DDM Global News
DDM- LA Youth Workshop
Online sharing and Learning
Blessings in Three Existences of life & Joy of Imperfection
These days, with strict coronavirus-related restrictions limiting human contact, California is still under the situation of home epidemic prevention. The Youth Project proposed 5 years ago has the opportunity to be re-evaluated. With the support of the director of Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles Center (DDM LA), Chang Yu Fa Shi, and the sponsorship of the AJ WANG Foundation Scholarship program, the draft proposal was passed at the end of April, and volunteers were immediately invited to form a team group to start thinking about the details.
Finally, on Saturday, August 8, DDM LA Youth project officially hosted its first college workshop on Zoom and was led by Professor Aries Gu, a guest speaker from the Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts in Taiwan. A total of 38 young people signed up, of which 30 were current students and 8 were fresh graduates.
Despite a technical issue that surfaced during the initial stages of the first workshop meeting, the participants were able to work together to come to a solution that ensured the success of the workshop. The first hour consisted of a lecture on the Three Aspects of Life/ Blessings in Three Existences of life which awarded students with a deeper understanding of their own lives. After a short break, Professor Gu introduced an activity meant to give her listeners the chance to examine their relationships with others. The students were then split into smaller groups so that they could share their thoughts and revelations, as well as forge connections with their fellow participants.
Later, everyone came together for a larger and interactive discussion with Professor Gu. Numerous students volunteered to share what they had discussed in their smaller groups, followed by helpful and thought-provoking responses and suggestions from Professor Gu.
Students walked away with new perspectives on their relations and interactions with others, and the means to change them if they wished. This meaningful workshop was met with an encouraging reception, with many claiming it was“very interesting”and“useful.”With the coming workshops scheduled for every other week, students look forward to another engaging and valuable session with the special speakers
DDM activities that can be carried out with modern technology can inspire people's hearts and gather the strength of all people. It is a SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT and a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual with the practical. Especially during the pandemic it is very nice for the youth to actively discuss, share and interact with each other as well as share resources. We may not be able to immediately apply it to all aspects of our life, but it is worth the journey, as you will discover new things about yourself that you otherwise would never have known.