A Spiritual Dialogue Amid the Pressure of the Digital Age
“Ask Ajahn” Buddhist Talk Inspires Youth Awareness and Growth
By the Secretariat of the Indonesian True Buddha School Vajrayana Association
Compiled by Dharma Affairs Reporter
Interfaith Exchange in the Digital Era Responding to the Real Challenges Faced by Youth
On April 23, 2026, the “Ask Ajahn” Buddhist talk was held at Vihara Vajra Bumi Nusantara and organized by Sekolah Atisa Dipamkara, creating a cross-national and interfaith spiritual exchange event.
The lecture focused on the impact of the “digital age” on the mental and emotional well-being of young people. Approximately 550 junior high school, high school, and vocational students attended, and together with teachers, parents, and members of the public, total attendance reached around 880 people. Conducted in an interactive Q&A format, the event generated an enthusiastic atmosphere, reflecting contemporary youth’s deep concern and longing for spiritual and emotional guidance.
Opening Remarks Highlight the Hidden Pressures Behind Digital Convenience
“In this rapidly changing digital age, while we enjoy the conveniences brought by technology, we are also carrying pressures that cannot be ignored… Many people appear fine on the surface, yet inwardly they are going through silent struggles.”
These thought-provoking opening remarks were delivered by Master Shi Lianfei, Chairperson of the Sangha of the Indonesian True Buddha School Vajrayana Association. His words precisely captured the inner struggles faced by modern youth amid social media comparison, academic competition, and uncertainty about life, resonating deeply with everyone present.
Distinguished Guests Gather to Support Spiritual Education
The event welcomed many distinguished guests, including:
Together, they witnessed this important event that integrated education with spiritual growth.
Using Buddhadharma to Convey Warm and Profound Wisdom for Life
The keynote speaker, Venerable Ajahn Brahm, graduated from the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge before ordaining as a monk. Now 75 years old, he is a renowned British Theravada Buddhist master who has taught the Dharma throughout the world and has formed deep Dharma affinities with Indonesia.
Through arrangements by the Ehipassiko Foundation, Ajahn Brahm has continually promoted Buddhist talks and spiritual education at major Buddhist institutions across Indonesia, with special concern for the mental and emotional development of young people.
Ajahn Brahm is widely known for his humorous and accessible teaching style. He skillfully transforms profound Buddhist teachings into practical wisdom closely connected to daily life, enabling audiences to realize deeper truths in a relaxed atmosphere. His book Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung? (Chinese title: 《誰訂了這車糞？》) uses parables to illustrate life lessons and has become highly popular in Indonesia, ranking among bestselling works.
This visit to Sekolah Atisa Dipamkara formed part of Ajahn Brahm’s Dharma teaching tour. Prior to this event, he had already conducted lectures in Bali, Surabaya, Semarang, and Bandung, continuously bringing Buddhist wisdom to different cities and communities.
Interactive Q&A Directly Addresses the Real Concerns of Youth
Before the lecture, Ajahn Brahm also toured the Sekolah Atisa Dipamkara campus and showed concern for the students’ learning and growth environment.
The talk began with an open Q&A session in which students eagerly raised questions closely related to their lives and core concerns, including:
…
Faced with these sincere questions, Ajahn Brahm responded with concise, warm, and insightful answers, guiding students to rediscover themselves and understand the world from within. This was not merely the transmission of knowledge, but a profound spiritual dialogue and an awakening of self-awareness.
Strengthening Inner Stability to Face Future Challenges
Through this lecture, young participants were able to reexamine themselves under the guidance of Buddhadharma and learn to face the many challenges of the digital age with greater composure and wisdom.
The event also highlighted the importance of spiritual education in contemporary society, encouraging the younger generation to cultivate inner stability, clear discernment, and a compassionate and inclusive heart.
Conclusion: Finding Inner Peace Amid a Noisy Era
In an age of rapid technological advancement and endless streams of information, the external world grows increasingly complicated, making inner peace all the more precious.
“Ask Ajahn” was not merely a lecture, but a bridge that helped young people move from anxiety and confusion toward understanding and awareness.
When Buddhist wisdom enters the campus, and when dialogue replaces dogmatic instruction, the younger generation can grow through understanding and mature through reflection. May every young person, amid this ever-changing era, remain grounded in their hearts, move forward steadily, illuminate life’s path with wisdom, and embrace the future of the world with compassion.
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