美國法界佛教青年會於二OOO年初步建立雛形，並完成會務組織架構；為會員們辦過的一些討論會和講習會，有很好的迴響。而臺灣地區，在法師和居士們的努力下，佛青會臺灣分會已於八月二十五日星期六正式成立，希望藉臺灣分會的成立，能提供青年們一個自我反省和成長的環境，幫助青年人發揮個人的潛能和智慧。
分會成立當天，法界佛教印經會即以和平常不同的簡單佈置方式（長條旗、氣球、布偶等），迎接陸續報到的會員們，令他們一開始即有活潑、清新的感覺。
在成立大會上，法師開示：青年人應趁著年輕，精神飽滿時，多為社會服務，利益眾生，協助慈善機構，能幫助社會，也就是幫助自己。法師開示完後，會員們朗讀《大會手冊》中青年會的使命宣言、緣起、宗旨和會員準則等資料，使大家對「佛青會」的成立有初步的認識。
為增加會員們對佛門儀規的瞭解，法師在大家用齋前，說明上供和結齋的意義。香積組配合青年們的口味，準備了可口的午齋和下午的茶點。午齋完後，大會安排了心靈音樂、帶動唱等小小活動，活潑一下大家的心情。
下午安排兩場專題演講 - - 淡江大學物理系張經霖教授主講「電腦及行動電話之使用會影響健康嗎？」陳吉雄居士主講「面對當前大環境，青年人因應之道」。
大會並為每位會員，準備了適合其年齡閱讀的上人經典淺釋及法總叢書等。法界佛教青年會臺灣分會成立大會，就在來自臺灣北、中、南部和花蓮等地的青年會員互道珍重聲中完成了。
|
◎監察院副秘書長陳吉雄主講「面對當前大環境青年因應之道」
Chen Jixiong,Vice Secretary of the Judicial Yuan,lectures on,"How should young people respond to the contemporary social situation?"
|
|
◎淡江大學物理教授張經霖主講「電腦及行動電話之使用會影響健康嗎」
Professor Zhang jingling of Danjiang University speaks on,"Does the use of computers and cell phones affect one's health?"
|
會員心聲
◎葉宛茹（大四）：
法界佛教青年會臺灣分會正式成立，很高興自己能參與這個盛會。自己北上參與此活動，在到法界樓下門口，看到一群義工笑容滿面迎接我們這群小朋友。心裡很感動也很感親切。看到法師、家長、居士、義工、大朋友、小朋友參與此活動，大家都好高興。
在「青年人如何面對大環境」的演講中，我覺得受益良多。我明年將畢業，面臨工作與升學的問題。在國內失業率高，工作不易尋求。自我應如何做好準備？自己應該在自己的專業領域上努力用功，多充實知識與學習技能；不要怕辛苦，要吃苦耐勞，虛心請教別人，反觀自性。
「十法界不離一念心」，真的很奇妙。人的心念要善，心地光明，不要發脾氣。做個善心好心的人，這樣就會心想事成。法師開示要做孝順孩子，不要讓父母操心，青年的責任要幫助社會、國家，鼓勵青年將佛法融入生活中：現在正值我們青春年華，要把握時間，莫虛度光陰。
|
◎故宮博物院張允云致辭
Chang Yun-Yun of the National Palace museum speaks. |
在幹部遴選中，自己是會務委員之一，又很榮幸擔任總幹事一職，有機會為大家服務。我們是第一屆，所以要樹立良好風範，做好榜樣，有錯就改，要進步。會員要團結一心，深入佛法教義，互相學習。我們的宗旨、會員準則、活動原則要遵守並身體力行。自己先做好，才有能力去幫助別人，接引更多青年學子加入我們的行列。我們要以「熱心、真誠、學習、慈悲、智慧」去幫助別人。
剛成立可能有很多事情要做，希望大家主動積極發心，做事盡心盡力，凡事要以不爭、不貪、不求、不自私、不自利、不打妄語，做為我們的處事原則。
◎李芝菡（大畢）：
是承擔，也是責任！
一直非常羨慕當年跟在上人身旁的青年居士們，能夠接受善知識諄諄不厭的教誨，能夠在佛法中共同精進、努力和成長，因此「佛青臺灣分會」成立的訊息，對我而言是著實欣喜的！
在這個物欲橫流，鬥爭堅固的時代，充斥著權力追逐，奢靡享受，所謂的「仁義禮智、孝悌忠信」早已束之高閣，所謂的生死大事卻遠不如名利小事來得重要；相對而言，人的內心也越發顯得空虛，正是如此，社會問題層出不窮，犯罪年齡層逐年下降，這種種亂象才不斷的顯現。
「不為自己求安樂，但願眾生得離苦」，這是上人給我們的典範，做為弟子的我們，更是該朝此一目標努力；因此，面對當前的社會亂象，我們必須作烈火中的真金，亂世的中流砥柱，切實學習佛法，走在正道上，作眾生的模範，這是我們該有的承擔，該有的責任。
今天「佛青臺灣分會」的成立，代表的不僅僅是一個團體的形成，它是提醒「佛青會」的每一份子，面對大環境問題，身為佛教青年，該承擔起淨化人心，導正社會風氣的責任，而欲做平天下的大事，就該由小處的修身做起，我們必須恪遵上人的教誨，確實做到「孝悌忠信、禮義廉恥」，確實實踐不爭、不貪、不求、不自私、不自利、不打妄語的六大宗旨。
一切，我們都必須先在心地上下功夫，樹立起一位佛教青年該有的風格，這才能發揮改變人心的大力量！
◎郭中仁（軍）：
「法界佛教青年臺灣分會」成立了，雖算不上是「千呼萬喚始出來」，卻也著實令法師們與師兄姐們先行籌備規劃許久。當法師開幕致詞時，我內心是感動莫名。在現今一片物慾橫流的充斥下，仍有四、五十位的青年朋友認清方向，加入「佛青會」，一同追求人生中不平凡的智慧，用熱心、真誠、學習、慈悲、智慧的態度共創美好的未來。
