Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
May 22, 2024

The second session of the 2024 BLIA Auckland Consensus Seminar was held on 28th April at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. Over 40 youths participated in exploring the topic The WAY of Interpersonal Relationships. The session featured speakers, FGS NZ Abbess Venerable Manshin, Deputy President Larry YANG of BLIA North Island Chapter, Subchapter 1 President Mei CHAU, senior BLIA member Karen LEE and Temple’s Operation Manager Vicky Han. Through discussions and Q&A, the speakers guided the participants on how to build healthy, positive relationships using the right mindset and navigate challenges with wisdom. The YAD committees led a group dance practice to the song I Have Faith and used role-playing to demonstrate how to handle questions like upholding the Five Precepts, unreasonable arguments and dining etiquette.

During the discussion, Deputy President Larry shared his personal experience of self-transformation noting how applying The Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching gave him strength and courage. He emphasised that by overcoming one’s blind spots, one can positively influence those around them. Sub-President Mei encouraged everyone to follow correct speech and conduct in daily life, using the precepts to grow in wisdom and confidence, while better handling interpersonal conflicts and challenges. Karen Lee encouraged the youth to stay true to their goals, form good affinities and plan diligently to achieve one’s dreams. Vicky highlighted the importance of respecting dress codes in the Temple as a basic manner and respect for Buddhism. She advised the participants to face unreasonable challenges with selflessness, not only doing things well but doing them correctly.

In the Q&A session, Abbess Manshin encouraged the youth to seize the opportunity to ask questions and learn from good mentors. She shared her own experiences to inspire everyone to take responsibility and unleash their potential by practising the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. Through hard work and service, one becomes generous and enriches their inner world.

The BLIA Auckland Consensus Seminar concluded successfully. Participant ZHANG shared that the seminar helped her find hope and confidence at work and motivated her to take on challenges and improve herself. Another participant, Shawn HUANG, appreciated Abbess’s teaching on Giving and learned how to curb greed, realising the wisdom that comes from generosity is worth pursuing.