude for how much understanding it has brought to my path of growth and development.
I visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland last year and had the opportunity to meet YAD members and Abbess Manshin. I was extremely fortunate to have a conversation with her, and listen to her insights on Dharma and life in general. This empowered me to commit myself further to exploring Buddhism and my own path towards a more fulfilled life. However, it wasn't until I could attend this year's conference, in the presence of like minded participants and a wealth of exceptional speakers, that I could gain a clearer understanding of what changes I must continue to make, and how to stay true to my aspirations. During discussions with other Oceania YADs I was able to reflect on my own desire for a sense of purpose and duty in my life. At times I have struggled to have a clear understanding of how to best guide and apply myself, for my own enrichment, and the benefit of others around me. Coming away I have a firmer grasp of values relating to Humanistic Buddhism, and how I can engage further with FGS Temple and YAD subchapter in Perth to deepen this. I intend to explore this, as well as writings from Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Sutras that I am fortunate enough to have access to, to improve my mindfulness, awareness, empathy and personal sense of responsibility for my compatriots.
An additional note, is that with Perth's own hosting of ANZBYC next year, it was inspirational (and a little bit daunting) to see the huge amount of effort contributed from Abbess, Venerables, Auckland ANZBYC committee and the huge number of Auckland YADs who turned out to assist, clean and create a powerful and engaging social atmosphere. Seeing these contributions has lit a fire in me as well, to lift to the same standard for our own planning and commitment for next year.
