Together with another 7 youth members of KMBS, and our Chairman, we attended this ‘Adapting Buddhism to the 21st Century Forum’ which was held at the Graduate Centre of Sunway University.
Through this forum, I personally learnt that adjustments have to be made to suit the situation and try to solve problems in a proper way.
The followings are some recaps through quotes by some of the speakers :
‘ The challenges faced in the Buddha’s time is same as what we’re facing today’ – Venerable Mahinda.
‘ We chose the middle way between modernity and traditional.’ – Venerable Sing Kan.
‘ We learn from each other.’ – Dr. Lim Tuck Meng of UTAR.
‘ Buddhism is timeless.’ – Sis Yap Ching Wi from Singapore.
‘ 3 layers of Tradition : Spiritual Tradition, Customary Tradition, Operational Tradition. Which to keep and which to change?’ – Bro Tan Huat Chye.
‘ Three joss sticks represents greed, ignorance, and hatred. To burn all these three bad qualities away, in return we will get sila, samadhi and panna. The smoke release is the fragrance of Dharma.’ – Bro Lim Kooi Fong.
Why are we youths still willing to go and indulge ourselves with the Dharma and it’s activities?
Personally, to me, I’m very grateful as all youths from KMBS were given abundant of opportunities to spread their wings and utilize their potential. Attention is given to us. We’re lucky that we have been heard ever since we voice out. And all this will not happen if the Exco and it’s community opt to give out opportunity for young people like us to carry out various projects and activities on our own, guided by them.
It is important that the Gen-X and Gen-Y get to bridge their communication. The reason is to allow a deeper understanding about each other’s perceptions, and to have new ideas, which can be a way to revitalize the Dharma. With continuous projects and engagement, and good communication cum understandings, I believe that we all can work towards restoring Buddhism in its rightful place, without generation barriers, regardless that we’re from Gen-X or Gen-Y.
That’s a wrap up on this wonderful event that I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to take part in it.
It had been a very good experience and great opportunity to gather thoughts and sharing by the Gen-X and Gen-Y. Special thanks to Bro Tan Huat Chye, for sponsoring us to attend this forum, as we picked up many qualities that we see it’s ability that can be applied in daily life, drawing more interest into Buddhism.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
