The 2024 Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) commenced on 5th July at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Auckland, New Zealand. The opening day featured interactive sessions, keynote speeches and thought-provoking panel discussion led by Venerable Abbess Manshin of FGS New Zealand, Advisor of Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter, Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan, Auckland City Councillor Hon Maurice Williamson, NZP Director of Partnership Tāmaki Makaurau Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and Small Business Hero Magazine Editor Farida Master. Throughout the day, the eminent leaders share insights on the power of initial aspirations.
Advisor YU facilitated a series of reflecting questions, prompting participants to ponder What are the fundamental foundations and meanings of life? Dr Eric Chan delivered a keynote speech, sharing his empirical experiences on how the strength of one’s initial aspirations can drive life’s progress. With over 30 years in the New Zealand Parliament, Hon Williamson, who has held ministerial positions in 11 departments including Transport, Communications, Customs, Technology and Building, also served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, provided insights into the changes and opportunities in the information age and shared his vision for future technological advancements.
Where do our initial aspirations come from? Supt Gemmell reflected on his personal experience, stating that his desire to protect youth and prevent others from experiencing the bullying he endured in school led him to join the NZP at the age of 16. Snr Sgt LIN shared that he decided to attend police school after moving to New Zealand at 19 and being inspired by the dignified image of the police in television adverts. Editor Master recounted her love for writing and the power of storytelling to connect hearts and communities.
How do we maintain our initial aspirations and face challenges? Snr Sgt LIN noted that while completing his law studies, he found that his career in policing allowed him to serve the public more effectively. Supt Gemmell shared that his work over the past 20 years on numerous life-and-death matters was greatly supported by the wise teachings in 366 Days with Wisdom by the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He learned that embracing faith and living in the present moment empowers one to move forward. Farida Master concluded by expressing how Fo Guang Shan’s inclusivity resonated with her, and through the practice of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G), she saw the gravitational pull of faith. While buildings are constructed with bricks and mortar, a Temple is achieved through humility, insight and understanding.
We need healthy bodies to support our ambitions. The Venerable Master once said, ‘Hurry up, there’s no time to waste,’ highlighting the urgency of the passage of time, Abbess Manshin advised the youth, encouraging them to harness the strength of their hearts, care about their futures and ensure their gratitude is deeply rooted. Abbess shared her initial aspiration of overseeing the construction of the Auckland Temple, aiming for everyone entering the Temple to feel a sense of serenity and ease without a word, reconnecting with the core of their being.
Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland, Venerable Rulian addressed the youth, emphasising the importance of enlightenment, turning on the light of wisdom, when faced with life’s crossroads, following one’s initial aspirations to find a clear path forward.
The heartfelt and genuine stories shared by the speakers created a transformative learning atmosphere, prompting enthusiastic questions from participants and fostering a deeply engaging and impactful environment.