Mellons Bay School Embraces Mindfulness & Joy at Fo Guang Shan Temple

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 15, 2024 On the morning of 26th March 2024, 230 students from Years 1 to 3 at Mellons Bay School, accompanied by 58 teachers and parents, visited the Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple to learn about the value of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G). Upon their arrival, they were warmly greeted by the BLIA members. A lively and uplifting song, 3G GO, composed by the President Jenny CHEN of the BLIA New York Chapter, which was greatly enjoyed by both the students and teachers. The BLIA members engaged the students with interactive teaching methods, incorporating various activities to convey the meaning of 3G4G. The students watched a movie Life of Buddha to learn how to apply good deeds in real life, created lotus flowers origami to practise concentration, learned how to ring a wishing bell with joined palms to make personal vows and experienced calmness of body and mind through meditation. Teacher Jane Craig expressed her gratitude for the warm welcoming and the meaningful educational activities arranged by the team. She was delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Mellons Bay School visit, noting the joyful smiles on each student’s face. Kim, a teacher visiting the Temple for the first time, shared that she found the Temple’s grand architecture and peaceful gardens to be very calming and comforting. Her favourite part of the visit was watching the film about Buddha’s life, which she found inspiring and moving. The Temple specially presented Three Goods stickers as a gift to the students, wishing them to implement these values in their lives and spread joy and hope to those around them, contributing to a harmonious community. The teachers also expressed their anticipation of bringing 250 Year 4 to 6 students to the Temple in May to participate in the 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing.

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Year of the Dragon Celebration at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 20, 2024 From 9th to 11th February 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch held a series of celebrations to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Almost 2,000 attendees gathered at the Temple to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Venerables led the congregation in paying homage to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on the eve and the first day of the Chinese New Year. A Prayer for the New Year, written by the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was recited. Everyone wishes Happy Chinese New Year to the Head Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order Most Venerable HsinBau, the FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, and all present. Videos of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Head Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bao bestowing blessings for 2024 were watched by the attendees. They were also presented with the traditional auspicious red packets and calligraphy with good wishes for a blessed and prosperous new year. Family members of all ages visited the Temple to make offerings and prayers with incense, light and flower offerings to express their hopes for the coming year. The crowd struck the bell of happiness, engaged in sutra transcription, took the Wise Words of the Venerable Master, and enjoyed the auspicious porridge meal. There was a full house at the Water Drop Teahouse, with everyone joyfully participating in the events. They are grateful for the meticulous arrangements made by the temple staff and for the joyful contributions of the volunteers. The Chinese New Year festivities included vibrant and traditional lion dance performances, which attracted many visitors. Residents came from all over the community to witness the festival, immersing themselves in the pleasant festive cultural atmosphere. Moreover, the God of Wealth also appeared, distributing candies which symbolized spiritual and financial prosperity to everyone. Venerable Juexi, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch shared the importance of seizing opportunities to serve others and cultivating spiritual merits and wealth in the new year, in addition to earning money and accumulating wealth. Venerable stated that one should continue to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships, understand the causes and effects in the world, and deal joyfully with people and situations.  Spiritual merits are treasures greater than wealth.

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An Interfaith Exchange between BLIA Sydney and Parramatta Mission

