2008 BLIA NY YAD 10 YEAR REUNION - Survey Results compiled !

PDF　files are available for download !! click on the "download" link on the right panel.

Photos from the NY YAD 10 Year Reunion is here.

十二月七日，紐約青年團於紐約佛光山寺舉辦第二屆社區愛心捐血活動，由New York Blood Center協助，受訓後的佛青們協助翻譯，一行一行地解釋讓表格，也安排青年知賓組，負責在休息區域提供餅乾果汁，讓諸位捐獻內財的菩薩們補充元氣，此次有許多青年朋友響應，挽袖疏解冬季血荒，希望未來能呼籲更多人發揮愛心，捐血一袋救人一命。

紐約青年團在2008年正式邁入十周年，特於十一月三十日舉辦十周年回顧展，邀請舊雨新知齊聚紐約佛光山寺四樓同樂，除了不少熟悉的老面孔，還有許多新朋友加入，亦不乏攜家帶眷來自外州的團員們，甚至有本已返台工作的舊團員與會，為我們帶來驚喜。 紐約佛光山寺住持 永固法師歡迎大家回來，希望各位身為佛光家庭的一份子，能多回來親近常住，無論身在何處，不管生活如何繁忙，以佛堂為心靈的避風港， 永遠記得有道場這個家。 與會團員逐一介紹自己入團的經歷，分享許多趣味的往事，當然也少不了關於鹿野苑的故事，旁邊的投影機更依序展出一張張活動照片和歷年青年會報，見證青年團的成長，當幻燈片結束後，大家紛紛為紐約青年團這豐富的十年鼓掌，亦相約十年後回顧展時交出更燦爛的成績。

We will be hosting our second annual Blood Drive at the temple this coming Sunday, December 7, 2008. The event will start at 10 AM and end at 3 PM. Please come donate blood! A pint of your blood can help save a life!

Date: November 30th, 2008
Location: FGS - New York
Time: 12:30 - 4:00 pm

Email us at: ny_yad@yahoo.com

十月十二日，紐約青年團邀請依法師為青年人進行一場特別講座，定題為「情緒管理」，希望教導年青朋友們運用佛法調適生活中面對的壓力，約有三十餘名聽眾與會。依法法師以自身經歷告訴大家，許多負面的情緒起原於內外的衝突，來自本身的貪執，如果能過簡單節約的生活，認清內在的價值，不讓自己成為貪慾的奴隸，守護身心，便能平習負面情緒，進而以正面的態度解決問題。

Humanistic Buddhism Dharma Workshop
Topic: Emotional Management
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM - 4 PM (Please be Punctual!)
Location: IBPS NY 3rd Floor
Workshop will be conducted in English. Light refreshment will be served.

We will be hosting our October Monthly Gathering this coming Saturday, October 4th at Nicole's house. Gathering starts at 5:30 PM. If you are interested in attending, please email us at ny_yad@yahoo.com and we will email you the address and directions. Hope you see you there!

2008 HIKING EVENT We will be hosting our annual Hiking trip. This time, the event will take place at Minnewaska State Park (upstate New York). If you are interested in attending, please contact us at ny_yad@yahoo.com as transportation needs to be arranged for the participants. Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008 Time: 8AM departing from Flushing (Corner of Chase Bank) Things to Bring: - wear comfortable clothings and sneakers - pack your own breakfast and lunch - bring own water or energy drinks

