FGS News
Exploring the Footsteps of Buddha in the Garden of the Mind at the Sydney Buddha's Birthday Festival to Celebrate 30 Years of Multiculturalism
Francis Wong May 24, 2024 The 30th "2024 Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival " was held over two consecutive days on 27 and 28 of April in Darling Harbour, Sydney's central business district. Upholding the mission of Fo Guang Shan to " Propagate the Dharma Through Culture," a special "Cultural Zone" was set up under the theme "Exploring the Footsteps of Buddha in the Garden of the Mind." Through elegant and rustic decorations, visitors were guided to participate and interact, further understanding that Buddha was human, not divine; Buddha was born, practiced, and attained enlightenment as a human being; Buddha's teachings are what people need—purifying, virtuous, and beautiful. "Exploring the Footsteps of Buddha in the Garden of the Mind" traverses through the life of Buddha, making it easy for visitors to understand and become interested in the events of Buddha's life. Through creative games and interactive activities, the organizers invited visitors to visit six "Experience Stations" of Buddha's life. Completing all six stations earned them a Buddha's Birthday auspicious cord as a souvenir. The journey begins with the birth of the lotus, guiding visitors into the "Joy of Birth" Lumbini Garden with seven lotus flowers. Buddha's birth brings light and hope, allowing sentient beings to understand the true meaning of life and happiness in life. Visitors can bathe the Buddha, offer flowers, light, and connect with Buddha. The "Four Sights" exhibit shows Prince Siddhartha experiencing the suffering of sickness, old age, and death, and seeing the dignified monk, inspiring him to renounce worldly life and seek eternal happiness. "The Path of Practice" and "Buddha's Enlightenment" depict Prince Siddhartha's six years of asceticism and his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, realizing the truths of "dependent origination" and "equality of all beings," awakening to the true meaning of life and becoming the Buddha of humanity. The organizers set up a "Buddha's Enlightenment Zone" where visitors can meditate under the Bodhi tree, experiencing inner peace, and eagerly taking photos as mementos. "The First Turning of the Dharma Wheel" explains Buddha's teachings of the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Noble Eightfold Path." The organizers specially designed eight Dharma wheels originated from India. Visitors can spin the wheels freely, and if they stop at one of the right paths, they can learn its meaning and how to apply it in daily life through illustrated storyboards. By integrating games into education and engaging with Buddhist teachings, visitors gain insights. Completing all six station activities earns them a Buddhist multi-coloured auspicious cord, representing the wisdom, equality, compassion, peace, and purity of Buddha. The organizers also arranged various cultural and artistic activities for visitors to participate in, including DIY art stations, painting three-dimensional Buddha feet, making lotus flowers with twist ties, stringing Buddhist beads, and experiencing tea meditation and Zen to understand traditional Chinese tea culture and find inner peace. The "Cultural Zone" showcases the manners of Buddha's life and his teachings, proclaiming the true meaning of life, increasing happiness, peace, and joy, aiming to achieve the theme of the Buddha's Birthday Festival, "Coexistence and Coprosperity." Clr. Barbara Ward, a councillor from Ku-ring-gai Council, was honoured to attend the Buddha's Birthday celebration in Darling Harbour. She pointed out that celebrating Buddha's birthday is also celebrating his wisdom; Buddha advocated peace, hoping to promote social harmony and world peace with Buddha's wisdom.
Cultivating 3G4G Values NZ Leaders Collaborate to Build a Harmonious Society
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 23, 2024 The 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing 2024 commenced on the 30th April, and has hosted its 15th session to date. Over 2400 students, teachers and parents from Auckland’s primary and secondary schools have participated in this annual education program at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. On 10th May, distinguished guests including MP Rima Nakhle, Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Area Commander of Counties Manukau East Inspector Rod Honan, Howick Local Board Chairperson Damian Light and Member Adele White, and Principal Heath McNeil, took charge of various tasks including cooking Three Goodness Rice for over 400 students in the kitchen. Over the past 10 years, 63 local schools in Auckland and Christchurch have participated in this education program. Over 30,000 students, teachers and parents took part and engaged in mindfulness meditation, calligraphy, light offerings, incense offerings, watching The Life of Buddha movie and learning the 3G4G song, which was composed by BLIA New York Chapter President, Jenny Chen. The program has received substantial support from the New Zealand Police, with over 50 officers assisting in fostering a harmonious society. School Community Officers Sen Const Matt Green, Sen Const Marina Phillips and Sen Const Pauline Orpet engage with students in role-playing and case studies to help students make positive choices in life amidst temptations and challenges. In addition, there were four officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, led by Sgt Richard Bracey, who also helped clean up autumn falling leaves and cook Three Goodness Rice for over 250 students on the 3rd of May, bringing warmth to the society in action. Venerable Abbess Manshin and the Temple team served the community wholeheartedly, spreading joy and enriching lives while fostering wisdom and happiness in the community. The 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing will continue until the end of May, with 15 more schools and over 2000 students expected to visit the Temples to learn about the value of Three Goodness and Four Givings, aiming to instil more positive energy in society.
