BLIA NZ Youth Consensus Conference Constructing a Quality Life with Faith

On 1st May 2021, Fo Guang Shan Young Adult Division (YAD) held a Youth Consensus Conference. Venerable Manshin, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, was invited to give a lecture on the theme of Life and Faith, whilst president of BLIA North Island Mr Lintao Yu along with the youth leaders Edwin and Larry led a sharing and discussion session with nearly 40 youth members.

At the beginning of the event, Abbess explained that faith is like a dexterous hand, a cane to rely on, a solid root, a boat to cross the river, an unwavering force and a treasure within. Therefore, a life with faith is like a thousand-year-old dark room can be illuminated by a single lantern. Abbess encouraged the participants to irrigate their lives with Dharma, so that their faith can grow and blossom in their hearts.

The youths were divided into three groups for discussion based on the topics regarding study, career and relationships. The youth leader, Karzin shared that one can improve and find one’s value through shoulder responsibilities in the Temple. In addition, youth leader, Thomas Lai, shared that faith give him strength to face challenges in life.

Particularly, one of the participants proposed a question, How do you get out of an emotional slump? Abbess explained that Venerble Master Hsing Yun once said Endure hardship for a good future, to encourage the participants to improve through challenges. She wished everyone to develop self-mastery and construct a quality life.

The first session of Youth Consensus Conference 2021 was successfully completed. The participants responded positively, saying that faith can make the future promising and looking forward to the next conference.