FGS Toronto
June 7,  2023

“2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” held at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto from May 26th to May 28th.  Over 60 Buddha's Light young adults from eight divisions across North America gathered together for a two-day and one-night training program.

The “2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” respectfully invited Venerable Hui Cheng to lead the participants in discovering inner tranquility through the practice of meditation (Photo by Jaycie Linh)

Venerable Yung Ku, Vice Secretary-General, America East, expressed online that Buddhism needs the participation of young people Similar to young people needing Buddhism. Life ought to hold significance and such significance should be firmly anchored in faith. In the era of advanced technology, including the 3Cs and AI, where young people possess advantages like quick search abilities and strong creative skills, they have the potential to become even more outstanding by incorporating additional empathy, focus, and self-discipline into their self-management. Furthermore, with the presence of faith, these abilities can be nurtured and further developed.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, emphasized that no one is naturally born as Shakyamuni or Amitabha. However, by integrating the wisdom of Buddhism into our daily lives, we could conquer challenges and overcome difficulties.

The “2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” respectfully invited Venerable Jue Huang to lead the participants in the “World Café Group Discussion” session (Photo by Jaycie Linh)

Mabel Lam, Director, United Nations Affairs Committee, and President of Toronto Chapter, expressed her delight in seeing so many young individuals open their hearts and embark on a collective journey of learning Humanistic Buddhism together. Additionally, she shared congratulatory letters from Mayor Bonnie Crombie, the City of Mississauga, and Nina Tangri, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario, affirming the efforts of the youth in spreading love, peace, and kindness.

The training camp offered a diverse and comprehensive curriculum. Venerable Jue Huang conducted an engaging and relaxed course titled "3G 4G Practice in Life.”  It allowed participants to grasp the essence and application of the “Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings”. Venerable Hui Cheng taught the “My Life, My Goal” course. This provided guidance on achieving “peace of mind” through practice meditation.

The “2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” respectfully invited Venerable Hui Chuan, the BLIA-YAD World Headquarters Executive Director, to deliver a special online keynote speech. After the successful completion of the speech, everyone joyfully took a group photo (Photo by Jaycie Linh)

In the afternoon’s “World Café Group Discussion” session, participants were divided into groups. Each group had 40 minutes to discuss the readings while enjoying refreshments before moving to the next table. This process allowed them to gradually deepen their comprehension of the fundamental principles the Dharma.

The “2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” organized the World Café Group Discussion session to allow participants to gradually  deepen their understanding of the concepts of the Dharma. (Photo by Jaycie Linh)

The training featured four speakers who shared their personal experiences and highlighted the significance of being White Elephant Executive. Additionally, the training invited Venerable Hui Chuan, the BLIA-YAD World Headquarters Executive Director, to deliver the keynote speech. The speech focused on tracing the history of the BLIA-YAD since its establishment in 1996. It recounted the various international conferences and important resolutions adopted during the conferences. Particularly noteworthy were the establishment of the BLIA-YAD brand image, career planning within the organization, and the origins of the young adult system; all of which are integral to faith and legacy.

The “2023 North America Buddha's Light Young Adult White Elephant Executive Training” featured a White Elephant Cadre Forum with four panelists. From left to right: senior members from New York: Vincent, Frank; the Director of the BLIA World Headquarter Youth Development Committee Jenny Chen; and another senior from New York: Karin (Photo by Jaycie Linh)