VEGRUN at Sydney Buddha’s Birthday to Embark on Health and Happiness
Francis Wong May 23, 2024 Organised by Hsing Yun Education Foundation and iPure Green, and co-hosted by BLIA Sydney and Nan Tien Temple, the "2024 Sydney Buddha's Birthday Festival VEGRUN" kicked off joyfully at Darling Harbour on 28th April. Over 400 enthusiastic participants, including Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, Ms. Cathy Guo, a director of Hsing Yun Education Foundation and general public from all walks of life, joined the event. The purpose of this charity run is to support the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "peace and happiness shining over the five continents," as well as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Good Health and Well-being. Mental health is currently one of the most significant social health issues in Australia, with one in every five Australians facing mental health problems. Therefore, the foundation aims to raise awareness and concern for mental health issues through this charity run. The journey to mental health begins with a happy life. This year's charity run, themed "Kindness in Motion, Wellness in Every Step," aims to involve everyone in running for health and happiness. The proceeds from the charity run, witnessed by Venerable. Man Ko and the Daniel Wu, President BLIA Sydney, were donated by The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, to the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline Australia during the Buddha's Birthday celebration. These two charitable organizations are the largest in Australia conducting research on mental health, with Lifeline Australia also providing 24-hour crisis support services and personnel training. Their mission aligns with the foundation's vision of safeguarding the happiness and well-being of the public. The charity run featured participants of all ages, from athletic individuals to elderly participants and families joining in the spirit of joy. Each participant contributed to raising awareness of mental health and realizing a happy and peaceful life. Before the run, the organizers arranged activities such as Tai Chi and vegetable dances to calm the mind and stretch the body. Then, amidst the cheerful sound of the starting whistle, everyone set off with high spirits. Along the 3-kilometer route, there were cheering stations to support the participants. In the end, Kaushal Thakur, Ben Liu, Ivan Woo, Antares Qi, Leo Divis, and Xavier NG respectively secured the top three positions in the adult and children's categories. Venerable Man Ko presented certificates, medals, and books by Master Hsing Yun as rewards. Each participant also received a charity run badge as encouragement. Adult category champion Kaushal Thakur, from the birthplace of Buddhism in India, with six years of running experience, expressed his enjoyment of the fun run and highlighted the benefits of running for physical and mental health. "Moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet" are essential factors for achieving physical and mental health, as emphasized by Venerable Man Ko. A healthy body and a faithful belief can bring positive energy to society, thereby realizing happiness, peace, and creating a world of truth, goodness, and beauty. Venerable Man Ko further pointed out that participants, sponsors, and beneficiaries of the charity run all accumulate the same merits and encouraged everyone to dedicate their merits to building a " Coexistence and Coprosperity " society.
