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, leader 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.

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 leader 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.