FGS News
Prayer for Peace and Coexistence at 30th Anniversary of Sydney Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival
Francis Wong May 15, 2024 Co-organised by Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, BLIA Sydney, and Hsing Yun Education Foundation, sponsored by the New South Wales Government, Multicultural NSW, and Darling Harbour Place Management of NSW, the 30th anniversary "2024 Darling Harbour Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival" was held for two consecutive days on 27th and 28th April at Darling Harbour Sydney. The opening ceremony of the Buddha's Birthday Festival was held at Tumbalong Park at 3 p.m. on the 27th. Dignitaries attending included The Hon. Chris Minns MP, the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, the Minister for Multiculturalism of New South Wales, Clr. Emelda Davis representing the mayor Clr. Clover Moore AO, Professor Denise Kirkpatrick, the President of Nan Tien Institute, Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess FGS Australia and New Zealand, and Mr. Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney, among nearly 500 attendees. The ceremony began with an address from Elder Uncle Michael West of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, promoting "care," "respect," "unity," and "collaboration," welcoming the Buddha's Birthday to be held at Darling Harbour. "The celebration of Buddha's Birthday and multiculturalism is an important annual event in New South Wales," stated The Hon. Chris Minns MP, emphasizing that the values of "peace," "compassion," "joy," and "harmony" advocated by Buddhism are the driving forces and virtues for promoting social harmony. The Premier further expressed gratitude to Fo Guang Shan and BLIA for their selfless service to the community over the years, especially thanking the BLIA Scouts for their participation in the "ANZAC Dawn Service" on 25th April, reinforcing the scouts' learning of the virtue of gratitude. Clr. Emelda Davis, representing the Sydney City Council, acknowledged the importance of coexistence and mutual prosperity, noting the global impact of climate change and emphasizing the need for mutual respect between humans and nature for coexistence and mutual prosperity. She encouraged the community to embody the Fo Guang Shan brand of "Three Acts of Good Deeds and Four Givings" in social and family life to promote family harmony. The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, believed that the values of peace, selflessness, and compassion advocated by Buddhism are suitable for any religious belief, especially emphasizing that "compassion" can easily bring friends, colleagues, and families together. He thanked the organizers for organising the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival at Darling Harbour for 30 years, promoting cultural exchange within the community and bringing joy to the community. "NTI is Australia's first Buddhist university," proudly stated Professor Denise Kirkpatrick, noting the significant progress of NTI graduates in wisdom and compassion cultivation, which has positively impacted their families and careers, thus influencing society. Daniel Wu pointed out that "coexistence and mutual prosperity" embody the importance of service, environmental protection, and community cohesion. He further highlighted Fo Guang Shan's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, participation in community activities, and the development of BLIA Scouts as prime examples of coexistence and mutual prosperity. The organizers, adhering to the principles of Fo Guang Shan, enriched the content of the Buddha's Birthday festival in four aspects, including culture, education, activities, and charity. Culturally, various religious representatives were invited to pray for "world peace," promoting cultural exchange among groups from different countries and cultural backgrounds, along with traditional rituals, blessing ceremonies, tea meditation, and the bathing of Buddha area. For education, there were Alms Rounds by venerables, allowing community and visitors to sow seeds of merit, contributing to the educational of Nan Tien Institute. Additionally, there were exhibitions of calligraphy by Master Hsing Yun, books, and investiture for BLIA Scouts Sydney, nurturing children's growth with proper faith-based education. For charity, funds raised from the VEGRUN were donated entirely to two charitable organizations, Lifeline Australia and the Black Dog Institute, to contribute to the promotion of mental health in society. Through the joyous celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the organizers expressed gratitude for the enlightenment and hope brought by the birth of the Buddha, bringing joy, auspiciousness, and harmony to society. The simultaneous global celebration of Buddha's Birthday brings peace and hope to the world.