Building a Harmonious Society Through Education at Sydney Buddha's Birthday Festival to Celebrate 30 Years of Multiculturalism
Francis Wong May 23, 2024 The 30th "2024 Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival " was held over two consecutive days on 27 and 28 of April in Darling Harbour, Sydney's central business district. This celebration featured a special "Education Zone" to introduce the life and educational philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, conveying the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassionate aspiration to " Foster Talent Through Education" and implement "localization of education," guiding the public to understand the importance of education, recognize Humanistic Buddhism, and co-build a harmonious society. Exhibitors included Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Institute, the Hsing Yun Education Foundation, Nan Tien Youth College, and Nan Tien Institute Art Gallery. Venerable Master Hsing Yun devoted his life to education, and Nan Tien Institute is the only university in Australia founded by Buddhists. It offers courses such as "Applied Buddhist Studies," "Health and Social Well-being," "Mental Health," and "Humanistic Buddhism," aiming to enhance students' personal qualities through quality higher education and nurture talents for society. The Hsing Yun Education Foundation also provides scholarships for those interested in understanding and researching Buddhism, contributing to the localization of education and the global development of Humanistic Buddhism. In addition, in response to the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of "peace and happiness across the five continents" and the universal values of "Be Kind" among Australians, the Hsing Yun Education Foundation launched the 7-Day Kindness Challenge activity. Integrating the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s advocated thoughts of "Three Acts of Goodness," "Four Givings," and "Five Harmonies" into daily life, calling on the public to start with small acts around them, practicing "Three Acts of Goodness" continuously for seven days, embodying "Four Givings" in life, expanding from small to large, aggregating efforts, achieving "Five Harmonies," spreading kindness, and adding peace and beauty to the world. The event attracted over 500 visitors within two days; The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, and The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, also participated, pledging to do good deeds and contribute to the creation of a harmonious society. Sam Bianco, a volunteer at the foundation's booth, happily explained the meanings of "Three Acts of Goodness" and "Five Harmonies" to visitors, expressing that these universal values of education can help the public cultivate seeds of goodness, enhance mindfulness, purify the mind, and ultimately achieve happiness and peace. "Compassion has no enemies," and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s demeanour throughout his life is the best "education." The "Education Zone" themed "Vast Starry Sky (浩瀚星空)" introduced the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s growth, propagation of the Dharma, and efforts and achievements in benefiting sentient beings during ten periods of his life. Standing in front of the exhibition boards, visitors couldn't help but admire the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s outstanding contributions to education, using the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s conscious practice of Buddhism as a model for learning. The foundation also set up an AR photo area with Venerable Master Hsing Yun, allowing visitors to connect with the Venerable Master Hsing Yun regardless of distance. Additionally, there were Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s "One Stroke Calligraphy" and "Dharma Phrases" phone wallpapers available for download. While understanding the significance of "One Stroke Calligraphy," visitors could practice "Carrying Dharma Phrases with Them," letting the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom inspire and accompany them at all times, providing comfort and strength in times of difficulty. Gawaine Powell Davies, Chairman of the Buddhist Council of New South Wales, praised the organizers for actively promoting world peace, environmental protection, health and well-being, and responding to the United Nations' "Sustainable Development Goals" during the Buddha's Birthday Festival. He also endorsed the theme of the conference, "Coexistence and Coprosperity." Gawaine stated that only through "coexistence and coprosperity" can "mutual respect between individuals" be better promoted, achieving "happiness and peace," and then co-building a society of truth, goodness, and beauty.
Multi-Faith Vigil in Sydney: Praying for World Peace and Harmony
Ben Jie May 22, 2024 On May 2, 2024, Abbess Chueh Shan of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and Florence Yuen of BLIA Sydney Chapter participated in the Multi-Faith Prayer Vigil event organized by The Abraham Conference Committee. The event took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta, Sydney. Approximately fifty guests attended, coming together to mourn the victims of recent violent incidents in the Sydney community and to pray for world peace. At the beginning of the gathering, Rev. Dr. Manas Goah, the chairperson of the organizing committee, emphasized the paramount importance of community safety and expressed zero tolerance for acts of violence. He called for collaboration among major religions to spread positive messages and unequivocally oppose all forms of violence. Subsequently, attendees lit peace candles, symbolizing hope for a brighter world. Religious leaders from various communities also offered prayers for the deceased and blessings for the society. Kate Xavier and Kim Chong from the organising committee expressed gratitude to Abbess Chueh Shan for representing the Buddhist community at the event. They look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and exchange with Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and BLIA Sydney Chapter in promoting interfaith initiatives. Mr. Suresh Dharmalingam, representing the Baha’i Temple, was deeply moved by the event. Despite differing beliefs, he recognized that all religious groups share a common goal: advocating for the community. He expressed hope that continued interfaith cooperation would foster harmony and unity within society. Abbess Chueh Shan highlighted the significance of participating in interfaith activities as a means to build friendships across diverse faiths and cultures. Through such exchanges, individuals gain knowledge and skills in interacting with people who hold different worldviews. The purpose of interfaith dialogue is to enhance understanding and respect for other religious systems and institutions, deepening our appreciation of their values. This interfaith interaction contributes to promoting peace, understanding, and tolerance on a global scale, aligning with Master Hsing Yun’s vision of “Humanistic Buddhism.” -- Captions Abbess Chueh Shan of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta at the Multifaith Prayer Vigil with Rev Dr Manas Ghosh, Rabbi George Mordecai, Rabbi Jacqui Ninio, Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Mr Ahmet Polat, Rev Dr Helen Richmond, Dr Urfi Hashmi, Ms Niloufar Khalajabadi, Ven Rabdrol Christine Beveridge, Mr Pandit Jatin Bhatt, Mr Sanmati Gandhi, Mr Jatinder Singh, Mr Ahmet Polat. Venerable Chueh Shan, Abbess of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta and Florence Yuen, Executive Committee Member of BLIA Sydney attended the Multifaith Prayer Vigil in St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall Parramatta to pray for world peace.
