FGS News
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.
2024 Fo Guang Club Welcoming Day Realising Ideals with Aspirational Power
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 10, 2024 On 9th March 2024, Fo Guang Club of the University of Auckland held its New Semester Welcoming Day with a total of 22 members gathering at the FGS Auckland to participate in various activities. The YAD committee guided new members through ice-breaking games and Temple tours. They introduced Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order and shared the Dharma teaching: With ideals, there is aspirational power; with aspirational power, there is realisation; with realisation, ideals can be achieved, leading to a promising future, encouraging the participants to learn from the Venerable Master’s spirit of staying true to one’s initial vows. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin used a Q&A format to answer the youth’s doubts, how can one cultivate a character of giving? The Abbess clarified, those with a compassionate heart naturally understand giving and repaying kindness. Giving money or material possessions to others is material giving, sharing teachings and principles with others is Dharma giving, one can also provide spiritual support and strength to overcome fear which is fearless giving. How can one manage oneself? The Abbess shared a teaching from the Founding Master saying, I am among the people. Using examples of YAD committees Thomas and Edwin, Abbess explained how from the initial inspiration to the integration into regular practices, they embodied the idea that youth need good role models because being in the right environment and serving in a group enables them to become masters of their own lives, making life filled with positive qualities. The participants expressed their gratitude one after another. Winter, a participant, expressed gratitude, saying Abbess Manshin had helped them unravel many confusions. She felt greatly inspired and was pleased to have made numerous like-minded friends. Adela shared, the event was organised professionally and meticulously. She was grateful to the organisers for their dedication. Through the event, she had deepened her understanding of the Temple and wished to continue learning to gain wisdom.
Premier's Harmony Dinner: Nan Tien Temple to co-build an Inclusive and Multicultural Society
Francis Wong April 1, 2024 The 12th Premier's Harmony Dinner of New South Wales, Australia, was grandly held on the evening of 13 March at the Sydney International Convention Centre, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to promoting community harmony and inclusivity, showcasing the charm of New South Wales as a successful multicultural society. Venerable Miao You, Director and Company Secretary of the Nan Tien Institute, and Venerable Zhi Li, Director for Social Education of Nan Tien Temple, were invited to attend. The Hon. Christopher John Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, and The Hon. Steven Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, emphasized the importance of embracing multiculturalism in their speeches and praised those who have contributed to this cause. Nick Kaldas APM, Chair of the Multicultural New South Wales Advisory Board, and CEO Joseph La Posta also welcomed attendees, stating that in the current uncertain world, strengthening community relations and social cohesion are crucial. The official ceremony of the dinner included the presentation of the Multicultural Honor Roll, Excellence in Heritage Awards, and the Premier's Multicultural Community Medals, covering various fields such as sports, lifelong community service, community harmony, business excellence, human rights, regional unity, youth, arts and culture, language services, and community language teachers. The ceremony featured exciting performances, including the national anthem and songs such as "Give You Love," "Larissa Kovalchuk," and "Faith Sosenē" performed by the Combined Choir of New South Wales Community Language Schools Association. Venerable Miao You stated that Humanistic Buddhism emphasizes compassion and harmony, which aligns with the multicultural ideals advocated by New South Wales. Through participation in the Premier's Harmony Dinner, Nan Tien Temple can enhance communication with other religious and cultural groups, working together to build a harmonious and inclusive society. Venerable Zhi Li pointed out that Nan Tien Temple is committed to promoting exchanges among community members from different cultural backgrounds, contributing to the construction of a harmonious society. Lome Tengere of the Griffith Multicultural Council NSW expressed his honour to participate in the Premier's Harmony Dinner and to meet new friends from Nan Tien Temple. He also mentioned that he was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the temple with his family and share beautiful memories. Basim, Manager of Navitas Skilled Futures, shared that on Harmony Day, being able to gather with multicultural groups and people from different countries to celebrate unique cultural traditions was a great experience for him. He also mentioned that he had visited Buddhist temples himself and really enjoyed the atmosphere there. Government official Adul expressed his happiness to see the venerables from Nan Tien Temple at the Premier's Harmony Dinner and thanked everyone for their presence.
