On 25th June 2023, FGS Auckland and BLIA YAD organised Children Dharma Class Three Goodness and Four Givings Storytelling Competition. Around 30 participants attended the event to share the excitement in witnessing the growth and outstanding performance of 20 students. These included Minister-in-charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, President of BLIA North Island Chapter Yulin Ku, Advisor Lintao Yu, President of YAD Subdivision 1 Mei Chow, BLIA members, parents and YAD members. Children Dharma Class teachers Thomas and Nadine led the YAD in planning the event, preparation of refreshments and decorations; creating a fun yet joyous environment for the children.
The storytelling competition was subdivided into three age groups. Whilst students took turns performing on stage, they carried out remarkable storytellings with fluent English as they recited poems and stories on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Goodness and Four Givings, portraying the spirit of compassion and wisdom. The storytelling evaluation criteria included, fluency, pronunciation, facial and gestures expression. Venerable Rulian, President Yulin and President Mei Chow, were invited to be the judges and presented awards to all students with participation awards. Amongst all participants, three students, John Chow (age group 5-7), Henil Tailor (age group 8-10) and Raymond Hu (age group 10+) were awarded the most outstanding awards for their depth and lively presentation of their stories. Nora Yu, being the youngest in class, was presented with the most courageous award for her efforts and improvements throughout the term.
BLIA president, Ms Yulin Ku shared that it was impressive to see YAD members enheartening 20 children and guiding them across. “Today’s activity was a magnificent success. The whole process was splendid and well transitioned. Parents were supportive and were satisfied with the leadership, guidance and teamwork of the YAD.” The Adviser of BLIA North Island Chapter, who is also Nora’s father, Lintao Yu, added, “It is not about a competition of winning and losing, but about the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and applying the understanding of wisdom learnt.” He shared that he was deeply touched when he heard her 5-year-old daughter’s response to a mischievous classmate. Nora told him that she should always put herself in other’s shoes and not be mean to others, and this was the subtle inspiration of the Master’s intentions to influence children towards positive thinking and behaviour.
Megan’s dad, Anders, shared that he had been practicing storytelling with Megan at home, and was amazed at how much Megan had improved despite it being her first time on stage. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who gave contributions and efforts to help the children learn and grow. As Henil and Tanush’s mother, Chaitali, added, “I am proud and grateful for my children to come to the Temple every week and have a really good foundation for their future.” She was pleased to see her children learning about Three Goodness and Four Givings and taking responsibility as a leader. Student Anthan shared that it was his first time on stage and he felt thankful to the teachers for giving him lots of encouragement and support to help him find confidence, overcoming his fears, and conquering the challenge beyond his limits.
Teachers Thomas and Nadine also acknowledged, “Thank you Abbess and Venerables for putting their effort in nurturing and accommodating us to grow. The Temple is a platform for everyone, it is a chance for us to learn, and step out of our comfort zones to strive.” Venerable Rulian shared a Buddhism story on ‘The Four Things not to be Disparaged’, appraising the students’ marvellous performance and expressed that Bodhi seedlings are the hope for the nations’ future. Thank you to the YAD’s meticulous planning and parent’s support, providing the causes and conditions to enable the children to strive and learn at the Temple; cultivating good qualities, responsibilities and discovering the children’s inner potentials. Along the guidance of the YAD, Love and Peace hand gestures performance was presented magnificently, concluding the day with great success filled with contentment and smiles. Students vowed to read more of Master’s books, incorporating 3G4G to their daily lives, thereby giving back to the society.