「佛青會」成立的那一刻起，是因緣成熟讓彼此共與盛會，代表著我們已從起點出發了，有許多事情正等待著我們去推動。由於之前並未有過這方面的經驗，對於個人是一項新的嘗試，感謝能有這個機會盡己之力去學習。
◎柯逸倩（大畢）：
很高興有機會參加這次「美國法界佛教青年會臺灣分會」成立大會。在這次成立大會一開始，經由手冊上的兩篇文章，我們了解到成立「佛青會」的緣由和重要性。「佛青會」的成立，可以讓青年人了解自己應該做和不應該做的事情，讓青年人發菩薩心，對社會有所貢獻。
在我已經步入社會工作的時候，有這樣一個因緣可以跟一群小朋友，及和自己年紀相近的朋友們一起學佛，是一件很難得而幸福的事。
在大學和碩士班的時候，沒有什麼當幹部的經驗，如今卻被選為幹部的一員，心裏蠻惶恐。也許這是佛菩薩、上人及諸位法師的慈悲吧，讓我有這個機會在這當中學習成長。
◎廖志強（大一）：
八月二十五日星期六，一個晴朗的天氣，我跟朋友一早到印經會，一進入佛堂，就發現好多小朋友以及大朋友，很熱心問你需要什麼幫助，無形中就有一種和樂融融的氣氛。
下午，張教授為我們講解「電磁波對人體影響」，深出淺入的教法，讓我受益良多。接下來推舉理事以及幹部，在討論過程，歡笑中帶點嚴肅，有說有笑，好像一家人一樣。
作為社會的一份子，或多或少應多種點福報。能到青年會算是結緣，多為青年會，也為自己多種一點福田。
◎盧冠羽（高中）：
法界佛教青年會臺灣分會的成立，是個意義非凡的活動，為法界增添一股年輕的氣息。
「佛青會」成立的目的，是聚集各有所長的年輕人，在互相幫助和玩樂的同時，將佛法道理融入活動中。如今臺灣分會剛成立，經驗不足，但那天我看到與我同年紀、比我小、甚至於已在社會工作的人，熱心活潑，滿腔熱血，令我感到「佛青會」是一個非常有凝聚力的組織結構。
那天的經驗對我來說，印象非常深刻，也希望將來有更多對佛青會有興趣的人來參加，讓活動辦得更有生命力。
 |
◎會員禮佛 Members bow in worship. |
◎余菀育（大一）：
「佛青會」是個很有意義的組織，成立的目的是要更多年青人接觸佛法。因為多認識佛法的人，就不會去作惡。他知道因果，了解業力的可怕，所以他會用「行善」取代「作惡」。
如果越來越多的人以善念來取代猜疑、憎恨，這個世界就會少許多暴力，多幾分和諧，少一些災難，多一些安樂。尤其在目前人與人之間越來越疏離的工商社會，一切唯利是圖；人心被欲念控制，行為向「錢」，向「權」看之際，「佛青會」的成立，或許可以將走入岐途的羔羊們，導回正途。
青年是國家的棟樑，如果棟樑本身有問題，歪七倒八的，那麼國家還撐得起來嗎？
此刻國內的民眾正陷入信心危機之中，我們失去以往引以為傲的經濟實力，而政治亂象、色情、毒品的影響卻日漸擴大。如果青年人再不覺醒而繼續沉淪的話，國家可能很快就垮了。
但有誰能領導青年們走出迷霧，不再受眾生的共業所苦呢？只有菩薩的大慈悲、大智慧吧！
感謝「佛青會」的成立，我相信「佛青會」必能引領我們走向智慧之道，也希望未來有越來越多的人加入我們，一起接受佛法的滋潤。佛法的滋潤就如同甘霖，使青年們乾涸的心田，能再次充滿生機。
上人語錄
※明心的人不愚痴，見性的人不憂愁，心如明鏡，
又心如上水。
|
|
 |
| ◎法界比丘尼恒才致賀詞
DRBBDS Bhikshuni Heng Tsai offers congratulations. |
The U.S.-based Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth (DRBY) was first established in 2000 and the framework for the organizing committee was also set up that year. DRBY has organized several discussion groups and lectures for members and has received a very positive response. In Taiwan, through the diligent efforts of the Dharma Masters and laypeople, the Taiwan branch of the Dharma Real Buddhist Youth was formally established on August 25 (Saturday). It is hoped that the establishment of the Taiwan branch will provide young people with an environment conducive to soul-searching and spiritual growth, thereby helping them to realize their inherent talents and wisdom.