2008年8月11日，佛光山紐約道場舉辦「21世紀的美國佛教」講座，特別邀請到美國西來大學校長助理覺瑋法師，以英文進行輕鬆趣味的講談，共有五十餘名青年朋友與信徒與會，從佛教傳播至美國的歷史看起，以人間佛教的思想探討佛教在美國的未來。 覺瑋法師以個人過去第一次接觸佛教的經驗與大家分享：學佛其實就是找尋自己，認識自己，我們常常在生活中不知不覺地帶著許多累贅，唯有學習放下，捨棄本身的虛名，放棄我執，才能發掘自我，尋得內心深處的寶藏。我們很幸運能效法佛菩薩為我們的老師，時時思索今天放下多少，才能離佛菩薩更近一步。 學業、工作、家庭就如同玩雜耍時手中一顆顆的球，上拋下接偶爾會失手，而失手當時會起什麼樣的反應呢？平常是否習於抱怨失敗，或是為生活中的不完美嘆息？覺瑋法師建議我們不妨轉換心情，以另一種角度欣賞掉落的球，當我們不為落地的球懊惱悔恨，才能確保手中其餘的球繼續傳遞，如何以佛法的智慧，安排好學業、工作與家庭，便是每個人需要學習的課題。 面對未來的挑戰，除了秉持簡樸環保的傳統，佛教在美國必定是往人間佛教發展，只有人間佛教的全面性才能涵蓋人生中的各項問題，覺瑋法師期許大家在無常的環境中行菩薩道，修正自己的習氣，共同建設佛光淨土。

2008 IBLYAC Songs of the Human World Performance "Change"

2008年國際佛光青年會議於七月九日至十三日在佛光山登場，共有來自全球三十多個國家，約千餘名海內外佛光青年齊聚佛光山，紐約青年團則由副團長趙雲涵領隊，共有九名青年回本山趕赴這場為期五天的文化交流盛會。 今年大會主題為「化世與益人」，佛光山開山星雲大師開示青年們要以自覺健全、發心動力、隨眾參與、菩提願力來化世益人，更期勉青年們除在活動中認識新朋友外，還要學習給人接受、學習吃虧、學習實踐三好運動，雖然吃虧看似是被別人占便宜，但是我們卻能因此成就更多事，實際上受益的反而是自己，力行三好運動的同時，便能自利利他，達到化世與益人的目標。 紐約青年團有幸受邀於「青年論壇：人間佛教的戒定慧」中擔綱演出定學，以輕鬆活潑的舞台劇，重新詮釋宋朝蘇東坡與佛印禪師「八風吹不動，一屁打過江」的公案，配合中華青年團以捕魚一劇演出戒學，探討「戒殺生」的意義，及馬來西亞青年趣味的慧學短劇，為青年論壇揭開序幕，由佛光會中華總會秘書長覺培法師、修持中心主任慧昭法師、上海復旦大學哲學博士覺冠法師主導，針對戒定慧與日常生活的相關處進行討論。在十二日傍晚人間音緣歌唱比賽中，紐約青年團也脫穎而出，獲得第三名的佳績，由北美州各分團所組成的聯合隊伍更在佛光盃青年運動會拔河賽勇奪冠軍，成為全場注目的焦點。 本次大會決議通過提倡「佛光青年素食簡樸生活」，於每年五月十六日佛光山開山日素食一天，響應節能減碳，慧傳法師也頒發授證首批完成白象幹部訓練的四位紐約青年,，同時頒發佛青講師證書予四位中華總團的傑出青年，相信各位與會青年經過五天來的洗禮皆有所穫，將回到各分團分享彼此的感動，持續為化世益人努力，讓人間佛教的理念會成為世界的主流價值，而佛光青年也會成為世界各國最受歡迎的人士。。

2008 IBLIYC was fun and inspiring. NYYAD got 3rd place in Song of Human World with the song "Change". Our innovative theatrical express a humorous story regarding mindfulness. Team North America, which consist of YAD from Canada and USA, won 1st place in tug of war. Most importantly, we received the vests representing the White Elephant Staff in front of everyone. NYYAD is definitely the spotlight of this conference! :) 2008國際佛光青年會議 http://www.merit-times.com.tw/NewsPage.aspx?Unid=89829 人間音緣 http://www.merit-times.com.tw/NewsPage.aspx?Unid=90100 運動會 http://www.merit-times.com.tw/NewsPage.aspx?Unid=90105 白象幹部 http://www.merit-times.com.tw/NewsPage.aspx?Unid=90104 http://life.fgs.org.tw/content/culture_art_news.php?ArticleNo=4776&news_class=SS04

