Youths Learning to Get Enlightenment Through Service in FGS Auckland Buddhist Youth College
FGS Auckland Buddhist Youth College was held to enable the youths to learn and practice the Buddha’s teaching in order to gain wisdom and improve oneself. The college is led by the Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland, Venerable Rulian. On the 18th & 25th July, she used articles from Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to share about 2 topics, namely Six Perfection and Loving-Kindness & Compassion.
Venerable Master once said the objective of Six Perfection is to benefit self and others. It is a way to accomplish the Bodhisattva cultivation. Venerable Rulian further explained that the Six Perfections are giving, morality, patience, perseverance, meditative concentration and wisdom. She encouraged everyone to be diligent, utilize one’s potential and cherish every opportunity to improve and grow.
Loving-kindness and compassion are the heart of Buddhist teachings. Loving-kindness means bringing happiness to others, and compassion means alleviating the sufferings of others. Venerable Rulian explained that practicing loving-kindness and compassion are the most valuable thing to own, happiness and safety will come with it.
In addition to the ongoing Buddhist Youth College, the youth were engaged in various activities which include rehearsing for the Sangha Day Offering Ceremony, Dharma Function dining service, BLIA 2021 Global Buddhism Exam preparations, Dharma instruments practice, evening chanting and many more. The Temple is a platform for the youth to express their enthusiasm and to nurture a positive life. Abbess Manshin encouraged everyone to keep busy with joy and purpose, learn to live in the middle path to develop self-mastery. She wished the youths all the best in their study and career, to continue developing their potential, and to serve the public. The youths left the Temple with joy and delicious vegetarian lunch boxes prepared by the Temple.