BLIA NZ YAD Member attended Outward Bound Make Youth growth Stronger

BLIA NZ YAD member, Hongkai Gu participated in an Outward Bound adventure course, in Anakiwa, Picton, from the 3rd of February to the 24th of February. Hongkai was granted the sponsorship offered by New Zealand Human Right Commission with the recommendation of Abbess Manshin. He is the third BLIA NZ YAD member representing the Temple in attending the Outward Bound adventure course. There were more than 120 young adults from different regions of New Zealand who participated in the course.

Outward Bound New Zealand was founded in 1962 with the vision "Better People. Better Communities. Better World." The goal is to help participants reaching their potential through completing challenging outdoor activities, which can help to make our communities and the world a better place.

There was a myriad of exciting Outward Bound activities which include rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, tramping and solo camping in the forest. The last challenge of the course was a cross-country half marathon. The purpose of these outdoor activities were to allow the participants to gain self-awareness, confidence, and learn to work together.

The second week of the Outward Bound course coincided with Chinese New Year. Hongkai shared the wise words from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, "Cultivate a Heart that Blooms in All Seasons", to encourage and give blessings to all Outward Bound participants and staff. He also led the chanting of Buddha's Light Verse before every meal. Hongkai also explained about Humanistic Buddhism’s ‘Three Goodness and Four Givings’. After listening to Hongkai’s explanation, one the participants shared that it is important to have gratitude and compassion, so that one can become a better person and contribute to make the community a better place.

Hongkai stated that he developed strong will power throughout the 21-days-training. He also used his knowledge and experience gained in the Temple to help his team members achieving goals together. He has realised the importance of faith and holding the belief of ‘Buddhism depends on me’, especially in the last challenge where he had to complete a half marathon. He felt grateful to the Abbess and Temple for giving him the opportunity to train himself. He feels blessed and fortunate to be able to serve the Temple and the public. He vows to stay true to his initial aspiration, keep developing himself, and become a valuable person for Buddhism and the society.