Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
November 24, 2023

On 21st October 2023, Auckland YAD held an Exam Blessing Ceremony at Prince Siddhartha Hall of FGS NZ. Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin was cordially invited to lead Heart Sutra Chanting and read out the Prayer for Examinees by the founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. 21 Youths attended the ceremony and participated in the light offering, as they prayed for Buddha’s blessings for greater wisdom.

Abbess Manshin shared that while being wholesome, having kindness and sincerity are the principles of living, as wisdom and blessings are our goals to strive for. There will be tests in our lives, nevertheless, we should seek them as an opportunity to reflect, to be self-conscious and modest, so that improvements can be made. Apart from offering incense and paying respect to Buddha, the youths are able to discover their potential through serving others and cultivating good qualities from practice.

One of the participants, Angie, asked How do we deal with procrastination? Abbess shared the importance of planning out tasks beforehand and taking the initiative to start. Only with a correct attitude and strategy, can the outcomes be different; with mindfulness, karma changes. Alongside A Life Worth Three Hundred Years by the Founder, Abbess encouraged youths to prioritize their studies to build on a foundation upon finding promising careers, thus carrying out meaningful lives.

YAD committee Muyang expressed that the aim of studying is to build on wisdom, as Venerable Master’s spirit of Facing the World with Fearlessness reminded youths to stay true to initial aspirations. YAD committee Lisa added, that Temple is the home of youths, and only when we learn to endure hardships, can we build confidence and develop grateful hearts.