2008年五月三日，佛光山紐約青少年團假紐約佛光山寺，舉辦母親節趣味烹飪比賽，其中不乏父女或兄弟同隊參賽，五組參賽者紛紛使出拿手絕活，一個個熟練地翻轉鍋盤，發揮精湛的廚藝，端出色香味俱全的佳餚，希望藉此機會慰勞母親的辛勞。在這個溫馨的活動中，也特別安排趣味問答，測驗平時對媽媽的了解，評審們覺得從參賽者們毫不生澀的表現，可見平時常協助家事，問答互動中也顯出親子間的和諧，最後主持人請各組依序上前，遞上一束花，表達自己的真心話感念母恩，活動便在親子間感動的擁抱中圓滿結束。 2008年五月十日，佛光山紐約協會應邀參加第二十九屆亞裔傳統節，在曼哈頓東四十七街和第二大道交界的 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza設置浴佛亭，活動一開始由紐約佛光山寺法師們進行簡短的佛誕節浴佛法會，義工們依序獻供後，亞裔傳統節便正式揭開序幕，雖然四周攤位多為亞裔傳統美食、服飾、武術和藝術創作，有些民眾對於浴佛亭充滿好奇，浴佛亭內莊嚴的大佛像吸引許多中外人士參拜及浴佛，不少西方朋友對於佛誕節十分感興趣，也紛紛詢問浴佛的意義及由來，部份行人甚至取出相機與攝影機，紀錄大家浴佛祈願的過程，會場特別安排佛光會與青年團的義工們進行解說，同時陳列各項佛光山出版文物，亦準備了結緣品與大眾結緣，現場更設置捐款箱，為緬甸風災受難者募款，活動於晚間六時結束，約有千餘名遊客參與浴佛及捐款，相信經過這次亞裔傳統節的機會，曼哈頓社區人士將更為認識佛教，為佛法本土化邁進一步。

We held our Buddhism retreat at Deer Park on April 12 and April 13. The event went quite well and where we had new members joining us on this retreat. Venerable Miao Yu started off our retreat by giving us a brief history of Buddhism and also teaching some of our new members on the proper Buddhism etiquettes. The class was then followed by a special guest speaker, Corey, who participated in Fo Guang Shan’s Wooden Fish Program in Taiwan. This program is designed for devotees who are interested in practicing the monastic life style and Corey was in the one-month long program. He shared with us on his experience with the program, his personal life experience with Buddhism and also helped answered the questions we had for him. He then led us into a mindful walking session, along with meditation outside of the Main Shrine due to the beautiful weather we had that weekend. In the afternoon, we watched a BBC documentary on the life of Buddha, it told the story of how Buddha reached enlightenment and how Buddhism became what it is today. We would recommend this documentary to everyone who is interested in learning of this as it was very interesting and quite informative. After the documentary concluded, Venerable Miao Yu and Corey held a discussion panel. During the evening, our Activities Leader, Ellen, and Secretary, Fanny, gave a presentation on the Sounds of the Human World event, which displays the talent of each person while conveying a message of Buddhism. On Sunday morning, the Abbess of NY Temple, Venerable Yong Ku, joined us at Deer Park. She presented to us on how Buddhism applies in our daily lives and also spent some time answering the questions we had from our previous lessons. Toward the end of the retreat, each one of us reflected upon what was learnt during the retreat. We also provided comments and suggestions on how the retreat went and what can be improved on. Most comments were very positive and uplifting, and we are very encouraged that the next time we host this event, it will be better. Lastly, we would like to take a moment to thank all the people that helped make this retreat a successful event. View Albums

2008 IBPS Children's Summer Camp

佛光山三好兒童夏令營 日期 : 6/30 – 7/4/08 地點: 佛光山鹿野苑 主題: 攜手同圓 – 著重於互助合作與團隊精神 2008 IBPS Three Good Manners Children’s Summer Camp Date: June 30th - July 4th 2008 Location: IBPS – Deer Park Theme: T.O.Y.S. United – Teamwork & Organization Yields Success

2008 Mother's Day Cookoff Contest

Date: May 3rd, 2008 Time: 2-5pm (Actual cooking time: 50 minutes) It will be a fun opportunity to show your appreciation for your mother, and a chance to show off your cooking skills! Click Here: Cook-Off-Application to download the application Please submit the application, either via Email or Bring to FGS-NY by April 27th, 2008 We look forward to tasting your delicious dish.

