Seven Orlando YAD members traveled to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for the bi-annual International Buddha’s Light Young Adult Conference 2008 (July 9-13). This year’s theme was Change the World and Benefit Humanity. Over a thousand young adults from all over the world joined together to learn and grow from each other. The Conference consisted of lectures, group discussions, exercise, performances, annual reports, sports competition, Sounds of the Human World Singing Competition, and light offering ceremony. The day started at 5:30am each morning and usually ended at 10:00pm.

The first lecture was given by Grand Master Hsing Yun. He delivered a memorable speech that left everyone re-accessing their actions. The purpose of group discussions was to come up with solutions to the problems that YADs are facing around the world. Surprisingly, the problems facing all the YADs were mostly the same. Each YAD presented their annual report which consisted activities that was carried out throughout the past year. Jimmy Koo performed at the Sounds of the Human World Singing Competition. He won the humility award. YAD subchapters were competing in tug-of-war and basketball. Team U.S.A. and Canada won first place for tug-of-war!

On the last day was the pilgrimage, which consisted of taking a bow for every three steps all the way to the Main Shrine. But because of the weather, this year’s pilgrimage was shorter and more bearable. Lasting friendships were established, important issues were addressed and most importantly, the ideas to spread Buddhism were shared. To say the least, this year’s conference was an unforgettable experience.

This year’s Children’s Summer Camp was yet another success! It was held at Guang Ming Temple on June 6, 2008 through June 8, 2008. There were about 30 kids who participated and everyone, including the counselors, volunteers and children enjoyed the camp!

By: Josh Manning 

Summer had come and the kids had been let loose out of the schools and the temple was ready for them with the Guang Ming Temple’s Kid’s Summer Camp. The Summer Camp has once again passed leaving dozens of children with smiles on their faces and just enough energy to blaze through their vacation from school. The children went through three days of activities to learn the camp’s central theme and lesson “Depend on Me” to teach that the future depends on them to take initiative and make the world a better place.

At the start of the camp, the kids had already become close after playing through various icebreaker games such as balloon stomp where the kids tied balloons to their ankles and tried to pop their opponent’s balloon. Though the favorite game by far was crab soccer, which had all the rules of normal soccer except players had to walk on all fours with their backs facing the floor. The games were so popular that they were played throughout the camp.

In order to teach the kids the camp’s theme, numerous classes were taught by YAD members. Classes ranged from arts and crafts, physical exercise, and moral lessons. In arts and craft, much creativity was shown. Campers had made puppets from paper bags of which each had been personalized with different clothing, hair, and other features. For those with a green thumb, a class was held where campers planted flower seeds in pots of which the students decorated with paint. For exercise, different relays were held where campers learned to bounce basketballs and play soccer.

Of course, the children learned a great deal about Buddhism. Campers practiced meditation and good Buddhist manners under the guidance of Venerable Chueh Fan. At the camp’s end, everyone was able to recite the four sentences on their own. Also taught was the meaning behind the lotus flower and how to bow correctly before Buddha.

By: Malinda Yeh

So you’ve established an interest in Buddhism.  You understand that the main goal in Buddhism is to reach enlightenment.  But one question continues to nag in the back of your mind:  How can I, a more or less regular human being, ever expect to achieve such a highly awakened state?  Is it even possible?  Is it worth the trouble? 

Aniruddha, one of the Buddha’s wisest disciples, once made a similar request of his teacher.  According to tradition, he once said, “Oh Buddha, please tell us how lay people are to become enlightened and how they should behave if they want to achieve Nirvana.”

The Buddha’s answer was concise, clear, and utterly complete.  It became known as the Sutra of the Eight Realizations of Great Beings and is considered one of the great works of Mahayana Buddhism.  In it, the great teacher delineates eight concepts we, as lay people, must realize in order to become an enlightened being.

Sounds simple, right?  Well, come to our new Sutra Studies Class to find out!  This free class will be taught in English by me, Malinda.  (I’m back from maternity leave with a new addition to the family!)  Those of you who know me, know that we’ll have an open discussion format. Class begins August 17th at 11 am.  We will be referring to the book Buddhism:  Pure and Simple by Master Hsing Yun.  This book is available for purchase at the temple’s bookstore for $14.95.  The book is not required, but it is recommended.  Feel free to try out the class first before deciding to purchase it. Be prepared to awaken to your inner Buddha.  I look forward to seeing you there! 

Where? 
Guang Ming Temple
6555 Hoffner Ave. Orlando , FL 32822

When?
Sundays at 11am beginning August 17th

Please RSVP to missyeh27@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending or if you have any questions.

This year’s summer camp has now concluded.  We would like to thank all our Volunteers, Counselors, and YAD for the hard work of our most successful summer camp ever! 

English Buddhist Dharma Talk

Speaker: Venerable Jue Wei

Topic: Gymnastics of the Mind - How to interpret and use life’s little lessons(from Vijnana into Jnana)

Date: April 12, 2008 SaturdayTime: 1:30pm—3:00pm

Location: Guang Ming Temple 6555 Hoffner Road, Orlando, FL 32822

Tel: (407) 281-8488

Email: ibpsfl@yahoo.com

Ven. Jue Wei is giving another talk on 4/6/2008

10am – 12noon English Dharma Lecture on “What goes into making Buddhism a world religion”

It’s time for the first semester of the new year.  The Guang Ming Temple in Orlando, FL has lined up several classes that may intrigue you.  

We will be offering the following classes: 

Children Chinese Class:  

• Pre-Class
• Beginners
• Intermediate 
• Advance Class 

Adult Chinese Class:

• Practical Chinese I (Pin Yin)
• Chinese Conversation

Cultural Classes:

• Kung Fu
• Chinese Folk Dance
• Chinese Calligraphy
• Fencing
• Photography

Please contact Guang Ming Temple, 407-281-8482, for registration and prices.