Youth in Buddhism

The most urgent task facing those concerned with the preservation of Buddhism must be the attempt to communicate to the young the central vision at the heart of the Buddhist teachings, the vision from which all the specific doctrines and practices of Buddhism issue forth.

This does not require a mastery of the technical details of the Buddhist teachings, but it does require that we ourselves understand the Dhamma's essence and are actively striving to make that understanding the foundation of our lives.

Both by precept and example we must show that true freedom is to be found not in uncontrolled licence, but in the control and mastery of desire; that true happiness lies not in a proliferation of goods, but in peace and contentment; that our relations with others are most rewarding when they are governed not by conflict and competition, but by kindness and compassion, and that true security is to be achieved not by the acquisition of wealth and power, but by the conquest of self with all its ambitions and conceits.

As religious leaders, what role should they now play? Should the religious institution remain a conservative and abhorring change, or should it revert to a socially engaged religious institution for to achieve their ideals.

A conference such as this would be a very good platform discussion of this crucial question. Can the religious force effect a creative tension between imagination and tradition, between innovation and the status quo?

What we have to consider now is how to review, refine and strengthen the role of youth in the creation of a new and different world. This may mean institutional changes; making it possible for youth to assume greater responsibility earlier in life.

We must recognise and encourage thoughtful young people to build more networks or relationships nationally, inter-regionally, inter-regionally and internationally. The problems of youth are our problems, and we must think of them in terms of the totality of our communities and our societies.

Lumbini is recognised by the world as the fountain of peace and Buddha himself as apostle of peace who dedicated his life to promote peace and happiness to mankind. Lumbini echoes the essence of the Buddha's message to this world. However, we should not forget that Lumbini also represents the Buddha's youth.

It is in the areas of Lumbini and Kapilavasthu where the Buddha spent his 29 years of his youth as Prince Siddhartha. He gained, prepared and developed his mind for his enlightenment from the social conditions he lived during his youth in this very land. With the right view and right channelling of youth force Prince Siddhartha succeeded in becoming the Buddha, the apostle of world peace.

In addition to Lumbini being the fountain of peace we should also consider to develop it as the international youth centre for disseminating the message of peace and happiness. Drawing inspirations from the Buddha youth we could develop Lumbini as the training centre of peace related activities for international youth.

We could develop this very Lumbini as the centre for promoting and strengthening among the younger generations observance and practice of the teachings of the Buddha; inculcating piety towards the Triple Gem, parents, and elders; securing unity, solidarity and brotherhood among Buddhist youth; organising and carrying an activities in the field of social, economic, educational, recreational, cultural, ecological and religious and other humanitarian services; working for securing peace and harmony among youth, etc.

This will not only fit with the historical significance of Lumbini but it will also serve the global community for present and future needs.