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Looking Back with Gratitude,

Looking Forward with Confidence

In 2020 the Young Buddhist Consumerism, by definition, is the and integrity, and most importantly
Association of Malaysia (YBAM) human desire to acquire and own how to calm the mind despite
will be celebrating its 50th year worldy goods in excess of one’s the many vicissitudes in life. The
of establishment. Celebrating basic needs. In a consumeristic beauty of spiritual happiness is that
its golden anniversary is a great culture, everything is fast-paced, it gives us peace of mind which is
opportunity to thank volunteers, highly competitive, and focussed on not ethereal in nature.
sponsors, benefactors, Saṅgha wanting more and more. According
members, and staff for their to the psychology of well-being, The message of the Buddha is that
contributions over the years. It is the most reliable predictor of we need to live life in moderation
also an occasion to recognize the long-term happiness is building to be happy, neither overindulging
specific achievements made by and maintaining positive long- nor subjecting ourselves to extreme
YBAM over half a century as a non- term human relationships. So, self-denial. Youths can still be fully
sectarian Buddhist organization to while consumerism, which is a engaged in this modern world
grow the Dharma in the community, result of economic prosperity, may while cultivating wholesome
especially among the youths. It give us worldy happiness, often, values taught by the Buddha,
offers an opportunity for us to the reverse is true for long-term thus enabling them to enjoy both
reflect and look back with gratitude relationships, hence, leading to a material and spiritual happiness in
on the many challenges that YBAM rise in depression among youths in an affluent society.
has overcome as an organization. society. This is an aspect of human
This helps to invigorate all psychology that the Buddha knew If Buddhist organizations like
those who are supporting the 2600 years ago. While the Buddha the YBAM can instil the Buddha’s
organization. did not deny the importance of underlying message of balance and
worldly happiness, he nevertheless moderation to the youths, it would
However, anniversaries are also an warned against its fleeting nature, be a significant contributor to the
excellent way to inform the wider which would inevitably result in growth of the Buddhist community
audience not just of one’s history different forms of unhappiness, in the country. As such, YBAM will
and accomplishments, as well as including mental stress and a need to continuously review and
one’s plans for the future. Looking sense of lack or inadequacy. This reinvent its current programs on
forward, the biggest challenge for is where, in his many discourses to how to instil Buddhist values so
YBAM in this modern digital age lay disciples, many of whom were that youths of today and tomorrow
is whether it will be able to attract youths like the famous Sīgāla in the can resonate with the timeless
Buddhist youths to study and Pāli Canon, he talked about a higher essence of the Buddha Dharma.
practice Buddhism, and convey form of happiness which is based
the message that the Buddha on certain core principles. The May all be well and happy, and
Dharma is still relevant in today’s emphasis of these principles is on Happy New Year!
alluring consumeristic culture. If right livelihood and right conduct,
it succeeds, then it would have a the need to have good hearted January 1, 2020
meaningful role to play in the years friends, how to earn money and
to come. be wealthy through honest means