BLIA Auckland YAD Consensus Seminar Exploring the Way of Interpersonal Relationship
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 22, 2024 The second session of the 2024 BLIA Auckland Consensus Seminar was held on 28th April at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. Over 40 youths participated in exploring the topic The WAY of Interpersonal Relationships. The session featured speakers, FGS NZ Abbess Venerable Manshin, Deputy President Larry YANG of BLIA North Island Chapter, Subchapter 1 President Mei CHAU, senior BLIA member Karen LEE and Temple’s Operation Manager Vicky Han. Through discussions and Q&A, the speakers guided the participants on how to build healthy, positive relationships using the right mindset and navigate challenges with wisdom. The YAD committees led a group dance practice to the song I Have Faith and used role-playing to demonstrate how to handle questions like upholding the Five Precepts, unreasonable arguments and dining etiquette. During the discussion, Deputy President Larry shared his personal experience of self-transformation noting how applying The Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching gave him strength and courage. He emphasised that by overcoming one’s blind spots, one can positively influence those around them. Sub-President Mei encouraged everyone to follow correct speech and conduct in daily life, using the precepts to grow in wisdom and confidence, while better handling interpersonal conflicts and challenges. Karen Lee encouraged the youth to stay true to their goals, form good affinities and plan diligently to achieve one’s dreams. Vicky highlighted the importance of respecting dress codes in the Temple as a basic manner and respect for Buddhism. She advised the participants to face unreasonable challenges with selflessness, not only doing things well but doing them correctly. In the Q&A session, Abbess Manshin encouraged the youth to seize the opportunity to ask questions and learn from good mentors. She shared her own experiences to inspire everyone to take responsibility and unleash their potential by practising the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. Through hard work and service, one becomes generous and enriches their inner world. The BLIA Auckland Consensus Seminar concluded successfully. Participant ZHANG shared that the seminar helped her find hope and confidence at work and motivated her to take on challenges and improve herself. Another participant, Shawn HUANG, appreciated Abbess’s teaching on Giving and learned how to curb greed, realising the wisdom that comes from generosity is worth pursuing.
The 3G4G Theme Song Echoes Across Schools in New Zealand
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 21, 2024 On 1st May 2024, a total of 244 Year 7 students and teachers from Mission Heights Junior College, along with 300 Year 4 to Year 6 and parents from Mellons Bay School, made visits to Fo Guang Shan Auckland to participate in the 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing. They were warmly received by the Organising Committees of 3G4G. The New Zealand Police specially arranged for three school community officers, SEN CONST Matt Green, SEN CONST Marina Phillips, and SEN CONST Pauline Orpet, to escort the students walking to the Temple, providing them with lively interactive Q&A sessions during the program to enhance their safety awareness. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the education program, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) New York Chapter President Jenny CHEN composed a theme song titled 3G4G. Mission Heights Junior College’s Principal Ian Morrison has been a strong supporter of the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, arranging for students to participate in the program every year since its inception in 2014, spanning a continuous 10 years. Team leader Dr Rajesh Joshi stated that the 3G4G program has become one of the school’s highlight activities, expressing deep gratitude to the Temple for organizing this meaningful educational event yearly. She highlighted that through this program, students have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and cultivate values of coexistence and co-prosperity. Mellons Bay School teacher Kylie Smith praised the program as well organised, noting that each session provides students with enriching learning experiences. Student Joshni shared that he enjoys writing calligraphy, finding the meticulous strokes of each character to be a focus-enhancing activity. He expressed a desire to return to the Temple with his parents over the weekend. Many parents and teachers were deeply impressed by this year’s theme song. They copied down the lyrics and expressed their desire for students to continue singing the song in the future. The lyrics of the theme song were simple and meaningful, coupled with the lively melody, which was full of vitality and infectiousness. Students found it easy to learn, with many being able to sing along after just two rounds of practice. The rich content of the activities has implanted the value of 3G4G into the hearts of every student. Students expressed their gratitude to the volunteers with lotus hand signs, joyfully stating, I will come back soon!
