FGS News
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.
BLIA NZ YAD Consensus Seminar Filling Life with Right Understanding and Views
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 11, 2024 On 17 March 2024, BLIA Auckland organised the Consensus Seminar at FGS Auckland. Inviting Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of FGS NZ and Supervisor Meggan LAM of the BLIA NZ North Island Subchapter 1 as instructors, the seminar led over 20 young adults in a series of activities. These activities included Tai Chi meditation and interactive discussions, aiming to address and unravel challenges faced in life, learning and work, thereby establishing right understanding and views. Meggan Lam, a member of the Auckland Health Committee and a clinical psychology consultant, guided participants to reflect on the core reasons and values behind their actions. She provided practical advice for youth in school and the workplace, such as the importance of asking for help, understanding one’s limits, maintaining transparent and timely communication with superiors, and using positive language to resolve difficulties. Abbess answered various questions, highlighting the importance of having an enlightened mind regardless of one’s location. This involves caring about the growth of wisdom, harmonising emotions and learning to endure hardships. The Abbess shared a teaching from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Keeping up is important. She emphasised that there’s nothing that can’t be done well or kept up with. It’s crucial to admit and accept one’s imperfections, understanding that everything is subject to change. In the transient nature of life, it’s possible to find the right ways, methods, directions and to vigorously catch up. The Abbess encouraged the youths saying, a single person can move fast, but a group can go far. Together, the youth are stronger in the team.
2024 Fo Guang Club Welcoming Day Realising Ideals with Aspirational Power
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 10, 2024 On 9th March 2024, Fo Guang Club of the University of Auckland held its New Semester Welcoming Day with a total of 22 members gathering at the FGS Auckland to participate in various activities. The YAD committee guided new members through ice-breaking games and Temple tours. They introduced Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order and shared the Dharma teaching: With ideals, there is aspirational power; with aspirational power, there is realisation; with realisation, ideals can be achieved, leading to a promising future, encouraging the participants to learn from the Venerable Master’s spirit of staying true to one’s initial vows. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin used a Q&A format to answer the youth’s doubts, how can one cultivate a character of giving? The Abbess clarified, those with a compassionate heart naturally understand giving and repaying kindness. Giving money or material possessions to others is material giving, sharing teachings and principles with others is Dharma giving, one can also provide spiritual support and strength to overcome fear which is fearless giving. How can one manage oneself? The Abbess shared a teaching from the Founding Master saying, I am among the people. Using examples of YAD committees Thomas and Edwin, Abbess explained how from the initial inspiration to the integration into regular practices, they embodied the idea that youth need good role models because being in the right environment and serving in a group enables them to become masters of their own lives, making life filled with positive qualities. The participants expressed their gratitude one after another. Winter, a participant, expressed gratitude, saying Abbess Manshin had helped them unravel many confusions. She felt greatly inspired and was pleased to have made numerous like-minded friends. Adela shared, the event was organised professionally and meticulously. She was grateful to the organisers for their dedication. Through the event, she had deepened her understanding of the Temple and wished to continue learning to gain wisdom.
An exclusive interview: Ven Abbess Manshin
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 3, 2024 The Venerable Abbess Manshin doesn’t give interviews. ‘Success isn’t about individual accomplishment but the collective power of the community. I haven’t given one in 20 years,’ the quintessential leitmotif of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in New Zealand, told FARIDA MASTER. A rare interview with the game-changer who has transformed the cultural landscape of east Auckland. The Abbess embodies an alchemy of fiery dynamism, quiet strength, and an aura of utmost calm as she has worked relentlessly with communities, schools, youth groups, artists, and the police alike, to make the Temple an epicentre of vibrant cultural activity. An influential networker, the Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temples both in Auckland and Christchurch has taken on some huge challenges in her stride. She clearly defies the stereotypical description of a monastic leading a sterile life. From the outside most people would imagine that the Abbess has an army of volunteers to organise a series of multicultural events, attended by nearly 20,000 people. Yet, when you have a peek behind-the-scenes, there is just a small group of monastic and volunteers, working day and night to make things happen with precision, élan and dignity. Ven Abbess blesses a child at the Buddha’s Birthday Baby Blessing ceremony. Anyone who has attended the Chinese New Year Celebrations or the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration or the annual art exhibition at the Fo Guang Yuan art gallery, will know that everyone from the city’s most influential to the regulars, swarm the portals of the Temple – a study in architecture. “Buddhism is not exclusive,” she explains about her unblinkered pursuit of connecting with communities. “Since Gautama Buddha’s time, Buddha reached out to people as he went out to the community to collect alms. We at Fo Guang Shan hope to bring people together to develop their own potential and generate a positive attitude.” Talking for the first time about her personal tryst with Humanistic Buddhism, she says she felt drawn to it, in her early teens. “I WASN’T BORN IN A BUDDHIST FAMILY” “At the age of 14, I read about Buddhism being action-oriented. It’s about being a doer. I wanted to know whose teaching it was and started reading up,” she says about her calling to be a monastic. Soon after