ANZBYC 2008 Report
From the 4th to 7th of July 2008, Buddha’s Light International Association Young Adult Division South Island (BLIA YADSNZ), together with Fo Guang Shan South Island and Buddha’s Light International Association of South Island hosted the 12th Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC).
The theme for the conference was “Transform and Contribute”, and was adopted from the theme “Transform and Benefit”, which was proposed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The organizing of the Oceanic Conference commenced one year ago, just after the conclusion of ANZBYC 2007 in Auckland, after Venerable Abbess Manshin encouraged South Island YAD president, Hiking Liu to host this year’s conference. Venerable Abbess Manshin, as well the other Venerables, provided YAD their full support and guidance throughout the entire organizing process, as well as during the days of the conference.
The Conference was held at Blue Skies, a conference centre in Kaiapoi, Christchurch, in which over 120 participants and staff attended. During the 4 day conference, participants learnt about the basic concepts of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path through classes, and also learnt how to practice what they learnt through engaging in activities based on Buddhist concepts.
Guest speakers included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juexi, Dr Eric Chan and Minister Hon. Ruth Dyson. Collectively, they transmitted wisdom and insight to the participants during the talks and classes of the conference.
During the first day, participants learnt about Buddhist Etiquette and attended a session on ANZBYC History and YAD Reports. Following the session, participants engaged in ice breaking activities.
During the second day, Venerable Abbess Manshin delivered an inspiring talk on “Transform and Contribute”. Following Abbess’s talk was Venerable Juexi’s class on “Concepts of Buddhism”.
After lunch, Dr Eric Chan held a seminar themed “Seeing ourselves through the eye of wisdom”. Activities later that day included drama activities and night games.
The third day began with a workshop on “Modern Communication”. Concurrently, the “Oceania Meeting” was held for committee members. Later in the morning, participants paced around the camp grounds for the activity “Dharma Hunt”. After lunch, Dr Eric Chan held his second seminar on “Challenges and Changes”.
Following on, participants actively raised questions during Venerable Abbess Manshin’s Q & A session, and were bestowed practical insight and solutions, in which they clearly found helpful and satisfying.
The day continued with a talk by Minister Hon. Ruth Dyson on “The youths’ responsibility toward society”. The eventful day concluded with the “Endless Night Party” where participants performed group performances, YAD performances as well as expressed themselves through dance during the dance floor session.
Day four began with the “Confidence Course”, where participants were put through a series of challenging activities. Following the action packed morning, the 8 YAD from the Oceania region showcased their impressive presentations.
The conference continued with Venerable Abbess Manshin leading the Taking Refuge Ceremony. The touching ceremony left many participants and staff with tears of gratitude, not only for the Taking Refuge Ceremony, but also for the many conditions that made the conference a great success, particularly the support the temple, Venerable Abbess Manshin and other Venerables provided.
The closing ceremony marked the conclusion of the conference. Participants left equipped with the wisdom and inspiration which will allow them to improve themselves and ultimately “Transform and Contribute”.
Account by Sheng Han Lim