Nurturing Our Planet BLIA North Island Chapter’s T-Earth Initiative for Earth Day
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 16, 2024 In response to Earth Day, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island Chapter held the T-Earth: Environmental Protection and Spiritual Prevention event on 21st April 2024. Despite the chilly weather, over 50 BLIA members and youths participated under the guidance of the Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian. At 9am, the group gathered in the Front Shrine, where Venerable Rulian led a blessing ceremony. She encouraged everyone to take action to care for the Earth, not just for themselves but also for future generations. Mental mindfulness is equally important, purifying thoughts, ideas, language and intentions promotes social harmony and benefits all. The group then split into five teams to work in different areas, cleaning gutters, clearing fallen leaves, trimming hedges, cleaning the parking lot and pruning vines. Volunteers in the kitchen prepared a tasty vegetarian lunch to refuel everyone. President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island Chapter, noted that beautifying the Temple grounds helps create a dignified environment while reminding people to purify their body, speech and mind, and bring joy to others. She emphasised that caring for the Earth is everyone’s responsibility. Through tree planting, vegetarian promotion, reducing energy consumption and plastic use, and proper waste sorting, BLIA members aim to slow down global warming and create a sustainable world. Sub-president Anita Chu of the Third Subchapter, praised everyone’s commitment to protecting the planet through small actions. Sara, a BLIA member, acknowledged that although she felt physically tired, she was glad to be able to serve both the Earth and the Temple. She thanked the Temple for offering a beautiful environment that provided opportunities to improve herself. Fred Gu shared that through teamwork he learned to focus, persevere and reflect. He found peace and recognised the value of the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching that strong determination can help achieve goals. President Steven of BLIA Auckland Senior YAD, emphasised that T-Earth isn’t a one-day event but an ongoing initiative. He mentioned taking care of the Earth starts with caring for one’s environment and contributing even through small acts. Youth member Alan Han appreciated the importance of teamwork, noting the group’s harmonious collaboration and the positive feedback that energised him and gave him a sense of achievement. He expressed gratitude to the Temple for providing opportunities to cultivate good fortune.
BLIA Sydney’s Sustainable Living Communal Learning Space: inspiring Happiness and Peace on Buddha’s Birthday
BLIA Sydney May 15, 2024 Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festival took place at Darling Harbour, Sydney for the 30th time on April 27 and 28, 2024. In alignment with the festival theme of “Coexistence and Coprosperity”, BLIA Sydney East 1, West 1, and West 2 Subchapters created a “Sustainable Living” communal learning space at the festival to promote the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: "Good Health and Wellbeing." SDG3 is connected to the theme of "Happiness and Peace," proposed by the founding president of BLIA, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Sustainable Living communal learning space was created to allow participants to "Learn, play, create, and be with Nature”, experience happiness and peace in life, in the hope of promoting sustainable wellbeing and coprosperity among all beings. At the "Happiness Corner", visitors could sit down and enjoy their very own hand-ground coffee, savour handmade flower vegan cookies, and just be in the present moment to experience simple pleasures in life. The "Happiness Corner” was inspired by the "Tea Pavilion of Fo Guang Shan, which offers free tea to visitors to recharge on their tour between Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Buddha Museum. It hopes to spread happiness and the spirit of the Four Givings: giving others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience. Artist and art practitioner Dr Cindy Chen hosted two art talks titled "Listening to Nature." In the interactive talks Cindy offered valuable insights into the creative process behind her work "Resonant Flows". She described how she created the collaborative artwork with nature in the rain along Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers. Her art practice of embodied listening and emplaced experimental drawing was presented in simple and engaging language that children among the audience could understand. At the "Flower Pounding Art Workshop" organised by FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and BLIA Sydney West subchapters, the public could try their hands at pound-dyeing, an intangible cultural heritage craft of China. The stall was filled with lively hammering sounds of adults and children decorating their “Happiness and Peace” eco-friendly cloth bags with pounded flowers and leaves. Audrey Blackman, a BLIA YAD volunteer at the workshop, received positive feedback from the participants. She was told that the session was therapeutic, and a lesson in mindfulness, and in accepting imperfections, something that is relevant in our lives. The SDG Communal Learning Space also featured artworks collected through the Fo Guang Three Acts of Goodness Young Artist Award drawing, writing and creative nature artwork competitions. The exhibition of nature artwork took inspirations from Venerable Master Hsing Yun's essay "My Little Animal Friends," to depict the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature and to convey messages of equality, compassion, and respect. To promote the Buddhist values of cherishing blessings and the SDGs, BLIA Sydney also organised a series of sustainable living workshops, highlighting ways to tackle food waste. Kathryn Sunantha from Bliss Pure Foods taught participants how to transform imperfect apples into apple cider vinegar and enzyme to harness their untarnished health effects. Environmental educator Louie Leung demonstrated composting and setting up a worm farm at home. Margaret Mossakowska from Moss House shared some practical sustainable practices, such as natural fermentation and creating natural skincare products from pantry items. Margaret also led two workshops on making eco-friendly beeswax wraps to encourage plastic free living. The Buddha's Birthday Sustainable Living communal learning space attracted nearly 500 visitors daily, offering a variety of hands-on activities that showcased the simplicity and joy of sustainable living and the harmonious coexistence with nature.