a three-year degree in the Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin Buddhist University which involved a lot of study, hard work, and discipline to become a monastic, she was stationed in Queensland to oversee the building of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. Whilst the young monastic was serving in Australia, she was summoned to Auckland by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. He wanted the capable monastic who had shown sparks of dynamism to manage the building of the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Flat Bush that was facing several hurdles. The work had come to a standstill and the Master was deeply concerned about the slow progress coupled with financial barriers that the Temple was confronted with. “Though I had no idea how I could make it happen, I assured the Master that I would accomplish the task if he gave me some time. I requested for permission to return to Australia before I took on the challenge of translating his vision into a reality,” she recalls. While the Abbess pulled out all stops to raise funds for the completion of the Temple, the next challenge was to foster a deep sense of community in the suburb with a multicultural glow. Never losing her sangfroid when the going got tough, the monastic elucidates on the power of resilience. She firmly believes that the world belongs to those who serve communities despite the speed-breakers. “HARDSHIP IS A WONDERFUL TEACHER.” “It’s only when you come across a difficult situation, that you work towards a solution and discover the immense reservoir of strength and determination you have within. There should be no pampering. It makes people weak. Those who can take hardship have a bright future. They can take on a mission and ensure it is completed.” The final completion of the Temple at Stancombe Road was a magnificent mission accomplished…despite the tears and turmoil involved. But she’d rather not discuss it. Instead, we talk about the Buddhist Temple becoming a haven for local schools. Children from around 55 local schools visit the tranquil portals of the beautifully designed Temple in Auckland and Christchurch. It is here they learn about the value of 3G: Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words and Think Good Thoughts; and 4G: Giving Confidence, Joy, Hope and Convenience to others. “SLOGANS WE MOUTH MUST TURN TO ACTION.” “It’s important for humanity to have more strength and energy,” she says about nourishing young minds with a sense of goodness. “A lot of times children teach their parents good values. We enable them to inculcate a positive attitude during times of trouble and help transform themselves. We also make them take a vow about cleaning their room and listening to their parents.” Instilling a sense of goodness in young minds has been a rewarding experience. The Abbess was particularly touched when Principal Heath McNeil of Ormiston Primary School mentioned that he was grateful for the relationship they’d built with the students over the years. McNeil felt reassured that the young students had someone to turn to during difficult times. “Where else can they ask for help? As our children move on to intermediate school or junior college they could face more challenges and we are not always there to protect them. But they can come to the Temple for help.” International students in the area, trying to find their feet in a new country also rely on the Temple for support. They find a sense of belonging and are appreciative of the generous lunch boxes with yummy vegetarian fare, thoughtfully packed for them by the Temple team to take home. There is enough food to share with their flatmates. It was a huge blessing for some during Covid times. “People who walk into the Temple or pray feel a sense of peace and tranquillity. They get charged with energy,” says the Abbess. The Police vouch for it too. Unbeknown to most, the NZ Police have held several conferences in the serene precincts of the landmark Temple. The Temple shares a close working relationship with the law-keepers of the nation. The Abbess was chosen by former police commissioner Howard Broad to be an honorary Patron of Wing 261 to a batch of 38 constables “as she brought a unique dimension to their training,” he said of the dedicated Buddhist monastic who also organised a Crime Prevention Expo in South Auckland, and produced a handbook for new police recruits. “WE MUST NURTURE AND SUPPORT THE GUARDIANS OF LAW WHO LOOK AFTER US.” “They need looking after too,” the Abbess concedes. As if on cue, Sr Sergeant Richard Bracey walks into the Temple with a couple of constables for a quick chat. He shares saying, “After a chaotic and stressful meeting, one feels relieved and at peace just walking through the Temple grounds.” The Temple and police have worked together on several occasions. During Covid when local schools ran short of Rapid Antigen Test, (RAT), the Abbess took it upon herself to help by asking the Temple headquarters in Taiwan for 15,000 free RAT kits to be sent to Auckland. “They were surprised to hear that New Zealand which was said to be the safest country in the world at the time, required them. Within hours, 97 schools registered saying they would require them. “I was sitting at my computer for four days at a stretch answering queries from school principals till late at night. “Under the leadership of Former Counties Manukau East Area Commander Inspector Scott Gemmell, Inspector Colin Higson and Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, the police team provided unstinted support for the distribution of supplies to schools. It was an unprecedented ‘111 delivery’ of these precious RAT kits to schools with the Temple team,” she says. The mutually respectful relationship is a textbook example of working in unison for communities. Another time, Former Area Commander Inspector Gemmell proposed a space of quiet reflection for his colleagues at the Ormiston Police Station. Considering the police officers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful Temple gardens that allows them to recharge, he asked for assistance in designing a spiritually uplifting space for the front-line police officers. Without much ado, the Abbess, and a team of 10 reached the station. They designed and constructed a five-meter-long wooden bench, plants from the Temple’s garden were replanted, stones were laid out and a stone light— symbolising a different land, but sharing the same skies was delivered to the Police Station. “It was to bless and brighten up everyone’s hearts,” she ends.
