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.
International Webinar Explores Chinese Perspectives on Human-AI Interaction
Pema Duddul April 24, 2024 On April 10, 2024, Venerable Dr Juewei , the Director of Nan Tien Institute’s Humanistic Buddhism Centre Australia, participated as a panelist in an international online seminar. The seminar, titled "The Interface between Human and Artificial Intelligence: Chinese Approaches in Global Context," was hosted by the China Forum for Civilizational Dialogue, co-organized by Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and La Civiltà Cattolica. The event aimed to foster a comprehensive dialogue on conceptual and practical frameworks for navigating the evolving relationship between humans and AI. At the heart of the discussion were key themes unearthed from a series of closed workshops held throughout the 2022-2023 academic year. These workshops, which attracted scholars, artists, and AI experts from diverse disciplines, underscored the imperative of reimagining accountability amidst the ongoing technological revolution and emphasized the necessity of fostering collaborative and co-creative partnerships between humans and AI. The event's diverse panel of speakers brought a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the table. Among them was Dr. Juewei Shi from Nan Tien Institute, whose unique background blends two decades of experience in Humanistic Buddhism and Buddhist Studies with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and business process re-engineering. Dr. Shi's presentation shed light on the contemporary applications of Buddhism in navigating the complexities of human-AI interaction, offering valuable insights gleaned from both academia and real-world experience. Participants of "The Interface between Human and Artificial Intelligence: Chinese Approaches in Global Context" online seminar. photo／The Life News Agency Joining Dr. Shi were esteemed figures such as Thomas Banchoff, Director of Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs; Qiufan Chen, an award-winning Chinese science-fiction writer renowned for his visionary contributions to the genre; Rev. Nuno Gonçalves, S.J., Director of La Civiltà Cattolica; Fen Jennifer Lin, an associate professor at City University of Hong Kong specializing in media, communication, and technology; and Debora Tonelli, the event coordinator and a prominent researcher in the field of religious studies. Throughout the webinar, participants engaged in lively discussions that traversed the philosophical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of AI-human interaction. From the implications of AI on religious and spiritual practices to the role of storytelling in shaping public perceptions of AI, the conversations were as varied as they were insightful. One of the central themes that emerged from the dialogue was the need for a more inclusive global discourse on AI that incorporates diverse perspectives from across the world. While the conversation around AI has predominantly been led by voices from the United States and Europe, the webinar highlighted the importance of amplifying voices from regions such as China, which bring their own rich philosophical and cultural traditions to the table. As the webinar drew to a close, participants were left with a renewed sense of urgency to continue exploring the complex terrain of AI-human interaction. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, the webinar laid the groundwork for future endeavors aimed at navigating the evolving interface between humans and AI in an increasingly interconnected world. For those interested in delving deeper into the discussions and learning more about the speakers and their work, recordings of the webinar and additional information can be found on the China Forum for Civilizational Dialogue's website: https://chinaforum.georgetown.edu/events/the-interface-between-human-and-artificial-intelligence-chinese-approaches-in-global-context
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!"
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 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.
