The annual dharma youth camp organized by the Than Hsiang Sunday class youth group was launched on the 11/6. The 4 day 3 nite camp ended on the 14/6. The theme for this year was “life, wisdom and set sail “ which referred to the growing up, the search for wisdom and setting sail toward the goal of dharma cultivation. The primary objective of the camp was to initiate and establish a caring society endowed with loving kindness and gratitude. Included in the aims were: the practice of the ten good deeds, be filial to parents , respect for the elders and teachers, right view on family relationship and community living.
The four day three nite camp also introduced the participants on the temple rites, liturgy and the right ways of addressing and paying homage to the sangha community.

In the evening, Ven Hui ti, the camp religious adviser, explained the theme- life, wisdom and setting sail -to the participants. Participants were reminded to establishing the goals of their lives, and to diligently practice the dharma and strive to serve the community. “Further, we must learn to practice empathy among our fellow beings so that we can change our perspective on every moment of our lives, transforming all our day to day experiences- whether things that we enjoy or dislike –into opportunity for personal growth”, the Ven. added.
The superintendent of Than Hsiang Temple, Ven. Zhen Ru encouraged the youth to work hard to face the challenges of life by equipping themselves with knowledge and wisdom. In short we must take the Buddha as our model.

To highlight the theme of the camp, a model of a ship was built with a youth looking into his telescope symbolizing the search for life’s direction while setting sail on the journey of life. The camp was officially opened with the lighting of lamp by Ven. Hui Ti and the symbolic launching of the ship by Ven Zhen Ru with the Buddhist flag.

As in previous years, a typical day in the camp saw the participants get up at 6am for morning exercise and chanting. After breakfast, Ven. Zhen Ru lectured on the four- fold gratitude toward parents, the state, all sentient beings and the triple Gem. He repeated the advice of maser Po Yuan that one should always practice filial piety and respect parents and the elderly; be helpful, truthful and compassion toward others.

The Camp song-”My sky, my dream”- was sung to the accompaniment of hand signs by the participants echoing the varied aspiration of every person in his journey of life.

Besides attending classes, campers also participated in a game known as “station game” whereby five “check points depicting the vicissitudes of life” which required the participants to clear through exercising their mental power, knowledge and wisdom . The first check point tested the participants on their perseverance and mental concentration, the second on their spirit of mutual cooperation, the third on their unity, mutual care, the fourth on their mutual understanding and affinity and lastly a test on their forbearance.

Master Chao conducted a lecture on the six paramitas which means “the perfections” or “reaching the other shore”. The six paramitas or perfections are charity, discipline, forbearance, energy concentration and lastly wisdom. Master Gan taught on the “four integrative methods’ which stresses on generosity, using pleasant words, helpfulness and comradeship. These form the basis for a person to integrate with society in order to carry out their work.

The message of the importance of environment protection was also emphasized. Participants were reminded of their responsibility as conscientious citizen of the world to protect our earth and energy saving. Sis Song and Bro. Kang also talked on the urgency of conserving our limited water supply.

Performance by the participants in song, drama and hand signs saw a very heart warming moment through the interaction s between participants and their parents. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgic when one recalled one’s childhood under the selfless parental care.

With the successful completion of another camp, it is our sincere hope that the participants would make good use of what they learned in their daily life in the future.