How can young people in their twenties enjoy their youth while learning Buddhism?
According to Master Hsuan Hua's philosophy on spreading Buddhism and his teachings to young people, the key to enabling young people in their 20s to enjoy their youth while learning Buddhism lies in breaking the stereotype that "learning Buddhism is only for the elderly" and integrating Buddhism into their daily lives, studies, and interpersonal relationships. Master Hsuan Hua placed great emphasis on youth education, founding Yu Liang Primary School, Peide Middle School, and Dharma Realm Buddhist University.
For young people learning Buddhism, his core thinking and practical methods can be summarized as follows:
1. Redefining "Enjoying Youth": Pursuing True Freedom and Happiness
Young people often think that enjoying youth means indulging in desires and partying every night, but this often leads to emptiness and confusion.
Do not indulge in the pleasure of staying up all night: Master Hsuan Hua often reminded us that the pleasure of indulgence is short-lived and has side effects. To truly enjoy youth is to maintain a state of purity and health in both body and mind.
Buddhism is the greatest wisdom: regard studying Buddhism as a "spiritual fashion" and an "investment in wisdom". Studying Buddhism enables one to possess calmer and wiser judgment than peers when facing romantic relationships, academic pressures, and workplace stress, avoiding detours.
2. Start with the most basic morality: Promoting "filial piety" and the "Six Great Principles"
Master Hsuan Hua did not advocate that young people delve into profound esoteric doctrines from the outset, but rather start with the fundamentals of being a good person. The six principles he established for the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas are the best life guide for young people: do not compete, do not be greedy, do not seek, do not be selfish, do not be self-serving, and do not lie. In school or the workplace, not engaging in backstabbing (non-contention) and not being vain (non-greed) leads to the most relaxed and coolest life.
Filial Piety: The Master highly emphasizes filial piety towards parents. Young people who can take care of themselves, not worry their parents, and be grateful for their parents' kindness are practicing Buddhism in a down-to-earth way.
3. Combining Activity and Stillness: Practicing with Vitality
Young people in their twenties are full of energy; asking them to sit in meditation all day might be too much for them. The Master's monastery emphasizes "both literary and martial arts prowess":
The Master's center emphasizes "both intellectual and physical prowess":
Dynamic Practice: Encourage young people to participate in volunteer service, support Buddhist centers, and translate scriptures (Master Hsuan Hua strongly advocated for the translation of Buddhist scriptures into English and other languages, which is very suitable for young people with language skills). Spend your youthful energy serving others.
Static meditation: Take some time each day to recite scriptures (such as the Shurangama Mantra or the Great Compassion Mantra) or sit quietly for 15-20 minutes. This can improve concentration and directly benefit young people's studies and careers.
4. Cultivate positive relationships: Build a "shared space" among young people who study Buddhism.
It is easy for a person to feel lonely when studying Buddhism, and may even be seen as an outsider by their friends.
Fellow practitioners encourage each other: Young people need the strength of their peers. You can join Buddhist youth groups, participate in meditation camps or serve as a volunteer at Dharma assemblies.
Transforming Interpersonal Relationships: You don't need to sever ties with friends to study Buddhism. On the contrary, maintain a positive, optimistic, and helpful attitude at gatherings with friends, influencing those around you through your own positive changes—this is "silently proclaiming the Dharma."
5. Two sharp words of advice from Master Hsuan Hua to young people.
The Master once gave very direct encouragement to young students: "Young people should set lofty goals and do great things, not just pursue small personal gains." "You are now the sun at eight or nine in the morning; the future of the world rests on your shoulders."
In summary: Studying Buddhism in your twenties doesn't require dressing in gloomy clothes or living a secluded life. You can still dress fashionably, date, and build a career, but keep the Dharma's principles in your heart. Using the wisdom of Buddhism to guide the confusion of youth is the ultimate and most carefree way to enjoy youth.
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