2024 FGS NZ Buddha’s Birthday Celebration: Cultivating Social Harmony
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 16, 2024 On 13 April 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland hosted the annual Buddha’s Birthday Celebration for World Peace. The ceremony was led by Abbess of FGS NZ Venerable Manshin. Attendees collectively chanted the Heart Sutra and recited the Prayer for World Peace written by the Founder of FGS Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Distinguished guests from various religious backgrounds participated, including Māori elder Kaumatua Tame Hauraki, Dean of Auckland the Very Reverend Anne Mills, and Catholic representative Rev Deacon Chris Sullivan, who each offered prayers for the ceremony. Notable attendees included President Evelyn KU of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island Chapter, Director General Kendra CHEN of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Members of Parliament Nancy LU and Rima Nakhle, Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Councillor Hon Maurice Williamson & Sharon Stewart, Chair of the Howick Local Board Damian Light, Superintendent Shanan Gray and Inspector Rod Honan together with nearly 500 people from diverse sectors, including religious, political, police, arts, media, schools and the community. Participants made generous offerings to the Buddha. The BLIA Young Adult Division performed a lion dance to welcome the statue of Prince Siddhartha. Additionally, students from Papatoetoe Intermediate School sang the New Zealand national anthem and performed a Haka dance. The FGS Auckland Choir performed hymns celebrating the birth of Buddha and expressed gratitude to the Founding Master for bringing the beautiful Temple to New Zealand. Abbess Manshin addressed the Temple’s efforts in sharing the Three Goodness values locally, which is a project of returning to one’s roots and true nature, and thus serving the community. Abbess expressed her wishes for New Zealand to thrive with peace. President Evelyn KU thanked Abbess and the Temple for leading the community in building a Pure Land on Earth through diverse cultural, educational and charitable activities, helping to purify minds and the land. By participating in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, attendees embodied the principles of Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words & Think Good Thoughts. MP Nancy LU conveyed gratitude from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, acknowledging the significant contributions of Fo Guang Shan to the community and cooperation with the police. Deputy Mayor Simpson praised the Temple for infusing Auckland, one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, with harmony, peace and joy. Director General CHEN highlighted the need for the wisdom and light of the Dharma in today’s world. Chairman Light and Inspector Honan also praised the Temple’s supportive role in fostering community harmony. Editor Farida Master of Eastlife described the Temple as an oasis of harmony and a cultural sanctuary, appreciating its efforts in building a supportive society. The celebration also featured a Baby & Children Blessing Ceremony, local market stalls, a One Stroke Calligraphy exhibition by the Venerable Master, a Prince Siddhartha Exhibition and tea meditation. The New Zealand Health Department provided free flu vaccinations at the event, recognizing Temple’s support of the Asian community’s VAX Heroes initiative. The day was filled with auspiciousness and joy.