On day of DRBY’s inception in Taiwan, the Dharma Realm Buddhist Books Distribution Association departed from the norm by using simple decorations (banners, balloons, and cloth puppets, etc.) to welcome the delegates so that they would feel a sense of gaiety and freshness.
During the opening address, a Dharma Master said, “Young people should take advantage of the time when they are young and energetic to contribute more to society, benefit living beings and assist in charitable causes. To help society is to help oneself.” After the Dharma Master’s address, the delegates read aloud DRBY'S mission statement, origin, objectives and regulations from the organization's Handbook, so everyone could have a basic idea of how a DRBY branch is formed.
Before lunch, the Dharma Masters explained the meaning of the Meal Offering ceremonies so members could better understand Buddhist rituals. The cooks prepared a delicious vegetarian lunch and afternoon tea that suited the tastes of young people. After lunch, the conference organizers arranged for some spiritual music, singing sessions, and other activities to uplift everyone's spirits.
Two lectures were held in the afternoon. Professor Zhang Jingling gave the first lecture, entitled, "Does the use of computers and cell phones affect one's health?" Upasaka Chen Jixiong gave the second lecture on "How should young people respond to the contemporary social situation?"
The conference organizers also provided all the delegates with the Venerable Master's Sutra commentaries and other DRBA publications appropriate for their age. Amidst the friendly farewells of the youth delegates from all over Taiwan, the Opening Conference of the Taiwan Branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth came to a close.
Aspirations and Thoughts of the Delegates
YE WAN-RU (SENIOR in COLLEGE):
I am very happy to take part in this Opening Conference of the Taiwan Branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth. I came north to attend this event and when I arrived at the DRBA doorstep, I was greeted by a group of smiling volunteers who were there to welcome all the young people. I felt very touched and happy Seeing so many Dharma Masters, parents, laypeople, volunteers, and friends of all ages who came to attend the conference, everyone was very happy.
