BLIA Scouts World Leaders Consensus and Fellowship Conference Promotes Global Sustainable Development

On 1 July, the inaugural "2024 BLIA Buddha’s Light Scouts World Leaders Consensus and Fellowship Conference", co-hosted by the World Buddha's Light Scout Fellowship and Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, organized by the BLIA Sydney and the Buddha's Light Scout Sydney, with assistance from the Queensland, Western Australia, and Melbourne Buddha's Light Scouts, held its first global opening ceremony at Nan Tien Temple.

Over 100 Buddha's Light Scout leaders and representatives from the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Sydney, Queensland, Melbourne, Western Australia, and online participants from Japan and Brazil gathered at Nan Tien Temple for the opening ceremony.

Attendees included Yao-Chwen Lee, The Director of BLIA Scouts Fellowship Committee; Venerable Chueh Pei, BLIA World Headquarters Secretary-General; Venerable Man Ko, Vice Secretary General of BLIA Oceania; Venerable Jue Duo, Guiding Venerable of BLIA Headquarters Buddha's Light Scouts; Raymond Lee and Natasha Tang, BLIA World Headquarters Committee Directors; Phil Crutchley, Scouts NSW Assistant Chief Commissioner; Renee Jenson, Scouts NSW Executive Manager, Youth Protection & Issues Management; Peter Jamieson, South Metropolitan Region Commissioner for Program Development; and various BLIA presidents, key BLIA members, and guiding venerables from BLIA Oceania.

Yao-Chwen Lee expressed his joy that the inaugural "2024 BLIA Buddha’s Light Scouts World Leaders Consensus and Fellowship Conference " is being held at Nan Tien Temple, marking a significant step for Buddha's Light Scouts on the international stage. He highlighted that Buddha's Light Scouts practice the Humanistic Buddhism concepts of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, by implementing the Three Acts of Good Deeds—Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts in their daily lives, enhancing their quality and virtue. He encouraged the Scouts to apply these virtues in life, to serve the society, and let the Buddha’s Light shine over three thousand realms and the Dharma Water flow throughout the five continents.

A video message from Venerable Master Hsing Yun was played, encouraging attendees to practice the Three Acts of Good Deeds and use dedication, courage, and wisdom to face and solve difficulties. Master emphasized the importance of courtesy and filial piety at home and the aspiration to serve society, hoping that Buddha's Light Scouts will grow and thrive worldwide.

BLIA World Headquarters President Most Venerable Hsin Bao, in his video message, stated that holding the BLIA Buddha’s Light Scouts World Leaders Consensus and Fellowship Conference at Nan Tien Temple is a valuable event. He encouraged leaders to learn and exchange ideas through the conference and emphasized that Scouts' good deeds embody the Three Acts of Good Deeds, enhancing morality and character. The growth of Buddha's Light Scouts plays an important role and has significant meaning for society, urging everyone to practice the Three Acts of Good Deeds in their lives to build a harmonious society.

In her video message, BLIA World Headquarters Vice President Venerable Tzu Jung encouraged attendees to practice the Three Acts of Good Deeds, create positive connections to enhance their wisdom; to bring joy to others and be accepted in interpersonal interactions; to serve the society and be filial at home, hoping everyone achieves happiness in their actions, which is the fundamental goal of being a good person.

Venerable Chueh Pei pointed out the three major advantages of the Buddha's Light Scout Group, including receiving the care and support from various Fo Guang Shan temples and guiding venerables worldwide, the growth in a positive environment; the connection and exchange with Buddha's Light Scouts globally through the internation platform, expanding international perspectives; and the lifelong benefit from the wisdom and teachings by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Chueh Pei further indicated that leaders provide direction and inspire wisdom in the lives of Buddha's Light Scouts, performing an educational and enlightening sacred duty.

Phil Crutchley hoped that the Buddha's Light Scouts attending the consensus conference and grand camp would make more friends, learn more skills, and bring back wonderful memories.

Venerable Man Ko congratulated the leaders on building global connections and growing together; comparing leaders to gardeners of life, captains of navigation, and enlightening teachers, guiding Buddha's Light Scouts to thrive in the right life direction. Leaders are admirable volunteer Bodhisattvas, dedicated to supporting the children's healthy future growth, deserving of respect.

The organizers hope that the 2-day consensus conference will promote cooperation and exchange among Buddha's Light Scout leaders from different countries, strengthening the global organization and consensus of Buddha's Light Scouts. Through interaction and sharing experiences, it aims to enhance the operational capabilities and efficiency of Buddha's Light Scout organizations in various countries. Furthermore, the conference will discuss core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and social service, implementing them in the global Buddha's Light Scout organizations. It aims to strengthen leaders' leadership and organizational skills, helping them nurture more future Scout leaders.

Provided by: Francis Wong