During our past Sunday's meeting we discussed in more detail of our children's summer camp, the IBLYAC and other future events. We also had a post ancestral offering ceremony meeting where we, all the participants, discussed and watched the ceremony, with refreshments on the side. For Summer Camp, we had a unanimous vote upon the group names, all surrounding something with toys. If you want to find out the names you're just going to have to join us! Next was the IBLYAC, which everyone is excited about, the time when friends from all around the world get to see each other again. Also a time where we can all learn more about Buddhism and how is effect us, young adults. Beyond that there was the preparation of our Buddhism retreat, being held in our upstate NY temple, as well as our training camp for our annual children's summer camp. We also discussed the annual mother's day/Buddha's birthday celebration, the mother’s day cook off and much more upcoming events, don't want to give it all away now.

2008 Buddha's Light Youth Buddhism Retreat
Date: April 12-13th, 2008

Location: IBPS-Deer Park

Age: 14 - 30

Fee: $20(members), $25(non-members)

Organizer: BLIA NY YAD

For registration and application, please download application from here. BR_APPLICATION

2008 Buddha's Light Youth Buddhism Retreat
Date: April 12-13th, 2008

Location: IBPS-Deer Park

Age: 14 - 30

Fee: $20(members), $25(non-members)

Organizer: BLIA NY YAD

For registration and application, please download application from here. BR_APPLICATION

2008 Buddha's Light Youth Buddhism Retreat
Date: April 12-13th, 2008

Location: IBPS-Deer Park

Age: 14 - 30

Fee: $20(members), $25(non-members)

Organizer: BLIA NY YAD

For registration, please download application from here.

We have received date confirmation for 2008 IBLYAC, July 10th - 14th in Taiwan. Also we have all decided, by unanimous vote, on the date for our annual IBPS Three Good Manner's Children Summer Camp, it will be held in our upstate temple, IBPS - Deer Park. We have also reviewed schedule for April 2008 Buddhism retreat schedule. In the week to come we will be assisting with the decoration and preparation for the Chinese New Year celebration. Ending on a sweet note, we celebrated the birthdays of David, Eric and Emily 1/27/2008 During the past weekend (1/27/2008), we assist temple's Volunteer Gathering Hot Pot. It's the first time temple hosts such gathering for the volunteers of temple. It’s was mean to show the appreciation for their dedicated hard work for the past year. All the attendee had a lot of fun and various groups of volunteers receive their well deserved recognition. Of course, YAD members are always the spotlight as we help put up decorations and served food/drinks throughout the night. The abbess, Ven. Yu Kung, proudly recognize the spectacular involvement of NY-YAD as we help out during this particular night as well as cleaning up after everyone left. We’re grateful that temple gave us this opportunity to participate in this meaningful event and wish the year of 2008 will also be filled with memorable moments.

Today is the inauguration of the new President of the NY YAD and its new executives. The inauguration was held after the temple’s weekly Sunday chanting service. Presented by the Abbess of the NY temple, Venerable Yung Ku and the President of the BLIA NY Subdivision, President Wong, the new members was formally inaugurated and introduced to the temple devotees.During the inauguration, David first thanked Venerables and devotees for all their supports and encouragements, he then promised to lead the group to benefit the humanities and carry out BLIA YAD missions. Two of the major goals for the future are to reach out into the community and recruit more members into the team. After the inauguration, we held this year’s first meeting with our new President and executives. Along side the meeting is Jenny, who is now the Advisor of our subdivision. Both Jenny and David gave the new executives and members a detailed description on what the duties of each position are and what is expected from them in the new term. Thereafter, David reviewed our roles and duties for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration and also outlined the activities for the year 2008.