Florence Yuen March 4, 2024 On February 26th 2024, Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney, along with Florence Yuen, executive committee member of BLIA Sydney and Jean Kho, Advisor of BLIA Sydney West 2 Subchapter, visited Parramatta Mission in the heart of Sydney’s western district. They met with representatives from the organization, including Reverend Dr. Helen Richmond, Community General Manager Davyn de Bruyn, Service Manager Paul Moussa, and Asian community volunteer Chao Zhou, for an interfaith exchange. Parramatta Mission, an affiliate of the Uniting Church in Australia, has a rich history of over 200 years in community outreach and support services. Their mission is to assist vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and individuals facing mental health challenges. Through their “Meals Plus” program, they provide food, accommodation, and support, serving breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday. Additionally, they offer mental health services aimed at promoting well-being and reducing discrimination. During the meeting, Daniel Wu introduced BLIA’s history and activities and shared the organization’s guiding principles of the “Four Givings” – giving confidence, joy, hope, and convenience to others. The two groups were delighted to find that BLIA’s principles and Parramatta Mission’s values of faith, hope, and joy are very much in alignment. Paul Moussa expressed gratitude towards BLIA Sydney’s expression of interest in supporting the community. According to Moussa, access to services and resources can be challenging for segments of the Chinese community due to the language barrier. Both parties explored feasible forms of collaboration, including volunteering in the Meals Plus program, providing healthy vegetarian meals, mental health support, and caring for vulnerable individuals. The goal is to enhance social services for a diverse community. BLIA Sydney visited Parramatta Mission for an interfaith exchange. BLIA representatives led by Daniel Wu (second from the left) were warmly welcomed by representatives led by Reverend Dr. Helen Richmond (right).  photo／BLIA Sydney   Jean Kho, Elderly Advisor of BLIA West 2 Subchapter stated that despite differing religious backgrounds, the shared goal of bringing joy and hope to others unites the two organizations. This exchange highlighted the potential for collaboration between different faiths in Australia’s multicultural society, ultimately contributing to greater compassion and support for the community. As Venerable Master Hsing Yun wisely said, “While there are differences among religious groups and their doctrines may vary, but they can still seek common ground amidst their differences.”

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BLIA South Island NZ Training and Fellowship Seminar with Newly Appointed YAD President

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 1, 2024 On 16th March 2024, BLIA South Island held a Training and Fellowship Seminar at the Fo Guang Shan Christchurch Temple. The session featured insights from Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, Subchapter Senior Advisor CAO Qian, and Subchapter 1 President Tiffany SU. The session was attended by over 40 members, including Subchapter Senior Advisor Louisa KUO, BLIA South Island Deputy Presidents James LOW and Dong ZHANG and other committees. During the event, a charter ceremony was conducted for the newly appointed BLIA Young Adult Division Christchurch President Tim SONG and Deputy President Elaine HUANG. President Tiffany SU, quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encouraged all participants to serve the community, thus forging positive connections. She emphasized that BLIA members strive to purify human minds, fostering compassion within society and making a meaningful historical impact through organising various activities. Senior Advisor CAO Qian shared her personal experiences to convey the essence of the BLIA and the attitudes that members should maintain. She stressed Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings for BLIA members to embrace virtues of unity and benevolence, and to actively engage in the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in their daily lives to cultivate happiness and peace. Venerable Juexi highlighted the significance of essence, form, and function in practice. Venerable encouraged attendees to develop wisdom as the essence, compassion as the form, and skilful means for function, as one should return to the basics by cultivating the right understanding and right view from within. Venerable urged BLIA members to care for all beings and practice the principles of Truthfulness, Virtue, and Beauty inherent in Humanistic Buddhism at all times. The session also included vibrant and energetic singing by the YAD group. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the organizers’ dedication, gaining deeper insights into BLIA’s operations and feeling proud to be part of the community.

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Nan Tien Institute Participates in the "Attention Ecology" International Conference to Promote World Peace

Francis Wong February 23, 2024 Venerable Jue Wei, Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Center at Nan Tien Institute of Fo Guang Shan, attended the online workshop "Toward a systemic concept of attention for the attention economy, using Buddhist and Western ethics" on 7 February, at the invitation of the Eindhoven Centre for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence in the Netherlands. She delivered a keynote speech and explored the theme of "Ethics & Attention," along with other renowned experts, scholars, and institutional leaders. The workshop covered topics such as "Artificial Intelligence and Attention," "Economics, Business, and Attention," and "Law and Attention." Each presenter was given 15 minutes for their keynote speech, followed by an hour of online and offline open discussion. Venerable Jue Wei, drawing on Mahayana Buddhist principles, discussed how to transform the "Attention Economy" into an "Attention Ecology." She advocated for using "Attention Ecology" to enhance the concentration of the universe, removing the "Five Hindrances" that obstruct humanity's understanding of reality. He also explained the concept of "MettaVerses" to illustrate compassion and generosity across all realms, utilizing technology to benefit the public and foster the Bodhi mind. Venerable Jue Wei emphasized that Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes understanding of dependent origination, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self as fundamental insights into the nature of reality. The "Five Hindrances" of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt hinder the recognition of interdependence, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self, distorting perception of reality, clouding mental clarity, and reducing the ability to cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and concentration, which are psychological factors or "energies" within the attention economy's emotional landscape. Focusing on the Bodhi mind in Mahayana Buddhism, Venerable Jue Wei underscored the cultivation of compassion and love, directing attention to the suffering of others, feeling compassion, and translating it into action. She proposed the concept of "MettaVerses," defining compassion as "selflessly serving and assisting with wisdom" and "giving charity unconditionally, without expecting anything in return," as shared by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with the public. During the Q&A session, participants demonstrated great interest in "MettaVerses" and Buddhist concepts, discussing mindfulness, "maintaining equanimity is the way," various Buddhist practices related to concentration, going with the flow, gradual enlightenment, and sudden enlightenment. Venerable Jue Wei believes that the current problems and crises in the world require collaboration across various fields, including religion, economics, law, ethics, and technology, to collectively create and transform crises, improve society, and promote world peace. She felt honoured to attend this presentation alongside some elite scholars and noted that Nan Tien Institute's curriculum references and cites these scholars' books as course materials, inspiring deeper and broader learning. Venerable Jue Wei recalls the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun that the venerables of Fo Guang Shan should "step out to the world" and stand on the international stage to advocate for Buddhism, using Buddhism to change society and promote world peace. Conference Video to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNnjP8zk9A

