Ann Jo Chong, a 25-year-old youth member, was nine when her parents first brought her to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ alongside her younger brother, Sin Jun Chong. Her journey in the Temple began with learning Chinese at the Fo Guang Shan Chinese School North Island, and she then joined BLIA YAD at the age of 10. When both siblings were growing up, they spent their time at the open lawn, expansive gardens, majestic shrines, kitchen and the bustling Water Drop Teahouse at the Temple. Most importantly, they have been receiving constant guidance from Abbess Manshin, who has taught them to see the world from a higher perspective.
Over the past ten years, she has grown up and been nurtured to shoulder responsibility as the treasurer, secretary, vice president and president of BLIA YAD Auckland. She also had opportunities to pick up the role of emcee and host for many events, such as the Buddha’s Birthday Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Annual Reunion Dinner, Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) and Chinese New Year events. With the nourishing dharma water of the Temple, accompanied with the trust and encouragement given by the venerables, she has transformed from a shy girl to a confident individual on stage, a transformation that no one has ever expected.
BLIA YAD Auckland was the organizer of ANZBYC 2007. At the age of 11, Ann Jo joined the organizing team for the first time and she was supporting the team by doing some basic tasks.
When the ANZBYC organizing baton was passed back to Auckland in 2019 after 12 years, Ann Jo was one of the Discipline Officers. The biggest challenge for her was to make sure that every staff member understood their duties and performed their tasks on time. She realized that the communication amongst team members was essential, and to give a helping hand when needed. This made her feel the importance of teamwork.
She recalls how she was so nervous and trembling every time she spoke on stage in the past, but Abbess Manshin and the venerables were always there for her, giving her encouragement and support. Eventually, after overcoming the fear, she could speak calmly in front of hundreds of people. When the organising team faced some roadblocks while organising ANZBYC, it was important for the team to support each other, with the aim to overcome the obstacles. In the process of organizing ANZBYC 2019, she deeply realised that the cause and condition for everyone to cross path does not come easy. She felt blessed to be part of the organising team, which helped Ann Jo to develop herself further.
Apart from constant participation in Auckland Temple’s events and Dharma functions, Ann Jo also had opportunities to travel back to Fo Guang Shan’s Headquarters in Taiwan to learn more about serving others. For instance, she helped in the kitchen while the HQ was organizing the Water and Land Dharma Service back in 2013. Ann Jo also assisted in washing, chopping and preparing vegetables. These tasks may sound simple, but wisdom was required to excel in each of these tasks. Over just a short period of 1 week, she realised that the service at the Temple not only enhanced her physical strength, but she had also built good affinities with others. In addition, the kitchen is an integral place that enables her to cultivate both merits and wisdom. She quoted a saying from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, ‘You have to build positive personal relationships first before learning Buddhism, to become an elite, first be of service’. Venerable Hui Zhuan, the supervisor of the kitchen in HQ, praised her willingness to work hard, which was totally evident from the amount of sweat on her face while she was doing the chores.
Although Ann Jo had transitioned into her working life and sometimes having her hands full, she stays true to her original aspiration and returns to her home of wisdom, where she was nourished throughout her formative years. In addition to continuously offering service and cultivation to the temple, she also helps in organising YAD activities and shape future leaders, with the aim of passing down the power of faith.
Ann Jo said touchingly, “I would like to thank Venerable Master Hsing Yun for founding Fo Guang Shan in New Zealand, giving me the opportunity to practice Buddhism and providing a platform for us to learn and grow. This enabled us to receive countless benefits from this house of wisdom. We made many mistakes when we were young and naive, but Abbess and venerables guided us with patience, by teaching us valuable life experiences and wisdom. I am grateful to have crossed paths with the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, which serve as my driving force going forward.”