2008 NY-YAD Executives Election A new year, a new start... A new term, a new beginning... After seven years of dedication and devotion to our youth group, our beloved President, Jenny Chen, is finally stepping down from her duties. Throughout the years, Jenny has taught us many valuable knowledge on friendship, family, relationship, teamwork, devotion, passion and Buddhism. Without her guidance, the support of the NY Temple Abbess, BLIA and all the YAD members, the New York Young Adult Division would not be where we are today. We thank Jenny for all her contributions to our subdivision and promise to her and ourselves that we will continue to develop ourselves to become a strong subdivision, enrich ourselves with the knowledge passed to us and germinate the seed of buddhism in our next generations. An end to a term means a new beginning for another bright future. Elected to be our next President of the NY-YAD is David Huang. David joined the NY-YAD in 2005 and immediately became a major contributor to our subdivision. Before elected as President, he served as co-publication executive. His resume is quite impressive for a two year member, where he has served as our Summer Camp Activites leader, Sunday Class instructor, Tutoring Session instructions, YAD Band member, BLYARC Venue / Activities Leader, and IBPS Environmental team member. Most importantly, David is one of the seven members that have successfully attained the White Elephant Executive Qualifications. Elected as the first vice-president for the NY-YAD is Frank Yao, and the second vice-president is Karin Chau. Frank joined NY-YAD in 2002 and served as the Treasurer before elected as vice-president. He is currently our Sunday Class coordinator & instructor, served as Tutoring Session instruction, Summer Camp Instructor, YAD Buddhism retreat coordinator, BLYARC Transportation lead, and is a member of the BLIA magazine editorial team. Karin joined NY-YAD in 2004 and served as the Public Relations before elected as vice-president. She was formerly the YAD Activities leader, served as the Sunday Class instructor, Summer Camp Instruction, BLYARC Transportation and Tour Leader, YAD band member, and took positions in updating / maintaining the IBPS New York and NY-YAD website. Both Frank and Karin have successfully attained the White Elephant Executive Qualifications. The second subdivision of New York (aka - Teens Division) also elected their new President and Vice-President today. The new President elected is Angel Liou. Angel was originally part of the IBPS Scouts chapter and joined the YAD in 2004. She served as the second division's public relation before being elected as President. Angel is currently our Sunday Class instructor, Summer Camp counselor and took on many project leads, such as the annual Mother's Day cook-off contest and the Blood drive. Elected as the second subdivision's Vice-President is Jennifer Wu. Jennifer joined the YAD in 2006. She served as our Sunday Class instructor, Summer Camp Activities staff, a member of our YAD Band, and IBPS Chinese School administor's assistance. Jennifer also took on many project leads, such as our Garage Sale and Mother's Day cook-off contest. Congratulations to our new President of NY-YAD, David Huang and President of NY-YAD 2nd Subdivision, Angel Liou!! A new board of executives will be announced in the coming weeks. A new year, a new team, a new start. NY-YAD will continue to pursue the objectives of the BLIA YAD Constitution under the guidance of our NY Temple Abbess, the leadership of our new executives, and the support from BLIA and all our YAD members!!! Photos (click on the photos to see larger version)