I benefited greatly from the lecture, "How should young people respond to the contemporary social situation?" I will be graduating next year and will have to choose between working and furthering my studies. In Taiwan, the unemployment rate is high and it's not easy to find a job. So how should I prepare myself? I should concentrate on my strengths, work hard, improve my knowledge, and learn a trade. I should keep working hard and not be afraid of hardship. I should always humbly seek other peoples' advice and contemplate my own nature.
The idea that the "ten Dharma realms are not beyond a single thought" is truly wonderful. One's thoughts should be benevolent; one should be broadminded and never lose one's temper. If one is compassionate and good-hearted, things will definitely turn out according to one's wishes. The Dharma Master taught us that to be filial means not to cause our parents to worry unduly. Young people have a responsibility towards society and the country and are encouraged to integrate the Buddhadharma into their lives. Now that we are in the prime of youth, we must grasp the opportunity and not pass the time in vain.
 |
◎陽明醫學院教授張勝祺回答問題
Prof.Chang sheng-Chi of the Yang Ming School of Medicine answers questions. |
 |
◎「法界」義工段玉花領導帶動唱
DRBBDS volunteer Tuan Yu-Hua leads the group in singing. |
During the selection process, I was selected as a committee member. I am very fortunate to assume the position of coordinator and to have the chance to be of service. As we are the first committee, we must establish good regulations and set a good example. If there are mistakes, we must rectify them and make improvements. All members must be united and delve deeply into Buddhist principles and learn from each other. We must abide by our goals, regulations and working principles. It is only by setting a good example that we are able to help others and attract many more young people to join our organization. We must use our warm-heartedness, sincerity, learning, compassion and wisdom to help other people.
At the beginning, we have a lot of things to work out. I hope that everybody will be spontaneous and help out wholeheartedly. In anything that we do, we must abide by the principles of no fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuing of personal advantage and no lying.
LI ZHI-HAN (COLLEGE GRADUATE):
This undertaking is also a responsibility! I have always envied those young laypeople who accompanied the Venerable Master in the past. They were able to receive earnest teachings from a wise mentor and to advance diligently, work hard and grow up together in the Buddhadharma. This is why I was absolutely delighted when I heard about the establishment of the Taiwan branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth!
In this materialistic age when people love to fight and are preoccupied with the pursuit of power and extravagant luxuries, the virtues of "humaneness, righteousness, ethics, wisdom, filiality, fraternity, loyalty and trustworthiness" have long been left in the dust and forgotten. The great matter of birth and death is deemed insignificant as compared to mundane things like fame and wealth. Comparatively speaking, peoples' hearts have become more and more hollow and superficial. It is precisely because of this that social ills have emerged unabated, criminals have become increasingly younger every year and all sorts of troubles have appeared without end.
"I do not seek comfort and happiness for myself, but only wish that living beings could leave suffering." This is the exemplary model that the Venerable Master has given us. As his disciples, it is all the more important that we should strive towards this goal. Therefore, in the face of the current social turmoil, we should be like pure gold smelting in the furnace and be a firm pillar in the current of these turbulent times. We must diligently learn the Buddhadharma, walk on the right path, and set an example for all living beings. This is what we should undertake and it is also a responsibility that we should shoulder.
Today, the establishment of the Taiwan branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth does not merely represent the formation of an organization. It serves to remind each and every member of the organization that, faced with great social ills, we as Buddhist youth should assume the responsibility of purifying peoples' minds and setting straight social mores. In order to achieve great tasks, we should begin by cultivating ourselves. We should follow the Venerable Master's teachings and steadfastly cultivate filiality, fraternity, loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, righteousness, incorruptibility, and a sense of shame. We ourselves must live up to the Six Great Guiding Principles of no fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuit of personal advantage, and no lying.
In everything that we do, we must first apply effort in our own minds and build up a character befitting a Buddhist youth. Only then we will have the potential to influence others!
KUO CHONG-REN (MILITARY):
Although the establishment of the Taiwan branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth did not occur with great fanfare, it still required a lot of preparatory work by the Dharma Masters and our Dharma brothers and sisters. When the Dharma Master delivered the opening address, I was very moved. In today's materialistic society, some forty to fifty young people have defined their goals in life by joining the Buddhist Youth Organization to seek transcendental wisdom. They have embraced an attitude of warm-heartedness, sincerity, learning, compassion and wisdom in order to build a bright future for everyone.