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New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon Inspired by Venerable Master’s Calligraphy

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 19, 2024 On 9th February 2024, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon celebrated the Lunar New Year at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Auckland, marking his third visit to the Temple. Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of FGS New Zealand, presented him with a calligraphy piece, Those Who Endure Are Powerful, inscribed by the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, along with the book Master Hsing Yun’s Eight Decades. These gifts symbolised wishes for the Prime Minister to lead the nation towards stability and prosperity with resilience. Prime Minister Luxon, who became a Member of Parliament for the Temple’s region three years prior, expressed his deep impression of the community work done by the Temple. In February 2023, upon learning of Venerable Master’s peaceful passing, he sent immediate condolences and thanked the Grand Master for bringing the Temple to New Zealand. He also conveyed greetings to the Head Abbot of FGS, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau. Since taking office, Prime Minister Luxon has implemented new governance strategies, including tax cuts to reduce living costs, empowering police with more authority to enhance public safety, banning mobile phones in schools and increasing teaching hours. During his visit, Abbess invited the Prime Minister to read a Dharma word from the Venerable Master: Endurance requires supreme wisdom to bear the unbearable and do the difficult. It is magnanimous compassion, insightful Bodhi wisdom and unparalleled strength. Abbess explained the Venerable Master’s vision and the power of patience, emphasising that maintaining balance through endurance can lead to a clear understanding of worldly truths and the power to effect change. The event was attended by notable guests including National Party MP Nancy LU, Howick Local Board Chairman Damian Light, NZP Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and BLIA North Island President Evelyn KU, Advisor Sally WONG, Advisor Lintao YU, Deputy President Larry YANG and Nick YOONG. The attendees applauded the PM, expressing hope for national prosperity and harmony under his leadership. The PM expressed his gratitude, stating he would hang the Grand Master’s teachings in his office as a reminder that endurance is an essential part of life and his mission. The celebration highlighted Fo Guang Shan New Zealand and the BLIA’s teamwork with the police, schools and various community sectors in achieving significant results in culture, education and charity. The visit of PM Luxon underscored the government’s support for New Zealand’s commitment to inclusivity.

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Jiangsu Province Buddhist Association from China Visited FGS Auckland NZ

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 28, 2024 On 16 March 2024, a delegation from the Jiangsu Province Buddhist Association, including Abbot of Nanjing’s Qixia Temple Venerable LongXiang, Abbot of Xuzhou’s Xinghua Chan Temple Venerable GuoGuang, Abbess of Rugao’s Fahua Temple Venerable ZhaoKong and the Academic Affairs Head of Jiangsu Buddhist College Venerable ZongZe, visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland. They were warmly received by Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan in New Zealand. Abbess led the visitors to pay homage at the Main Shrine and to pay tribute to the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with a flower offering. Abbess Manshin guided the guests through the facilities, explaining the community projects carried out in local society, based on the teaching of Venerable Master. Abbot LongXiang expressed gratitude to the Venerable Master for sharing kindness worldwide and benefiting the global citizens. He noted the significance of Buddhism serving the public and commended the BLIA members for their united and strong mission of bringing a joyful and positive attitude to the community. Abbot encouraged the members, acknowledging their fortune in continuing the spirit of Venerable Master’s teachings Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in New Zealand. He appreciated the Team for their efforts, emphasising the need for increased cooperation and unity. Gifts were exchanged, including calligraphy, Pu’er tea and incense burners. FGS Auckland presented a book 366 Days with Wisdom written by the Founding Master in return.

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Nan Tien Temple New Year's Eve Carnival Embracing the New Year with Vegetarianism and Environmental Preservation

Francis Wong February 22, 2024 To bid farewell to the past and welcome the new, ushering in the Year of the Golden Dragon with joy, on 9 February, for the first time, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple organized the "New Year's Eve Carnival" at the Nan Tien Bridge Plaza, featuring an international vegetarian food market. The carnival began at 6pm until the early hours of the next day, aimed to bring joy to the community on New Year's Eve. Nearly 2,000 participants, including Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM, devotees, community residents, and visiting guests, gathered to partake in the festivities. The carnival, themed around "vegetarianism," aimed to promote fellowship while aligning with the environmental and mindful principles advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. It also supported the United Nations' goal of reducing carbon emissions by encouraging more consumption of fruits and vegetables and less meat. The food market featured vegetarian vendors from both Eastern and Western traditions, preparing exquisite vegetarian New Year dishes for all attendees to enjoy in a harmonious atmosphere and cultural exchange. Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery inaugurated the vegetarian market, praising Nan Tien Temple for its significant contributions to religious harmony, community cohesion, and cultural education in Wollongong over the past 30 years. He wished everyone a happy Lunar New Year, good health, and prosperity. Local resident Victoria Bromage, who found spiritual purification through Nan Tien Temple's meditation courses, attended the New Year's Eve event to express her strong support for promoting vegetarianism to protect the environment. She commended Nan Tien Temple for creating a harmonious and loving atmosphere in the community. Visitors and vegetarian advocate Zen were delighted with the vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year and expressed that the delightful vegetarian dishes effectively promote the concept of healthy eating. Following the carnival, two significant dharma functions, the "New Year's Eve Prayer Dharma Function" and the "New Year's Blessing and Prayer Dharma Function," were held at the Main Shrine. Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, presided over these dharma functions to seek New Year blessings from the Buddha for all sentient beings. The dharma functions were live-streamed, attracting nearly a thousand participants both online and offline, enjoying the spiritual benefits. After the New Year's Eve Universal Prayer, a video featuring Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "New Year's Eve Prayer" was played. Following the ceremonies, the attendees paid their respects to Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Nan Tien Temple's Abbot Venerable Xin Bao to bid farewell to the past year. The New Year's Blessing Ceremony began at midnight, with the aspiration for all participants to purify their body and mind through practicing the "Three Acts of Goodness" and welcoming the new year. A video of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "New Year's Prayer" was played, invoking blessings for everyone to eliminate obstacles, cultivate positive aspirations, and increase wisdom. Nan Tien Temple utilized technology to allow remote worshipers to participate by lighting virtual lamps online, expressing respect for the Triple Gem and their aspirations for the new year. The lights in front of the Buddha symbolized the illumination of Buddha's radiance, spreading joy to the hearts of all. Venerable Man Ko emphasizing the tradition of acquiring new items for the new year, symbolizing a fresh start. She encouraged individuals to understand the importance of "self-renewal" in the contemporary era, letting go of old beliefs and thoughts, and adapting to the times while coexisting with the current era. "If an individual can practice the Three Acts of Goodness, then they will be dignified and upright; if everyone in society practices the Three Acts of Goodness, then society will be harmonious," added Venerable Man Ko. She further pointed out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun summarized a lifetime of practice into the concept of the "Three Acts of Goodness," capable of purifying hearts and promoting social harmony. She urged everyone to diligently cultivate with sincerity, compassion, and wisdom in the new year, wishing all attendees "peace and joy in the cloud and water-like tranquillity." Venerable Man Ko led the countdown to the Year of the Dragon, expressing prayers with the sound of the bell, "Hearing the bell, afflictions are lightened, wisdom grows, Bodhi increases..." Venerables at Nan Tien Temple then assisted to distribute the red envelopes and spring couplets, allowing the crowd to feel the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year and the warmth of humanistic Buddhism. Antonio from Spain, feeling relaxed in the natural and integrated environment of Nan Tien Temple, enjoyed the friendly and joyful atmosphere of the New Year's Eve carnival, experiencing it together with his family. Akane from Japan and Aidan from Newcastle, after learning about the event online, specifically travelled together to participate. They expressed great joy in attending the New Year's ceremonies and prayers, wishing for harmonious families and world peace.

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Toronto Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class Teacher Team Aspires to Nurture Young Hearts

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto March 14, 2024 On February 24th, the dedicated Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class teacher team gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto for a comprehensive teacher training and curriculum discussion workshop. The workshop attracted teachers and teaching assistants from both the Mississauga and Markham campuses. Venerable Ru An, the Director of Social Education, commenced the training session with a heartwarming activity aimed at fostering a sense of unity among the participants. The workshop coincided with the first anniversary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s passing. In homage to the late founder of FGS, Venerable Ru An shared the Venerable Master's profound Dharma Talk on "Liberated and at Ease." She emphasized the importance of embodying the teachings in daily life, urging all educators to not only mentor but also to nurture young hearts with the Dharma. The seeds of Bodhi planted in the children's hearts will serve as a beacon of guidance and protection on their spiritual journey. In an effort to deepen the students' faith and confidence in themselves, the children will now engage in Buddhist chanting services before each class. This practice aims to instill Buddhist etiquette in their daily conduct and allow them to connect wholeheartedly with the Buddha through chanting. The theme for the Spring 2024 program, "Embrace, Empower, Elevate: The Power of Patience," inspired lively discussions among the teachers during the curriculum planning session. The educators are eager to provide opportunities for children to experience and realize the boundless power of goodwill, viewing adversities as avenues for growth. To foster a sense of community within the Temple, the teaching team creatively integrated upcoming Temple events into the program calendar. These include the Buddha’s Birthday storytelling competition and a performance at the annual Veggie Food Fair in June. Venerable Ru An offered insights into the Spring program content and strategies for effective classroom management towards the end of the group discussion. The encouragement and support from Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, and Venerable Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of FGS Toronto, uplifted the teaching team. The Abbess emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Children Dharma Class program and other youth programs, promoting the localization of Humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Zhi Guan highlighted the significance of being observant as educators, enabling them to be responsive to the children's needs. Unified in their dedication to propagating Humanistic Buddhism, the workshop participants expressed gratitude for the mentorship of the Venerable Master and the camaraderie among colleagues. The team concluded the training with a resolute mission statement: "Nurturing young hearts with compassion and wisdom!"

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Mainstream Media Coverage on Nan Tien Temple’s Celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon

Francis Wong February 21, 2024 Nan Tien Temple, located in Wollongong, Australia, is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Since its consecration in 1995, it has become a landmark in the southern suburb of Wollongong, recognized by the government and media for its community care and services to the society. Together with the community, Nan Tien Temple celebrates the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, attracting attention from both local and international media outlets including newspapers, official websites, TV stations, community radio stations, and social media platforms. This attention helps draw residents and tourists from the Sydney area to Nan Tien Temple during the Lunar New Year to pray, participate in various festive activities, experience the virtues of Buddhism, and appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture. On 7 February, Venerable Miao You, Director of Nan Tien Institute, was interviewed by the Illawarra Mercury, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the Lunar New Year as a time for renewal and the practice of “Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words, Think Good Thoughts” in daily life. She also highlighted the anniversary of the passing of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Year of the Dragon, Venerable Miao You noted, symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, reminding people to care for society with goodwill and humility. People born in the Year of the Dragon are described as intelligent, confident, and charismatic. The Illawarra Mercury also reported on Nan Tien Temple's Lunar New Year celebrations, including its first international vegetarian food market, prayer ceremonies, wishing trees, bell ringing ceremonies for peace, traditional lion dances, and cultural stalls and exhibitions. On 9 February, journalists from the official SBS News television station witnessed the opening of the vegetarian food market by Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM of Wollongong. The journalists interviewed various visitors, volunteers, scholarship recipients from Nan Tien University, and provided official coverage, praising Nan Tien Temple for actively promoting multicultural interaction and integrating traditional Chinese culture into the community, thereby enriching the cultural diversity of the region.

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