回顧2007年 Year in Review for 2007 四月份 April - 青年戒會(八關齋戒) Buddhism Retreat (8 Precepts Retreat) 紐約青年分團於紐約道場舉辦一日一夜青年戒會。藉由八關齋戒戒會體驗一日一夜的出家生活。在所有法師的帶領與指導下，每人均受益良多。課程安排包含辦此戒會的意義與內容，五戒的理解與實踐，從佛光四句偈看人間佛教，以及今年大師演講主題化世與益人的深度探討。共有青年團與青少年團共二十餘人參與。 BLIA NY YAD held a whole day Buddhism retreat at IBPS-New York. Conducted with the form of 8 precept retreat, led and instructed by all venerables, participants all gained invaluable experiences. Program includes the meaning of Buddhism retreats, 5 precepts, view of humanistic Buddhism from the Parinama Gatha, and Ven. Master’s keynote speech “Change the World and Benefit Humanity”. 五月份 May - 母親節烹飪大賽 Mother’s Day Cook Off Contest 不同以去年的烹飪大賽，今年的母親節青年們別出心裁的以自己的手藝來烹調美味的佳餚，獻給最偉大的母親。在溫馨的佳節表示對母親的感恩與感謝。 Different from 2006’s cook-off contest, YAD members were responsible to prepare the dishes to be presented to their mothers, with their own efforts. Members thanked their mothers with most appreciative manners. 五月份 May - 佛誕節、佛光日 2007年佛誕節、佛光日暨母親節園遊會負責食品與遊戲攤位及協助金剛組佈置場地及善後歸位。 During Buddha’s Birthday, Mother’s day celebration street fair, YAD coordinated a food booth and a game booth. Moreover, YAD assisted in post festival clean ups. 七月份 July - 三好兒童夏令營 Three Good Manners Children’s Summer Camp 今年暑假, 佛光青年帶領一群(50位)活潑可愛的三好兒童至鹿野苑展開五天四夜的夏令營. 此次夏令營主題”有佛法就有辦法”. 透過生動有趣的課程, 將環保與互助合作的觀念與精神融合在日常作息中. 小朋友運用自然環境中的材料, 生活中的廢物利用, 製造了節約能源各式各樣的奇特機器與模型. This summer, YAD led a group of 50 children to IBPS Deer Park for a 5 days summer camp. The theme of this summer was “Mission possible” where campers were encouraged to use tools they find in nature, or use recycled materials, to create prototypes that helped the environment. The awareness for global warming was raised in the camp. 七月份 July - 國際佛光青年幹部講習會 Buddha’s Light YAD Executives Conference 世界各地的青年幹部於今年暑假在日內瓦國際會議中心展開為期三天的國際佛光青年幹部講習會。 紐約青年六位幹部在安靜優美的國際會議中心與三百多青年齊聚一堂討論對未來的青年展望, 如何以菩薩心與青年力來落實「化世與益人」。此次更精心安排至日內瓦聯合國會議廳舉行各團會報展。在綜合報告中，各組紛紛報告議題討論的總結，希望能健全組織，落實各項提案。 Held at FGS Conference Hall in Geneva, Switzerland, 6 members from NY YAD were able to meet with executives from YADs around the world. Through discussion sessions and report sharing events, the future direction of YAD relies much on spreading youthful spirits to change the world and benefit humanities. The hope to strengthen the structural foundation of YAD has also been raised and committed. 八月份 August - 美洲佛光青年生命成長營 America Buddha’s Light Young Adults Regional Conference 結合北美洲十五分團的青年, 聚集在環境優美的紐約鹿野苑, 四天三夜的營中探討”化世益人”的宗旨與身體力行的方向. 透過青年人的力量與經驗分享, 讓各州的青年互相學習與成長. With the participation of YADs from 15 subdivisions in the North America Region, NY YAD co-sponsored the regional conference at IBPS-Deer Park. Through experience sharing sessions, youths gained valuable insights for their own divisions. 十月份 October - 募款健行 Making Strides Against Cancer 青年團每年響應美國防癌協會舉辦的乳癌募款健行，參與社區活動，將佛光青年的精神與形象打入社區中。 YAD participates in the annual walk with devotion and dedication. We hope to propagate spirit of BLIA YAD into our community. 十二月份 December - 募款餐會 Fundraising Dinner 為籌備美洲生命成長營，紐約青年不僅動用所有的人力，更挪動團內的活動經費，希望能帶給與會的學員最完善的照顧與寶貴的經驗。為籌募不足的活動經費，青年團特於年底舉辦募款餐會，邀請來賓一嚐團員的手藝。 YAD not only devoted their time and effort co-sponsored the ABLYARC event, we also depleted our activity funds for the future. To fundraise for our future activities expenditures, YAD initiated a fundraising dinner, inviting all devotees and friends to join us for this celebration and food festival. 十二月份 December - 愛心捐血活動 Blood Drive 有感於近期血庫嚴重缺血情形，紐約青年主動發起愛心捐血活動，希望能藉此活動喚起大眾，捲起衣袖，發心捐血。 January was national’s blood donor week. Aware of the depletion in blood bank, YAD decided to coordinate a blood drive, hoping to raise awareness in the community, to roll up sleeves and help others that are in need. 全年度 All Year- 經典讀書會 Study Group 以十二堂課的專題討論形式，在師父的帶領中，探討生活中會面臨的問題。學習如何運用所學的佛法來改變自己與改善問題。 A well planned 12 discussions sessions study group, each targeting a different topics or obstacles YADs may face in life. We hope participants will be able to use the wisdom of Buddhism to overcome these challenges in lives.