Buddha’s Light International Association of Solomon Islands celebrated its first Buddha’s Birth Day with a Bathing of the Buddha event
Claudia Hii May 20, 2024 On the 15th of May 2024, the Buddha’s Light International Association of Solomon Islands (BLIASI) celebrated its very first Buddha’s Birth Day, since the chapter’s inauguration, with a Bathing of the Buddha event in Honiara. Under the leadership of BLIASI President, Hii Yii Ging, BLIASI members, teachers from Woodford International School and local Solomon Islanders participated in the event. President of BLIASI, Hii Yii Ging, welcomed attendees by sharing the significance of bathing the Buddha. He expressed that by using fragrant water to bathe the statue of the infant Buddha, it is symbolic of the purification of our body, speech and mind to cultivate wisdom, as well as a reminder to practice the Three Acts of Goodness in our daily lives to do good deeds, speak good words and think good thoughts. Together, attendees read and discussed the origin, purpose and significance of bathing the Buddha, followed by a procedural demonstration of how to bathe the Buddha. Those in attendance then individually participated in the bathing of the Buddha ceremony. This was then followed by a vegetarian appreciation dinner organised by BLIASI in order to creatively showcase a variety of meat-free dishes using produce readily available in the country. As attendees enjoyed dinner, they reflected and shared their personal thoughts on their Bathing of the Buddha experience. Local Solomon Islander friends, Ketty Ribeni and Jennifer Rex, expressed that they were sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Bathing of the Buddha ceremony. They shared that Buddhism is new to them and generally unknown within the Solomon Islands, but through this event, they were able to understand the importance of self-reflection and that practicing the Three Acts Goodness starts from oneself. They were excited to share what they had learnt with their friends and to encourage them to practice doing good deeds, speaking good words and thinking good thoughts together. Maria Hernandez, Middle School Curriculum Coordinator from Woodford International School, is from the USA and not a Buddhist herself, but was interested in attending the event after hearing about it. She shared that when she was working in countries such as India and Japan, she encountered female monks and had many questions, which she never had the opportunity to ask. By attending this event, she was able to ask BLIASI committee members questions to better understand Buddhism, the concept of Humanistic Buddhism and its incorporation into her work and life. Additionally, she shared that she is looking forward to visiting Fo Guang Shan branches in countries where she will work in the future. BLIASI members summarised their thoughts and experiences by sharing that they felt peace and joy on Buddha’s Birth Day. By bathing the Buddha, it was a physical reminder to keep body, speech and mind pure, as well as to cultivate wisdom and compassion, which only comes through daily practice. To come together with like-minded individuals on the auspicious day of the Buddha’s birth was a moment of immense gratitude felt by all. As BLIASI’s first Buddha Birth Day celebrations came to a close, BLIASI members were inspired to continue propagating Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism teachings in the Solomon Islands.
The 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing New Zealand Joyfully Commenced
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 17, 2024 The 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing has entered its 10th anniversary from 2014 to 2024. The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand following the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of the Temple functions as an education centre, collaborated with the New Zealand Police and local schools to collectively build a harmonious society. Under the guidance of Abbess Manshin, participation has grown from 3 schools in the first year to 63 schools in 2024, with over 30,000 students, teachers and parents stepping into the Temple. Since its commencement, the New Zealand Police had 47 officers to support this education program fully, enabling students to understand and apply the principles of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings in making correct choices in life. In this 10th year, Auckland and Christchurch Temples have 23 schools, with over 4,000 students and teachers registering to participate. The one-month long Festival of Cultural Sharing commenced on 30th April 2024 at FGS Buddhist Temple in Auckland, 123 students from Year 4 to 6 from St Francis Catholic School, along with 27 teachers and parents visited joyfully. The students’ anticipation filled every corner of the Temple with vitality and enthusiasm. Students from St Francis Catholic School participating in the education program for the first time are divided into three groups to engage in various enriching activities in an orderly manner. These activities include watching the movie Life of Buddha, mindfulness meditation, calligraphy experience, incense offering, writing wishing cards and police interaction sessions. The specially prepared Three Goodness Rice from the Temple received high praise from the students. In addition, the exquisite pencils imprinted with 3G Wording also brought them surprises. Deputy Principal Olivia expressed gratitude to FGS Auckland for arranging such a rich and exciting program, stating that the visit provided students with an incredible experience. Director of Religious Studies Veronica Jones, remarked that the values presented by 3G4G resonate with the school’s core values and the tranquillity of the Temple allowed students to engage deeply and enjoyably in the activities. Student Nikki shared that her favourite session was the mindfulness meditation in the courtyard, feeling extremely comfortable with the warm sunlight shining on her. Student Natalie expressed her delight in visiting the Temple, and learning how to become a better person through 3G4G. Students Kevin and David found the calligraphy experience quite challenging but expressed their determination to return for more practice.