Crossing borders and transcending time to share on Humanistic Buddhism research
Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple March 2５, 2024 The Humanistic Buddhism Special Interest Group (HB SIG) convened for the first time in 2024 on March 12th. The online meeting brought together 24 scholars and students from diverse corners of the globe who share an academic interest in Humanistic Buddhism. Dr Badshah Sardar from Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad, Pakistan, spoke on the Buddhist Rock Inscriptions of Uddiyana (Swat Valley), Pakistan and its present state of research. Although little attention has been paid to the study and conservation of these inscription in the past, researchers are actively finding new inscriptions, some of which were reported at the recent “International Conference and Art Festival to promote the Buddhist heritage of Pakistan” in Islamabad. As valuable primary resources, the inscriptions will allow scholars to reconstruct the chronological order and hierarchy of the ruling kingdoms, the geographic and economic condition of the region and a history of the spread of Buddhism in the area. In the Q&A session, Dr Badshah also shared his personal experience on navigating practical challenges to access the inscriptions, which still lie scattered in the libraries, museums, private collection and remote custody. The second presentation was delivered by Dr Sandra Ng from Malaysia. Her work "Inner Guidance: Of Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese Buddhist Pilgrims” drew upon 27 in-depth interviews to explore the transformative experiences of pilgrims. By viewing pilgrimage in integrated spatiotemporal dimensions, Dr Ng hoped that her work will help to create a deeper understanding of the pilgrimage phenomenon and contribute to understanding the religiosity and spirituality of Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese Buddhists. By highlighting pilgrimage as a form of Buddhist cultivation, her research suggested how the social engagement and movement afforded by pilgrimage could foster ethics, happiness and mindful living. Pakistani scholar Dr Fasiha Ijlal in the audience noted similarities in Buddhist and Muslim pilgrims despite their different religious traditions. Dr Ng was pleased to hear about the observation, which verifies the universality of the notion of pilgrimage. The Humanistic Buddhism Special Interest Group is an initiative of Humanistic Buddhist Centre (HBC), Nan Tien Institute, and It continues to serve as a dynamic platform facilitating connections, discussions, and collaborations among individuals interested in Humanistic Buddhism research. To join its activities please visit https://www.nantien.edu.au/about-us/humanistic-buddhism-centre/research/sig/
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.
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.
FGS Auckland Expressed Gratitude to the Founding Master
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 11, 2024 On 24th February 2024, coinciding with the 15th day of the first lunar month, Fo Guang Shan Auckland commemorated the First Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan Founding Master—Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Passing Away. At 3pm NZ time, Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan NZ led the monastic and BLIA members in joining a global live stream to pay tribute to the Venerable Master in a memorial service. The attendees included President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island Chapter NZ, Deputy President Larry YANG, Nick YOONG and over fifty BLIA members. Head Abbot of FGS, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau expressed gratitude to the global Buddhist community for their unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the faith. Abbot Hsin Bau explained that wisdom is the light of salvation for the world. The Founding Master hoped that everyone could find peace and happiness through faith. Abbot Hsin Bau blessed everyone to continue progressing and serving the community, drawing inspiration from the Founding Master’s spirit. Keeping Up is crucial, said Abbess Manshin, quoting the Founding Master to inspire the attendees. The opportunity to connect with the Founding Master is precious. By undertaking, enduring, striving and accomplishing in the service of the community, we enrich our lives with joy and value. President Evelyn expressed gratitude for the guidance of the Founding Master in understanding and strengthening faith, establishing correct views and beliefs. The Founding Master left countless writings to unlock our potential and gain wisdom. She encouraged the members to seize the moment and closely follow the Buddha’s teachings to enrich their lives. Advisor Lintao commented, that BLIA members are honored to uphold the Founding Master’s faith and legacy, which enhance our quality of life. Deputy President Larry reminisced emotionally about his time with the Venerable Master, During my volunteering at the headquarters, I had the precious opportunity to meet with the Venerable Master and was touched by his compassionate heart. I vow to cultivate the strength to bear responsibility, devote myself to the teachings and bring value to the community.
BLIA South Island NZ Training and Fellowship Seminar with Newly Appointed YAD President
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 1, 2024 On 16th March 2024, BLIA South Island held a Training and Fellowship Seminar at the Fo Guang Shan Christchurch Temple. The session featured insights from Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, Subchapter Senior Advisor CAO Qian, and Subchapter 1 President Tiffany SU. The session was attended by over 40 members, including Subchapter Senior Advisor Louisa KUO, BLIA South Island Deputy Presidents James LOW and Dong ZHANG and other committees. During the event, a charter ceremony was conducted for the newly appointed BLIA Young Adult Division Christchurch President Tim SONG and Deputy President Elaine HUANG. President Tiffany SU, quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encouraged all participants to serve the community, thus forging positive connections. She emphasized that BLIA members strive to purify human minds, fostering compassion within society and making a meaningful historical impact through organising various activities. Senior Advisor CAO Qian shared her personal experiences to convey the essence of the BLIA and the attitudes that members should maintain. She stressed Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings for BLIA members to embrace virtues of unity and benevolence, and to actively engage in the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in their daily lives to cultivate happiness and peace. Venerable Juexi highlighted the significance of essence, form, and function in practice. Venerable encouraged attendees to develop wisdom as the essence, compassion as the form, and skilful means for function, as one should return to the basics by cultivating the right understanding and right view from within. Venerable urged BLIA members to care for all beings and practice the principles of Truthfulness, Virtue, and Beauty inherent in Humanistic Buddhism at all times. The session also included vibrant and energetic singing by the YAD group. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the organizers’ dedication, gaining deeper insights into BLIA’s operations and feeling proud to be part of the community.
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.
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.
