2017 ANZBYC came to a Perfect Conclusion

The 2017 ANZBYC entered its final day, the 7th of August, with a concluding ceremony in the Buddha Hall. It was attended by the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Chung Tian Temple, Queensland, Venerable Chueh Shan, Senior YADs and forty delegates. Distinguished guests including Inspector Al Stewart, Artist Keith Morant and Tricia Morant, Artist Justine, Deputy Director of BLIA Oceania Fellowship Committee, Ms Dolly Tsai, BLIA World Headquarters Executive Council Member, Mrs Dominique Yu, BLIA North Island President, Mr Lintao Yu, BLIA South Island President, Ms Seeshen Lee, BLIA South Island Vice President, Ms Ming Yuan Guo and BLIA members.

In her speech, Abbess Manshin highlighted the role of the newly established ANZBYC Steering Committee in mentoring and supporting the organisation of future ANZBYC. She expressed her hope that this year’s theme, Consensus and Openness, will be actualised in the everyday lives of the participants, and that it will bring home the spirit of the conference; while reminding each participant do not forget the initial aspirations.

Inspector Al Stewart acknowledged the important role played by BLIA members in promoting harmony and co-existence in multicultural countries, such as New Zealand and Australia. He emphasised the importance of belief, for change to take place. Artist Keith Morant congratulated the participants, and said that although he may have missed the the classes and discussions, he was deeply moved by the sense of joy and achievement he felt as the conference concluded. He also acknowledged that Buddhism had helped him during the darkest period in his life.

Ms Dolly Tsai spoke of the future of ANZBYC as one of inquiry, understanding and heritage of Faith. With the aspirations of the Oceania YADs, she believes Humanistic Buddhism will flourish in the Five Continents. Mrs Dominique Yu felt fortunate that she could come to the 20th Anniversary at the last minute, and encouraged YADs return to the temple often, to refresh.

Mr Lintao Yu welcomed youths to join BLIA or YAD, to help the temple spread Humanistic Buddhism.The president of Christchurch YAD, Mr Dong Zhang expressed gratitude to the temple and the participants, for bringing the conference to a successful conclusion. He encouraged next year’s host, Perth YAD, to make good use of the resources provided by the ANZBYC Steering Committee so that the conference continues to go from strength to strength.

Abbess Manshin also presented a special award to three senior YAD participants who were the first participants of ANZBYC - Arthur Liu, James Yang and Stacey Weng. Finally, the President of Perth YAD, Patrick Ong and delegate, Suk Ling Chang, received the right to host the 2018 ANZBYC on behalf of Perth YAD.

The four days and three nights of ANZBYC concluded on a high note with the singing of Stars and Clouds. This conference was also a reunion of senior Australia and New Zealand YAD. It brought back the enthusiasm, joy, energy and inspiration of the first ANZBYC, twenty years ago.

With the combined inspiration of the Abbess, Venerables, presenters and participants, the spirit of Consensus and Openness will continue, writing an important page in the history of Humanistic Buddhism in Oceania.