BLIA Young Adult Division North Carolina Reestablished; Washington, D.C. Youth Join International Youth Summit in Taiwan
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
[Reported by Yuchuan, North Carolina, USA] The 2026 Fo Guang Shan Youth Summit was held at Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in mid-July, bringing together Fo Guang youth from around the world. During the opening ceremony, the BLIA Young Adult Division North Carolina was officially reestablished and received its certification from Venerable Tzu Jung, Acting President of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA). Through international exchanges, Buddhist studies, and visits to Fo Guang Shan branch temples, participants strengthened their understanding of youth leadership, Humanistic Buddhism, and service.
A delegation of 13 youth representatives from the North Carolina and Washington, D.C. BLIA Young Adult Divisions, led by Venerable Zhi San of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina, traveled to Taiwan from July 15–23, 2026, to participate in the Youth Summit event, followed by an eastern Taiwan heritage tour. The reactivation of the North Carolina division marks a renewed chapter in cultivating overseas youth leadership and Dharma propagation.
The reestablishment builds upon the momentum created by the official founding of the BLIA Young Adult Division Washington, D.C. last year. During the certification ceremony on July 17, 2026, President of Young Adult Division North Carolina Selina Sentosa Harjo, Vice President Penny Liu, and executive member Betty Liu received their certificates on stage. Venerable Tzu Jung presented the president's sash and the division flag, symbolizing the renewed unity of the youth organization and the beginning of a new chapter of service and personal growth.
Selina shared that witnessing the reestablishment of the North Carolina division was a great honor. Participating in the event also gave her a deeper understanding of the structure and future direction of the Fo Guang Shan’s organization. Upon returning to the United States, she hopes to integrate what he learned with the unique characteristics of the local youth community, guiding members to grow through volunteer service while embodying the mission of Fo Guang Shan.
Huizi Liu, President of the BLIA Young Adult Division Washington, D.C., said it was her first time attending the Fo Guang Shan Youth Summit in Taiwan. She was deeply impressed by the grandeur of Fo Guang Shan and Taiwan's rich cultural heritage, as well as its renowned cuisine. Meeting Fo Guang youth from around the world and wearing the same Fo Guang Youth uniform together gave her a profound sense that "Fo Guang youth are one family."
Huizi Liu, President of the BLIA Young Adult Division Washington, D.C., said it was her first time attending the Fo Guang Shan Youth Summit in Taiwan. She was deeply impressed by the grandeur of Fo Guang Shan and Taiwan's rich cultural heritage, as well as its renowned cuisine. Meeting Fo Guang youth from around the world and wearing the same Fo Guang Youth uniform together gave her a profound sense that "Fo Guang youth are one family."
First-time visitor to Taiwan and Vice President of the BLIA Young Adult Division of North Carolina, Penny Liu, described the event as both educational and inspiring. She was especially touched by Fo Guang Shan's genuine care and support for young people. One of the highlights of her trip was the final day's Buddhist studies session on the Parable of the Burning House from the Lotus Sutra. Through studying the teaching and exchanging reflections with fellow participants, she gained fresh insights into everyday life and found a more peaceful perspective for facing life's challenges.
Following the event, the Young Adult Divisions North Carolina and Washington, D.C. joined an eastern Taiwan heritage tour with other Young Adult Subdivisions, visiting Fo Guang Shan Ri Guang Temple in Taitung, Yue Guang Temple in Hualien, Fo Guang Shan Lanyang Temple in Yilan, and Fo Guang University.
The tour introduced participants to the founding history, cultural characteristics, and Dharma outreach of Fo Guang Shan branch temples across different regions. The youths shared that the journey broadened their international perspective while deepening their appreciation for the diverse ways Humanistic Buddhism has taken root and flourished throughout Taiwan.
