The birth of any nation or organization has its background, causes, and conditions. The origin of the 'Buddha's Light International Association—Young Adult Division' is no different. The idea to have a Buddhist youth group started in California, USA, during the 1st American & Canadian Buddhist Youth Camp in March 1996.

 

Grand Master Hsing Yun was invited to give a speech during that time, and he pointed out that to understand a nation's future, one must understand the nation's youths; similarly, to know Buddhism's future, one must evaluate the Buddhist youth's quality. He then mentioned the world’s famous leaders of past and present, who have been sacrificed themselves during their youth in order to succeed in their careers. Furthermore, notable Buddhists such as Sakyamuni Buddha and Grand Master Xuen Zhuang had devoted their youth to Buddhism, went through many hardships, and overcame many obstacles, just to accomplish their dedication to Buddhism.

 

“Youth is Buddhism’s future hope!” It is the Grand Master Hsing Yun’s word that inspired the youth audiences, and encouraged them to be the forerunner of Dharma propagation. Hence, at the BLIA 1st Meeting of the Second Board of Directors which was held in Malaysia on April 23rd of 1996, under Grand Master Hsing Yun’s strong endorsement, BLIA YAD, an international based Buddhist youth that affiliated with BLIA, was born.