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Focus on Education

參加「法界佛教青年研習會」有感(續)
Reflections on Attending the Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Conference (continued)

王隆琴 英譯 Translated by Linda Wang

編按:2000年5月7日法界佛教總會在西沙加緬度法界聖城舉辦第二屆佛教育年研習會,慶祝懷少節,比丘尼恆貴師、恆是師主持,與會青年逾50人,以下是一些與會人士的回應。

何岳瀾居士(美國洛杉磯):

今年五月底有因緣去參加「佛教青年研討會」,感到很高興。雖然自己的年齡已不屬於這一代青年了,但是也想知道些生長在這社會國家的一些青年人的思想。

見到這些學生,他們正如早上八、九點鐘的太陽,那麼早就開始學習佛法了,而且能受到宣公上人的教導,在一個沒有污染,不受干擾的清淨環境中成長,真是很幸運的一代。他們也給自己將來的人生,鋪下了一道不變方向的道路,這些使我不得不羨慕他們在過去生中所播下的善種子。

若是把我自己過去的年齡,同他們現在同年齡相比較的話,那我們真是處在兩個世界,兩個國家環境之中。他們現在能受到完整的高等教育,有學生時代生活,充滿理念,有自我的選擇機會。

當然,在討論會中個人參加的時間不長,因為有別的事情,但是我的思想精神仍與會議結合在一起,同時也分享到了這些青年人的被關懷、重視與期望。我作這些年長一輩的人,應該多給青年人幫助與支持,鼓勵他們去做事,發揮潛在的智慧能力來奉獻他人。同時,我們也要做他們的後盾,盡量奉獻我們的能力。

謝素貞(美國洛杉磯):

這些來參加會議的年輕人令人印象深刻。他們本來可以到他處去渡長週末,但卻來法界聖城參加這個會議,想必他們過去一定種過這樣的善根。法師們不辭辛勞帶領大家辦好會議的精神,也令人感動。雖然這只是第二次開會,但如古言說:「千里之行始於一步」,法界佛教育年會誠然已邁開第一步,還有很長的路要走。為了達到目標所付出的辛勞是值得的。

陳淑芬(家長):

這次有機會帶二個兒子、姪子、姪女、先生及姊夫參加在法界聖城舉辦的「第二屆法界佛教育年會」,深感榮幸。

雖然自己小孩及姪子、姪女都只是中學生,目前本身的目標僅只是如何把書唸好,申請到理想大學,還未有心探討人生真義,對此次「佛界佛教青年會」的參與感不是很夠,但多少也參加了幾堂會議研討,起碼待自己成人時,若遇到人生問題,遭逢逆境時,就不會怨天尤人,沉緬不振,能以佛法化解變故,不致走上自我毀滅之途,人生即充滿了希望、朝氣。當然日後要多接觸佛、法、僧三寶才能有此成果。

第二天午齋時,看到青年人個個誠摯的發表與會感言,真高興看到他門有所收穫,相信這些青年人都是顆顆種子,萌芽茁壯,開花結果,而能影響周遭同儕,發揮端正風氣的效果。時下風氣敗壞,空有高深學識,若無高尚品德為根基,不僅無益社會,反倒賴以作奸犯科,危害人類社會,故感謝法師們遵循宣公上人教導,百忙中舉辦此次法界佛教青年會,意義深遠,為時下注入一股清流,有益風氣的端正。願「佛教青年會」為更多人所知曉,讓更多人來參與,每年每年永遠舉辦,實為青年人之福氣。

陳郁元(11年級):

感謝法師們為了我們這些年輕人,未來的主人翁,辛苦舉辦這一次的法界佛教青年會議。我受益良多,希望未來能夠更進一步瞭解佛法。

陳奕安(7年級):

我長大後,要效法大哥哥、大姊姊的好榜樣,親近三寶,造福人群。

(全文完)


Editor's Note: On May 7, 2000, the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association organized the second annual Buddhist Youth Conference at the City of the Dharma Realm in West Sacramento to celebrate Cherishing Youth Day. Bhikshunis Heng Gwei Shr and Heng Shr Shr hosted the event, which was attended by more than fifty young people. Below are some reflections from participants.

Upasika Ho, Chiu-Lan (Los Angeles, USA):

I had the opportunity to participate in the Buddhist Youth Conference in late May this year. I was glad to do so because although I don't belong to this generation of youth with regard to age, I still want to know how young people born or raised in this country think.

The sight of these students reminds me of the sun around eight or nine o'clock in the morning. They were able to encounter and learn about the Buddhadharma as well as receive the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua's teachings early on. They are a fortunate group, having grown up in a pristine environment without much pollution or distraction. They have also laid down a direction for themselves for the future as they travel the path of life. I can't help but envy them for having sown the seeds of goodness in previous lifetimes.

If I were to compare my own youth to this generation, I would find that we lived in two different worlds and two national settings. This generation receives comprehensive higher education. They are full of ideals and have many opportunities to choose from during their college years.

Due to other business, I was unable to participate in the discussions for long. However, my thoughts and focus remained with the meeting. I perceived the care, attention, and expectations that were directed towards these young people. We of the older generation should give these young people more assistance and support, encouraging them to carry out projects and use their inherent wisdom and capabilities in serving others. At the same time, we should be there to back them up, contributing our own efforts as much as we can.

Upasika Hsieh, Su-Chen (Los Angeles, USA):

The youth in attendance at this meeting made a strong impression on people. They could have gone elsewhere to enjoy their long weekend, but they chose to come to the City of the Dharma Realm to participate in this meeting. I believe they must have planted these good roots in the past. The no-nonsense attitude of the Dharma Masters in leading and organizing this conference was also moving. Although this was only the Focus on Education second meeting, an ancient saying goes, "The thousand-mile journey begins with the first step." Although the Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Association has taken its first stride, it still has a long way to go. The hard work necessary to reach the final destination will be worth it though.

Chen, Shu-Fen (parent):

I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Second Annual Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Conference here at the City of the Dharma Realm, along with my two sons, niece and nephew, husband, and brother-in-law.

My children, niece and nephew are secondary school students whose current goals are simply to study well and be admitted into a good university. Hence, they aren't interested in investigating the meaning of life yet. Although they did not participate in the entire Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Conference, they attended a few workshops. At least when they become adults or encounter problems in life, they will not be resentful, blame others, or become depressed or apathetic. Rather, they will use the Buddhadharma to resolve and change the situation. As a result, they will not walk down the path to self-destruction. Their future will be full of hope and optimism. Of course, this will only happen if they stay in contact with the Triple Jewel of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha in the future.

During lunch on the second day, I heard each young person's express him or herself sincerely. I was very glad to see that they had gained something. I believe that each young person is a seed that will sprout and grow, blossom and bear fruit, and in turn influence their peers and rectify the current trends.

The contemporary culture is rotten at its core. To possess in-depth knowledge alone without the foundation of moral character and virtue will not benefit society. In fact, that will only lead to criminal behavior that endangers society. Therefore, I am grateful to the Dharma Masters for honoring the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua's teachings by taking time out of their busy schedules to organize the Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Association. This association has a vast and profound purpose, that of revitalizing the current age and rectifying current trends. May "The Buddhist Youth Conference" be known and attended by more people. It will be the blessings of youth that this annual event continues.

Chen You-Yuan (11th grader):

I am grateful to the Dharma Masters who worked so hard to organize this Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth Conference for us young people, leaders of the future. I learned a lot and hope to understand more about the Buddhadharma in the future.

Chen Yi-An (7th grader):

When I grow up, I want to be just like these model big brothers and big sisters. I will draw near the Triple Jewel and help all people.

(The End)

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