This Buddhist youth group has been established as a result of ripening conditions that have brought all of us together in this grand conference. We have taken the first step and there are many things that still need to be done. As I do not have prior experience, I feel that this is a new challenge. I am thankful for this opportunity and I will try my best to learn as much as possible.
KE YI-QAN (COLLEGE GRADUATE):
I am very happy to have this opportunity to attend the Opening Conference of the Taiwan branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth. From reading two essays in the delegates' handbook at the start of the conference, we now understand the causes and conditions, as well as the importance, of setting up this Buddhist youth organization. This activity allows young people to understand what they should and should not do, and also enables them to give rise to the Bodhisattva mind and thereby contribute to society.
Just after I started working, I have had the affinities to study the Buddhadharma together with a group of friends and young people about my age. This is indeed a rare occasion and privilege.
When I was studying for my Master's degree, I did not have the experience of being a coordinator. Now that I have been nominated as one, I feel rather apprehensive. Perhaps it is due to the kindness and compassion of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Venerable Master and Dharma Masters that I have the opportunity to learn.
 |
◎會員中山大學學生游舒婷致感想辭
DRBY member You Shu-Ting,student of Zhongshan University,expresses her thoughts. |
LIAO ZHI-QIANG (COLLEGE FRESHMAN):
One fine Saturday morning (August 25), I went to the Buddhist Book Distribution Association with a group of friends. On entering the Buddha Hall, we were greeted by many young and older friends. They enthusiastically asked what they could do to help and invisibly created an atmosphere of happiness.
In the afternoon, Professor Zhang lectured on "the effect of radiation on human health." I benefited greatly from his simple explanation. Following that was the election of committee members and coordinators. The discussion, though serious, was filled with laughter and everyone felt like one big family. As a member of society; we should plant blessings, however small or great. It is because of our affinities that we have joined the Buddhist youth organizations. By contributing more to the organization, we also plant blessings for ourselves.
LU GUAN-YU (HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR):
The establishment of the Taiwan branch of Dharma Realm Buddhist Youth is a very meaningful event. It has infused the Dharma Realm with a youthful spirit.
The objective of the Buddhist youth organization is to gather young people of different backgrounds and abilities so that, while engaging in mutual help and play, they may apply Buddhist principles to their lives. Even though the Taiwan branch has been set up, we are still very inexperienced. However, after seeing how lively and enthusiastic are these young people of about my age, as well as those who are younger or who are already working, I feel that our Buddhist youth organization will be a very cohesive society.
My experience on that day left a lasting impression on my mind. I hope that in the future, more people will come forward and join the Buddhist youth organization so that our activities will be livelier.
SHE WAN-YU (COLLEGE FRESHMAN):
The Buddhist youth organization is a very meaningful group. Its aim is to introduce more young people to the Buddhadharma. If people are more familiar with the Buddhadharma, they will refrain from committing evil. Once they realize that there is cause and effect and understand how frightening karma can be, they will do good deeds instead of bad ones.
If more people have benevolent thoughts instead of doubt and hatred, the world would be less violent and more harmonious, with fewer disasters and more peace and happiness. This is especially pertinent in today's commercial society where people are drifting apart from one another and are only interested in self-gain. At this point in time, when people are driven by their desires for money and power, the establishment of this Buddhist youth organization may guide these lost sheep back to the right path.
After all, young people are the pillars of a nation. If the pillars are weak and crooked, how can the nation prosper?
Right now, citizens feel insecure. We have lost the economic power that we were once proud of. The political turmoil and the effects of pornography and drugs are increasing day by day. If we young people do not wake up, this nation will perish very soon.
Then who will lead the young people out of this miasma so that they will not suffer the collective retribution of living beings? Only the Bodhisattvas' great kindness, compassion and wisdom could save us!
I am very thankful for the establishment of this Buddhist youth organization. I believe that it will lead us onto the path of wisdom. I also hope that more and more people will join us and receive the nourishment of the Buddhadharma, which is like sweet dew that can revive and invigorate the parched minds of young people.
Venerable Master's Dharma Words
People who understand their minds are free from delusion. Those who see their inherent nature have no worries. Their minds resemble a clear mirror, or still water. |
