Dharma Drum Youth Singapore

Sentosa Island - Reviving & Fun Cycling    

The awaited Sentosa day-trip was finally held on 22/9/2007. There were 23 participants

altogether. As this is the first Dharma Drum Youth outdoor activity, everyone gathered in

an exciting mood.

The contingency plan was not used since it was a sunny day. Early in the morning, some

youth committee members already gathered and started preparing the program at

Sentosa Island. Some were at the train station, taking attendance and leading the

participants to the island. Around 8:30 a.m., everyone has gathered on this scenic Sentosa

Island.     

Firstly, we enjoyed the nutritious and nicely prepared breakfast! We were grateful to Pei

Ling for the preparation of the sandwiches and fruits which we enjoyed very much. After

the breakfast, we gathered in a circle on the beach. The president of Dharma Drum

Singapore, Mr. Xie Shi Yu started the self-introduction. Everyone seemed to be shy since

it was the first time we met each other. We just gave our name sequentially.   

After the introduction, we did the warm-up session – Dharma Drum Moving Meditation.

Maybe this was the first time for some of us, some laughed up the sleeve during the

movements. Nevertheless, we still followed the instructions of the leader throughout the

whole session. After warmed up, we had the first game session to get to know each other

better. This ‘shape-hunting’ game was led by Pei Yee and Hui Wei. The losers were

punished by having their faces decorated colourfully and creatively. Everyone lost the shy

 feeling after looking at each others’ face. The game ended with joy and laughter.

The following activity was cycling around Sentosa Island. Pei Ying and Mei Da were leading

 this activity. We found that cycling was a good way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of this

island. In addition, the double-seater bicycle received more attention due to its difficulty

level. We cycled for about an hour and came back just in time for lunch! We had vegetarian

rice noodles and delicious moon cake prepared by Pei Ying. Everyone seemed to work

hard participating in the activities, we managed to finish the food in seconds!    

After lunch, Sister Ai Li and Brother Shou Yuan led us in two activities -meditation and

hold- the-water-bowl. Soon, everyone fell into silence peacefully. The participants found

that to calm one’s mind down is not easy at all. It seemed to be an interesting experience

 for those who got in touch with meditation for the first time. After enjoying the peace of

mind, Pei Yee and Hui Wei brought everyone three melodious songs; two were

masterpieces of Pei Yee! Everyone was revelling in the melody while Pei Yee played the

guitar. When she played the song ‘Purigecic’ (DDM Youth’ theme), everyone sang together

happily. Followed by the songs, we had the game ‘trample the balloons’. Every pair

attempted to trample the balloons of ‘enemies’ playfully. Surprisingly, the winners of the

game were two gentle looking girls!

 The activity ended by having Pei Yee (DDM Youth representative) giving out Master

Sheng Yen’s book – Orthodox Buddhism to every participant. In addition, hand-made

key chain and book mark by her and Nian Si were given out together with the book.

The participants can feel the effort and care of DDM Youth. After receiving the membership

forms from participants, we felt that our effort is worthwhile. This had built the confidence

in us, motivating us to introduce the ideology of DDM Youth to more youth, like what Master

Sheng Yen said, youth has to bear the responsibility to the society. Please trust us; we

are working diligently towards the goal!