Since the establishment of Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) in 1997 in Sydney, Australia, it has now reached throughout Oceania in the last 24 years. Particularly, FGS Auckland and Christchurch have held three conferences respectively, for a total of six years. Over the years, the conferences have cultivated countless talented young Buddhists, working diligently in Buddhism study and their life. Sin Jun Chong, is one of the excellent role model of the youths.
Sin Jun followed his parents and elder sister Ann Jo Chong to FGS Auckland since the age of five. He started from joining the weekly Chinese classes, and then joined the youth activities at the Temple. At seven years old, he proudly participated in the ANZBYC hosted by BLIA Auckland as a staff member. Up until now, Sin Jun has participated in 4 ANZBYC in New Zealand, and can be regarded as a senior committee member.
He gained a deeper understanding of Buddhism every time he participated in the ANZBYC. He learned from the team to be compassionate and patient, and not only to tolerant himself but also care for others. At the age of 12, Sin Jun took the responsibility and became the President of BLIA Auckland YAD 3. Later on, he also became the President of BLIA Auckland YAD 2. Now he is a member of the BLIA North Island Sub Chapter 1.
Abbess Manshin took very good care of Sin Jun in his childhood and teenage-hood, including diet, sleeping pattern, exercise and more. Sin Jun Chong is 21 years old now, and has grown into a tall and beautiful young man at 180cm tall, with long legs, and slanted eyes with a handsome expression. He is very much just like a model. To enhance his life experience, he joined a modelling agency and started modelling for a few well known New Zealand brands. Sin Jun considers Temple as his home and plays different roles in devoting himself to the Temple’s activities.
In 2014, under the arrangement of Abbess Manshin, Sin Jun received an opportunity to visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery Headquarter in Taiwan, to learn dining service and how to serve the public. Where he was just 14 years old at the time. In 2019, he went back a second time with two YAD members, Larry Yang and Hongkai Gu for dining service training. The Chancellor of FGS Tsunglin University, Venerable Miao Nan mercifully arranged them to have a heart-to-heart session with Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The special and valuable moment was deeply imprinted in Sin Jun’s heart. Meeting the Venerable Master face to face, he felt his tenacity towards life and he respects the Venerable Master wholeheartedly. After that, Sin Jun often reminds himself to learn from Venerable Master’s spirit, and utilize it as the driving force forward to improve himself.
Growing up at the Temple, Sin Jun has had many memorable moments and gained a lot of experience. He learned many lessons, such as independence, self-discipline, kindness towards others, and to not be influenced by others’ judgements. He also learnt the importance of: do not be proud, be modest, as he strived to be the best he can be. Abbess Manshin often takes the YAD to work outdoors, community events are also held frequently. From these events I have learned the value of the team spirt, and experienced the joy of giving. I felt valued to be part of the team. It is inevitable to feel confused or helpless sometimes, but Abbess always gives the best guidance, to lead us back onto the right track. When making a mistake, we need to be brave to accept advice in order to turn our hardships into wisdom. It is only by letting go of our fears and doubt that we are able to grow. Although we shed many tears in the years of growth, we would not have the opportunity to move forward without these tough experience, shared by Sin Jun.
I am grateful that Abbess, Venerables and YAD’s have given me proper knowledge and views, as well as confidence and encouragement, to fortify my confidence in life.