Nan Tien Temple’s Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service to cultivate inner wealth and affiliation
Francis Wong February 23, 2024 On the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, an important day in traditional customs known as "Worshiping the Heavenly Deities," on17 February (The eighth day of Lunar New Year) Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple organised its "Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service ". The Dharma Service was presided over by Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand. Over 300 devotees, including those from the Sydney area, Wollongong community, and dedicated devotees from Melbourne, gathered at the Main Shrine and Dharma Hall to participate in the service, making offerings to the Triple Gem and feasting the heavenly beings. The Dharma Service commenced at 9:30 PM, with two separate incense processions. Guided by Venerable Man Ko, the attendees followed the ritual to purify the altar, invite the sacred, establish seats, make offerings, dedicate merits, and conclude the ceremony with a farewell to the sacred. The congregation recited scriptures and mantras together, and the auspicious ceremony concluded in the early morning, lasting for three hours. "Participating in the Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service, making offerings to the Triple Gem, and feasting the heavenly beings signify prosperity and wisdom," observed Venerable Man Ko with joy as she witnessed the devotees returning to the temple for the service. She expounded on Buddhism's emphasis on cultivating pure and virtuous wealth, promoting equality, generosity, and providing relief. Simultaneously, she highlighted that possessing wisdom, maintaining a joyful heart, and practicing the "Three Acts of Goodness" are enduring forms of wealth.
FGS Auckland Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Joy and Blessings
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 20, 2024 On 10th &11th February 2024, marking the first and second days of the Year of the Dragon, Fo Guang Shan Temple Auckland welcomed over ten thousand visitors who came to offer their respects and incense to the Buddha. The Temple celebrated the occasion with a variety of activities such as Lion Dance performances, distribution of auspicious New Year red packets, vegetarian food stalls, one-stroke calligraphy and more, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere for the local community. The New Year Blessing Ceremony commenced at 10 am in the Main Shrine. Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan NZ, led nearly 300 attendees in chanting and praying for blessings. The congregation recited the New Year Prayer by the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and paid respects to the Head Abbot of FGS, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, wishing for family well-being and world peace. The Abbess expressed gratitude for the immense blessings of the Venerable Master in showing compassion and kindness to the people worldwide. Abbess interpreted the Founding Master’s New Year blessings, May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful, explaining that the clouds in the sky symbolise openness and the flowing waters on earth represent freedom. Clouds and water depict the boundless world within our minds, embodying ease and wisdom on the path of Buddhism. Abbess further mentioned that Buddha wishes to bring happiness, joy and a hopeful Dharma to all beings. May everyone light the lamp of their hearts in the new year, coexist and prosper together and mutually benefit each other. During the celebration, the Abbess distributed apples symbolising the Grand Master’s compassionate blessings to all. Nearly ten thousand New Year red packets bearing the Grand Master’s wise words were handed out to the visitors. The Chinese New Year Celebration at the Temple transformed into waves of joy, touching the hearts of the people in New Zealand.
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!"
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 participated in Restore Forests and Protect Dryland Ecology
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 13, 2024 Adhering to the concept of Environmental and Spiritual Preservation, the BLIA South Island collaborated with the Christchurch City Council to hold the first T-EARTH Forest Community Project tree-planting event of the year on 2nd March 2024. The Presidents of Subchapter 1 Tiffany SU and Subchapter 2 Donald HE led more than ten members to Dry Bush, located on the outskirts of Christchurch, and joined with almost 30 locals who participated together to contribute to ecological restoration. BLIA North and South Islands members have been involved in the city’s tree planting and greening charity activities since 2008, carrying out conservation projects in the suburbs every year. The Park Ranger, Fiona Fenton explained that the activity site undergoes maintenance twice a year. The main task of the day is to remove wild grass. BLIA members traversed mountains and forests to reach the steep slopes and carry out the work. They cleared weeds to ensure previously planted saplings could receive enough sunlight and nutrients to thrive. Fiona highlighted that the reforestation of Dry Bush is crucial for the local ecosystem. It is beneficial for saplings to grow and contributes to the green ecology of the mountains by reintroducing native vegetation. She expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of the BLIA members. One of the members of the English Dharma Service, Deirdre Johns, shared her joy in participating in forestry activities, contributing to the green ecology and providing more habitats for birds. BLIA member Mandy shared that the event was meaningful. Despite physical tiredness, her heart was filled with joy through the connection with nature and enhanced awareness of the importance of environmental protection.
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.
