02/08/2025

Venerable Yongjia Supports Offering to the Buddhas and Celestial Beings in Dallas, Ensuring Smooth Progress of Youth Programs

On February 8th, Venerable Yongjia traveled to the Dallas Lecture Hall to support the Offering to the Buddhas and Celestial Beings ceremony. To ensure the smooth continuation of the youth programs, she specially arranged for Dharma sisters Shen Yaqing and Cai Shumei to substitute as instructors for the Youth Dharma Instrument Class and the Little Diplomats Program.

Both Dharma sisters were patient and meticulous in their teaching, repeatedly helping the youth review previously practiced content and sharing their own experiences in mastering Huaban (decorative board techniques) and Zhengban (formal board techniques). The students found their teachings highly beneficial. Parents also expressed deep gratitude for the Venerable's dedication to nurturing the youth, making thoughtful arrangements for instructors and lessons.

In the afternoon Little Diplomats Program, the Dharma sisters demonstrated and corrected the students' weak areas multiple times, including the proper way to wear Haiqing (Buddhist ceremonial robes) and the etiquette of performing three bows in the main hall.

During the Buddhist story session, Foguang Youth Group Leader Zhou Junhui shared a story from The Lamp of Bodhi Mind by Venerable Miao Guang, titled Three Times Eight Equals Twenty-Three. The story imparted a profound lesson: when encountering disputes, there is no need to always insist on being right. Many conflicts are best resolved by letting go—taking a step back brings vast clarity and peace. Letting go of stubborn opinions, cultivating a broad mind, and practicing generosity in actions lead to a truly fulfilling life. More peace and warmth in one's heart bring sunshine into life.

To reinforce this lesson, the young participants were guided to express how they handle disputes through comic drawings. The students thoroughly enjoyed this interactive teaching method, exchanging their works in an atmosphere filled with joy and laughter. The class concluded successfully with a sense of Dharma joy.