BLIA Scout Sydney Pledging to Serve Society and Contribute to the World at the Investiture Ceremony
Francis Wong MAy 17, 2024 The BLIA Scouts Sydney, adhering to the "Three Acts of Good Deeds and Four Givings" philosophy advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, have deeply garnered parents' support. On 28th April, coinciding with the 30th anniversary celebration of the "2024 Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festival" held at Darling Harbour in Sydney, a special "BLIA Scouts Investiture Ceremony" was held. Nearly 200 attendees, including Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia & New Zealand; John Dwyer, State Commissioner – Partnerships & Advocacy Scouts NSW; Helen Dwyer, Scout Commissioner of the Bambara District; Ven. Ru Yi, Guiding Venerable of Fo Guang Scouts in Oceania; Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney, Jing Fang, Leader of BLIA Scouts Sydney; along with certified scouts and their parents, witnessed the investiture of 30 scouts and 4 new scout leaders. Since its establishment during the Buddha's Birthday Festival in Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017, the BLIA Scouts Sydney have been committed to learning, community service, and personal growth, integrating into the mainstream scouting community. Their activities have included participation in ANZAC Day events, Clean Up Australia Day, Tree Planting Day, Daffodil Day Cancer Council fundraisers, mainstream scouting outdoor camps, and BLIA events such as the global online examinations. Commissioner Helen Dwyer was pleased to see 34 new scouts joining the BLIA Scouts Sydney, enhancing local scout development and growth, and serving the community. She emphasized the need for parental and leadership efforts in nurturing Scouts' growth, hoping for collective creativity to cultivate social talents. Daniel Wu pointed out the alignment of BLIA Scouts Sydney beliefs with those of Fo Guang Shan, urging everyone to cherish the opportunity to integrate the philosophy of "doing good deeds every day" with the " Three Acts of Good Deeds " principles, applying it in daily life for self-improvement and progress. The ceremony proceeded with a simple yet solemn investiture, inviting Venerable Man Ko, Helen Dwyer, Ven. Ru Yi, and Daniel Wu to certify 4 new scout leaders, 5 Venture Scouts, 2 Scouts, 9 Cubs, 7 Joeys, and 7 transitioning to Scouts. Venerable Man Ko presented the BLIA Scouts scarves, Ven. Ru Yi awarded the BLIA Scouts badges, and Daniel Wu awarded Australian Scout badges and national flag badges. Commissioner Helen Dwyer, in the presence of the public, led the new scouts in the oath to be loyal to the scout spirit, contribute to the community and the world, help others, and abide by scout laws. The scouts affirmed in unison, "Yes, I Do." The solemn investiture ceremony welcomed 34 new members into the BLIA Scouts Sydney family, where they can grow and serve the community in a disciplined and nurturing environment. The emotional feedback from the scout investiture was shared by John Dwyer, State Commissioner – Partnerships & Advocacy Scouts NSW, and Helen Dwyer, Scout Commissioner of the Bambara District, both expressing excitement and pride in collaborating with Fo Guang Shan. They acknowledged the alignment of scout goals and principles with Buddhism, emphasizing mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendship. They further highlighted the theme of the World Scout Conference scheduled for July at Nan Tien Temple, "Mutual Existence and Prosperity," echoing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They firmly believed that scouting is the only organization in the world that aligns with all SDGs. Newly certified scout leader Nora believes that BLIA Scouts Sydney is a trustworthy organization that not only teaches scouting skills but also provides opportunities to learn Buddhism, practice the " Three Acts of Good Deeds " in daily life, and cultivate meaningful values.
