Diligent Preparation for BLIA 2021 Global Buddhism Exam BLIA Auckland Members Met on Cloud with Joy

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand, Auckland is currently under lockdown. After careful consideration with Auckland Temple, BLIA North Island Chapter decided to move the Global Buddhism Exam from an in-person medium to online. On 5th Sept, a zoom meeting was held for the examinees to become familiar with the network connectivity and with completing the test online. There were a total of 80 candidates who participated.

Ever since Auckland has been placed under level 4 lockdown, the BLIA members could not return to the Temple. Despite the circumstances, the online meeting was filled with joy, warm greetings, and a plethora of exam ideas were exchanged among the members. Lintao Yu, President of BLIA North Island Chapter, explained the details and process of the online Buddhism Exam. The participants then attempted to complete the exam online, and although the technical issues were raised during the meeting,  everyone eventually was able to submit the online exam at the end successfully.

Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand was extremely caring about everyone; she was grateful to see that all the participants made great efforts to prepare for the exam, demonstrating great diligence. She said that the purpose of participating in the exam is to gain more understanding of Buddha’s teachings and strengthen our faith. Abbess encouraged the participants, and expressed that everyone has added value for themselves by participating in the exam.

‘It is a blessing for all of us to have Fo Guang Shan, to be able to study Humanistic Buddhism together, as it brings us so much happiness.’ Lintao Yu, President of BLIA North Island Chapter thanked Abbess for encouraging everyone to develop more confidence. He also expressed appreciation for the support and assistance from the Temple, and Sub-Chapter Presidents for being patient in explaining and guiding the members to take part in the exam online, and the IT Team who helped solve all the technical problems backstage. He wished everyone all the best in the formal exam and to achieve excellent results.

‘Without you, the entire online process couldn't have been so smooth, it's great to have you!’ The First Sub-Chapter Advisor, Jennifer Liang, thanked President Lintao and the youths who have consistently assisted behind the scenes. She expressed that the Global Buddhism Exam has not only strengthened everyone's understanding of Dharma, it was also a breakthrough of the psychological barriers towards modern technology for the elder members.  Life-long learning is amazing

First Sub-Chapter President Meggan said, 'from transitioning to a written version to an online exam, a change of strategy was promptly and thoughtfully carried out in a short period and accelerated the launch of today's simulation exam. It was great to have a team of young people to assist the elder members in familiarising themselves with modern technology.'

Annie Chang, the President of the Forth Sub-Chapter thanked the Temple and President Lintao for organising the simulation exam. 'The technical support team was very knowledgeable, professional, and efficient, solving lots of technical issues in a timely manner, really proud of them. Wishing everyone great results!'

BLIA North Island Director Zhang Lihuan shared that she could sense the nervousness of the examinees through zoom, as many members were not familiar with the online system and worried about missing the exam. Regardless, seeing the participants work so diligently, the nervous feeling was suddenly replaced with happiness. The power of Dharma brings joyful anticipation and endless hope! The exam for Buddhists enhances the understanding of Dharma, purifies the hearts, uses righteousness and justice to face the ever-changing global pandemic.