BLIA NZ YAD Participated in 2021 Fo Guang Shan Youth Summit Conference A New Era of Digital Dharma Propagation

The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Headquarters organised the 2021 Fo Guang Shan Youth Summit on 26th and 27th June 2021 with the theme Faith & Legacy. Under the guidance of the President of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Executive Council Venerable Hui Chuan and BLIA World Headquarters Deputy President Venerable Tzu Rong, a thousand YAD members together with BLIA Scouts and students of FGS Tsung-Lin university participated in the online conference to discuss the development of technology, education and youth in Buddhism. The President of BLIA Auckland YAD 2 Thomas Lai, led nearly 20 youth members to participate in the event.

During the opening ceremony, Venerable Hui Chuan mentioned that to respond to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual physical conference has turned into an online conference, which has showed the ability to respond to impermanence, it is also a great practice of transforming knowledge into wisdom.

Fo Guang Shan youths from five Continents gathered online to inherit Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassionate vow in innovating new ways of digital Dharma propagation. The Deputy Director of BLIA YAD Venerable Rubin and Second Deputy Secretary of FGS Executive Council Venerable Hui Rang reported that FGS has improved over time by utilising the Internet and technology in a new era of Digital Dharma Propagation. This was proven with more than five million devotees having joined the virtual bathing of the Buddha during the 2021 Buddha’s Birthday Celebration.

Venerable Huizhi explained that the internet appears to bring people closer together virtually, but in fact it is actually pushing people away physically. Thus, it is essential to be aware of one’s thoughts in the online environment. He reminded the youth to develop self-mastery, and to take control of one’s thoughts and actions, instead of being distracted by the outside world. Venerable Miao Guang encouraged youth to regulate their body, breath and mind to stay focused and to enhance the power of faith. Venerable Miao Nan sincerely reminded us that finding inner wisdom is the direction for youth to improve. The inspirational speakers have provided nutrients for the youths with their informative sharing.

The President of Fo Guang Club, Edwin, was impressed by the selection of the main topic for IBYC this year - Digitalisation. He shared that in the digital age, we have to treat our faith as the roots, as faith is strong, stable and eternal. We have to slow down our heart to achieve greater depth and breadth in everything we do.

The Deputy President of BLIA YAD 1, Yao Chang, was grateful for the precious opportunity to participate in the online conference to keep learning and improve during the pandemic. She was also appreciative towards  Abbess Manshin for having online classes with the youths during the lockdown period in New Zealand, which allowed the youth to stay connected with the Temple and be diligent in the path of learning Buddhism.

Larry, a committee member of BLIA YAD 1, shared that Venerable Huizhi introduced the transformation of Buddhist architecture in accordance with local conditions from historical evolution and talked about the role of digitalisation in the development of Buddhism. Young people need to know how to ingest and internalise information in this era of big data. Digitalisation is a medium of culture rather than an ultimate target. In the age of information explosion, this conference reminds the youth to be mindful of their thoughts and to not be influenced by the external environment.

The online conference was an eye-opening experience for Lucy as it was her first time participating in the Buddhism conference. From the classes, she learned that the innovation of technology is adapting to the passing of time, and only faith can cultivate our minds.

After the FGS Youth Summit, Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juexi and Venerable Rulian had a zoom meeting with the youths in Auckland and Christchurch. In the meeting, participants shared they experience in the conference. Abbess and Venerables also provided guidance to the youths on improving the atmosphere of the conference venue for future events. The youth were also grateful for the opportunity to learn and further improve themselves.