On 5th July 2024, the 26th Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) grandly opened at Fo Guang Shan Auckland in New Zealand. The event was graced by Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, Deputy Mayor of Auckland Ms Desley Simpson, District Commander of Counties Manukau Superintendent Shanan Gray, Councillors Hon Maurice Williamson and Ms Sharon Stewart. In addition, the Head Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order from HQ, Most Venerable HsinBau and BLIA YAD World Headquarters Executive Director Venerable HuiChuan, sent congratulatory messages through video. Nearly 230 people attended, including youths from Australia & New Zealand, BLIA members and professionals from diverse sectors.
The ceremony also welcomed Chair Damian Light of the Howick Local Board, Editor Ms Farida Master of Small Business Heroes magazine, BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan and Advisor Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter. The Chief Abbess of FGS Oceania Venerable Manko, along with other Venerables participated online.
The theme, Stay True to Initial Aspiration: Coexistence and Co-prosperity, embarked on a three-day exploration of life topics. The conference began with the leaders from the Young Adult Divisions marching in with flags, followed by a karakia by elder Matua Jeff Tukua and a welcoming performance by Flat Bush Primary School, involving 54 teachers and students, led by Principal Banapa Avatea.
Most Venerable HsinBau, emphasises that Stay True to Initial Aspiration means not forgetting the Bodhi Mind and practising with the concept of benefiting sentient beings. Most Venerable blessed everyone through the interactions and learning at the conference, they could apply wisdom in their daily lives and interpersonal relationships, deepening their faith.
Venerable HuiChuan expressed joy in meeting everyone online, noting that the enthusiasm and commitment of the Australian and New Zealand youth resonated with the theme. He shared the example of the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who faced many hardships from the age of twelve but never wavered in his resolve, encouraging the youth to continue to Stay True to Initial Aspiration on their path to accomplish individual achievement.
Abbess Manshin quoted the Founder’s teaching that the initial aspiration is the first commitment to oneself, noting that the first ANZBYC in Australia in 1997 witnessed the Young Adult Divisions commit to personal development and social responsibility. Over nearly 30 years, the seed of this initial aspiration has grown into a forest. Abbess encouraged the youths to practise the principles of coexistence & prosperity and bring light to the community.
The Chairperson AnnJo Chong of 2024 ANZBYC welcomed the participants and was grateful to the 9 lecturers to share their wisdom and experiences to the participants, deeply exploring life topics. AnnJo also expressed her heartfelt thanks to Abbess Manshin for her unwavering support since the first Auckland ANZBYC in 2007, nurturing the youth with dedication and a compassionate heart.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson highlighted the importance of Buddhism to New Zealand, enriching culture, promoting harmony and enhancing happiness. Ms Simpson thanked the Temple team for creating a beautiful Garden, and cultivating a generation of responsible and compassionate citizens. Superintendent Shanan Gray emphasised the valued relationship with Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, hoping for further development: “With over 500,000 people from 150 different cultural backgrounds in the district, New Zealand Police will continue to protect the public and aspire the youth to become future leaders.”
The conference was filled with the joyous atmosphere of youth from six cities across Australia and New Zealand. The Auckland organising committee performed a captivating Dunhuang dance and sang the uplifting theme song Open Your Heart, infusing the opening ceremony with youthful energy.