Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ First Adulthood Ceremony – The Growing up of the Fo Guang Youths

On 16 October, 30 YAD members, aged 14 to 18 years old were dressed neatly in suits and dresses standing smartly in the main shrine. The beating of the drum signalled the commencement of the First Adulthood Ceremony and Abbess Manshin presided over it . The former YAD president Max and YAD committee member Tina led the group in the recitation of the ‘Fo Guang YAD Adulthood Ceremony Vow’, which signified their entry into another stage in life.

BLIA (North Island) NZ President Dolly Tsai told the youths about the story of the CEO of McDonalds, Taiwan whose success came about by washing a thousand toilet bowls. Through that , he realised the power of giving and learnt to understand people’s needs. Dolly encouraged the youths to enrich their life through giving and serving the community. Abbess Manshin hoped the youths take up life’s challenges with courage and committment in order to enhance their spiritual journey.

YAD One vice-president Jeremy on behalf of the youths, expressed his gratitude to all parents, teachers, Venerable, and the dharma for their guidance and patience. Many parents who attended the ceremony were touched and tears welled up in their eyes. They had witnessed the growing up of their children through various temple activities and were grateful to all the Venerable for helping their children’s spiritual journey through life.