NSW Premier Visits Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah recognising the contributions to the community by Fo Guang Shan
Francis Wong April 2, 2024 On 22 March, The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, visited the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah. The Premier was greeted by Ven. Miao You, Director of Nan Tien Institute, Ven. You Fa, Superintendent of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah, Daniel Wu, President of the BLIA Sydney, Francis Wong, Elder Advisor of BLIA Sydney, along with about 20 BLIA members to warmly welcome the visiting of the premier. "Welcome Home!" The Premier expressed that he is a resident near the temple and also the MP for Kogarah. Before being elected as Premier, he actively participated in temple and BLIA’s activities, including the BLIA Sport Day, Laba Porridge Charity Event, and the ANZAC Day. After being elected as premier of New South Wales in 2023, his first visit to Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Kogarah felt like "coming home," making him feel especially close and warm. Ven. Miao You introduced the courses offered by Nan Tien Institute and presented the book "366 days with Wisdom" by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, on behalf of Nan Tien Temple. The Premier greatly appreciated the book, eagerly flipping through the wisdom teachings of March 22nd and personally reciting, "Great people fulfil themselves by helping others to accomplish. Mean people fulfil themselves by holding others back." The Premier said that after reading the articles, he deeply resonated with them. He hoped that in future speeches, he could refer to and quote Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom to enrich the content and purify society and people's hearts. He believed that the Buddhist concept of "mindfulness" is of great help in dealing with busy workloads and hoped to introduce mindfulness thinking and meditation to provide references and applications for parliamentarians to enhance everyone's work efficiency and maintain the power of focus. The Premier was also briefed on the community's achievements in propagating Buddhism over the past year, including multicultural community connections, congregational education, creative culture, and volunteer services. In particular, the premier was being thanked for remembering Venerable Master Hsing Yun's passing and personally sending condolences and flowers at the first opportunity. Jing, the leader of the southern Buddha Light Scouts, said that the number of Buddha Light Scouts has continued to increase by more than 80 people, advancing to 5th place on the New South Wales Scout rankings. Ven. Miao You invited the Premier to attend this year's Nan Tien Temple 30th anniversary celebration and the Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festival held in Darling Harbour Sydney, to experience this year's theme of "Coexistence & Coprosperity."
Live Demonstration of Ceramic Tile Painting in FGY Art Gallery Christchurch
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 2, 2024 The Resurgence Exhibition currently showcased at the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch, has received high acclaim since its opening on 27th January, 2024. The main curator of the exhibition, ceramic artist Hugh Richard, conducted a live demonstration on 16th March, offering art enthusiasts a unique chance to observe his creative process up close. Hugh’s ceramic paintings are exquisite and lifelike. In the demonstration, he shared his painting technique, using a photograph of a seaside sunset as a reference. He cut a corner from a clay slab to use as a brush, skilfully sketching and outlining the landscape on the slab. He also invited attendees to participate in the creation process, fostering a delightful and interactive atmosphere. Throughout the demonstration, the audience was captivated by Hugh’s dedication and attention to detail. Hugh explained that after painting, the artworks are placed in a kiln for firing, a process that permanently fuses the pigments with the ceramic. The finished pieces are not only ideal for home decoration but also serve as unique gifts. Artist Tricia Morant was also present to show her support. The event offered art lovers a valuable and precious opportunity to engage directly with the artists and experience the joy of creation. Hugh shared that the quality behind each piece is the result of continuous hard work and dedication, and that focusing on painting is an enjoyable process. He expressed his gratitude to FGY Art Gallery Christchurch for providing the necessary resources and a beautiful venue to share the beauty of creation with the public.
