Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 26, 2023

On October 15th, Fo Guang Shan Auckland Buddhist Classes resumed. In the morning, ten youths engaged in chores such as dining service, cleaning, and assisting in setting up the Art Salon exhibition. The students collaborated to accomplish these tasks efficiently.

Young participants assisted in setting up the art salon venue. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Rulian, Minister in Charge of FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland, guided the students in learning the basics of Buddhism through "Buddhism Terminology," applying fundamental Buddhist doctrines in life. These include the "Four Reliances, Four Kinds of Comportment, Five Desires, Seven Kinds of Spiritual Wealth, Eight Winds, and Cultivating Merit and Wisdom."

The youths also learned Buddhist hymns and how to play Dharma instruments. They practiced chanting the "Praise of the Incense Censer," "Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem," and "Dedication of Merits."

The young participants learned Buddhist hymns and how to play Dharma instruments. photo／The Life News Agency

Expressing their dedication, the students committed to playing Dharma instruments during the temple's weekly cultivation and gathering activities. They pledged to learn earnestly, collectively giving a voice to the Dharma as an offering, thus fostering a communal cultivation atmosphere.
Jack, attending the Buddhist Class for the first time, shared his experience. Before learning Buddhism, he believed he was doing well in life. However, through the course and participating in the temple's chores, he realized his limited understanding of the Dharma.

Jack committed to dedicating his efforts to Buddhism and contributing to the community. photo／The Life News Agency

Jack spoke about facing numerous life challenges and receiving support from the monastery and community in various ways. This experience helped him understand the importance of Dharma faith for the youth, echoing the principle of "Buddhism needs youth and youth needs Buddhism," as stated by the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Resolved to uphold the teachings of the Six Perfections and Four Means of Embracing, the Threefold Training, and the Five Precepts, Jack committed to dedicating his efforts to Buddhism and contributing to the community. He also encouraged his peers to join in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism.