Youths Self-Cultivation of Life Experience in Buddhism

In conjunction with the school holidays that started from October 9, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Young Adult Division (YAD) South Island members took this opportunity to learn and experience something different and gives value to life. With the led of YAD South Island president, Hao-Tin Lin, the YAD members cultivated by experiencing Chan meditation, practicing Dharma instruments, rituals of Dharma functions and outdoor activities. On October 13, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) New Zealand’s Abbess, Venerable Abbess Manshin and FGS South Island temple supervisor, Venerable Juexi both shared the understanding of Six Internal Bases, Six Fields of Senses and Six Consciousness enhancing the youths with greater wisdom. On October 15, YAD members helped out in catering and the ribbon cutting ceremony of the opening exhibition of “Life Prose Poetry Comic” by Mr Zi Kai Feng and daughter Ms Yi Ying Feng. It then followed with Chan meditation classes by Venerable Miaoyu on October 18 and 19 giving the youths a practice of relaxation of mind, walking meditation and sitting meditation.

On the evening of October 20, Venerable Miaoyu guided the YAD members in practicing the Dharma instruments which gave a new feeling to the youths learning a new kind of instrument that many haven’t got the chance to try before this. 8 YAD members also had a sleepover at the temple that night experiencing disciplined life in the temple. On October 23, the second last day of school holiday, these youths helped out in cleaning the pond and the art gallery. With these self cultivation and life experiences in the temple, these youths not only gained understanding in Buddhism, but also a meaningful school holiday with morality and wisdom achieved.