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.
Premier's Harmony Dinner: Nan Tien Temple to co-build an Inclusive and Multicultural Society
Francis Wong April 1, 2024 The 12th Premier's Harmony Dinner of New South Wales, Australia, was grandly held on the evening of 13 March at the Sydney International Convention Centre, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to promoting community harmony and inclusivity, showcasing the charm of New South Wales as a successful multicultural society. Venerable Miao You, Director and Company Secretary of the Nan Tien Institute, and Venerable Zhi Li, Director for Social Education of Nan Tien Temple, were invited to attend. The Hon. Christopher John Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, and The Hon. Steven Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, emphasized the importance of embracing multiculturalism in their speeches and praised those who have contributed to this cause. Nick Kaldas APM, Chair of the Multicultural New South Wales Advisory Board, and CEO Joseph La Posta also welcomed attendees, stating that in the current uncertain world, strengthening community relations and social cohesion are crucial. The official ceremony of the dinner included the presentation of the Multicultural Honor Roll, Excellence in Heritage Awards, and the Premier's Multicultural Community Medals, covering various fields such as sports, lifelong community service, community harmony, business excellence, human rights, regional unity, youth, arts and culture, language services, and community language teachers. The ceremony featured exciting performances, including the national anthem and songs such as "Give You Love," "Larissa Kovalchuk," and "Faith Sosenē" performed by the Combined Choir of New South Wales Community Language Schools Association. Venerable Miao You stated that Humanistic Buddhism emphasizes compassion and harmony, which aligns with the multicultural ideals advocated by New South Wales. Through participation in the Premier's Harmony Dinner, Nan Tien Temple can enhance communication with other religious and cultural groups, working together to build a harmonious and inclusive society. Venerable Zhi Li pointed out that Nan Tien Temple is committed to promoting exchanges among community members from different cultural backgrounds, contributing to the construction of a harmonious society. Lome Tengere of the Griffith Multicultural Council NSW expressed his honour to participate in the Premier's Harmony Dinner and to meet new friends from Nan Tien Temple. He also mentioned that he was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the temple with his family and share beautiful memories. Basim, Manager of Navitas Skilled Futures, shared that on Harmony Day, being able to gather with multicultural groups and people from different countries to celebrate unique cultural traditions was a great experience for him. He also mentioned that he had visited Buddhist temples himself and really enjoyed the atmosphere there. Government official Adul expressed his happiness to see the venerables from Nan Tien Temple at the Premier's Harmony Dinner and thanked everyone for their presence.
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.
2024 BLIA NZ Seminar
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 28, 2024 On 2nd and 3rd March 2024, the Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) North Island Chapter held a two-day seminar featuring insightful lectures by FGS Abbess Manshin, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian and Senior Advisor Lintao YU. Over 50 BLIA members attended, engaging in interactive discussions and Q&A sessions, focusing on cultivating the right mindfulness and right views. Lay Dharma Teacher Lintao YU presented the story of BLIA’s Founding by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He highlighted the Temple’s leadership in guiding the association with the principle of promoting kindness through culture and cultivating talents through education. YU implemented several projects such as the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, 366 Days with Wisdom Book Gifting Project and the Annual Art Salon. He expressed gratitude for the Temple’s guidance and the members’ dedication to community service. The Venerable Master says Stability is crucial, Venerable Rulian encouraged the attendees to find their life’s purpose and to enrich lives through service. By taking on responsibilities, one can discover one’s potential, apply wisdom to dignify life and strengthen confidence in faith. President Evelyn KU expressed appreciation for the active participation and idea-sharing, noting the seminar’s role in strengthening the team. Abbess Manshin emphasised the importance of wisdom in daily life. Referring to the Venerable Master’s teachings, where there is Dharma, there is a way, implying that any problem can be resolved with wisdom. Venerable Master also pointed out that BLIA members should engage in myriad activities and create myriad affinities. By serving in various platforms, individuals cultivate personal positive karmic retribution, which manifests good qualities through actions, speech and thoughts. Starting from oneself to construct a harmonious society. On the second day, Abbess addressed the questions that arose among the members while serving in various departments within the Temple. Using simple language, she shared practical experiences of skilful means, clarifying the relationships between wealth and service, attire and attitude, as well as between remorse and gratitude. The Abbess blessed the participants, expressing hope that everyone can shine brightly, excel in quality and gracefully realise one potential through collective efforts, refining a splendid life within the heart of gratitude.
