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.

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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.

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New Zealand Police Superintendent Care for Smooth Operation and Temple Pomelos for Auspicious Blessings

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 26, 2024 During the first 3 days of the Chinese New Year Celebration, Fo Guang Shan Temple in Auckland served over 20,000 visitors for New Year blessings. On 15 February 2024, Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Director of Partnerships for Tāmaki Makaurau, visited the Temple to ensure the community’s safety. Abbess Manshin accompanied Supt Gemmell to the Main Shrine offering prayers for the nation. Abbess explained the Temple’s New Year activities, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit on Chinese New Year’s Eve, where he greeted the public and distributed auspicious red packets. The Temple expressed gratitude for all assistance provided by the New Zealand Police over the years during the Chinese New Year Celebration, including public safety and traffic control. The lion dance performances by NZP have gained a heap of great feedback from the public. Supt Gemmell was impressed by the large crowd and the distribution of over ten thousand auspicious red packets. He also viewed a video of the Lights of Wisdom Blessing Show and When Buddha Meets the Gods Festival at the FGS Buddha Museum in Taiwan. Supt Gemmell admired the scale of the FGS Headquarters and expressed deep respect for the achievements of FGS’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, venerating his significant contributions to humanity over the years. He expresses his interest in visiting the Headquarters and Buddha Museum in Taiwan. To thank the NZ Police, Abbess Manshin, along with President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island and Minister in Charge Venerable Rulian, visited the Manukau East Police Station, delivering pomelos to wish the police officers an auspicious and safe New Year. An explanation from the Abbess on how to peel the fruits, its nutritional benefits and how the peel can be used as a natural insect repellent. Area Commander of Manukau East Inspector Rodney Honan and Sen Sgnt Anson LIN thanked the Abbess for bringing warmth and joy to the dedicated officers. Sen Sgnt Richard Bracey, attending the CNY Festival at the Temple for the first time, expressed his honour in participating in the celebrations with thousands of attendees and was moved by the harmonious atmosphere at the festival.

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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.”

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Mellons Bay School Embraces Mindfulness & Joy at Fo Guang Shan Temple

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 15, 2024 On the morning of 26th March 2024, 230 students from Years 1 to 3 at Mellons Bay School, accompanied by 58 teachers and parents, visited the Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple to learn about the value of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G). Upon their arrival, they were warmly greeted by the BLIA members. A lively and uplifting song, 3G GO, composed by the President Jenny CHEN of the BLIA New York Chapter, which was greatly enjoyed by both the students and teachers. The BLIA members engaged the students with interactive teaching methods, incorporating various activities to convey the meaning of 3G4G. The students watched a movie Life of Buddha to learn how to apply good deeds in real life, created lotus flowers origami to practise concentration, learned how to ring a wishing bell with joined palms to make personal vows and experienced calmness of body and mind through meditation. Teacher Jane Craig expressed her gratitude for the warm welcoming and the meaningful educational activities arranged by the team. She was delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Mellons Bay School visit, noting the joyful smiles on each student’s face. Kim, a teacher visiting the Temple for the first time, shared that she found the Temple’s grand architecture and peaceful gardens to be very calming and comforting. Her favourite part of the visit was watching the film about Buddha’s life, which she found inspiring and moving. The Temple specially presented Three Goods stickers as a gift to the students, wishing them to implement these values in their lives and spread joy and hope to those around them, contributing to a harmonious community. The teachers also expressed their anticipation of bringing 250 Year 4 to 6 students to the Temple in May to participate in the 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing.

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FGS NZ Celebrates the Year of the Dragon with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Extending New Year Greetings

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 16, 2024 On 9th February 2024, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland hosted a celebration to welcome the Year of the Dragon. The event saw a turnout of over 8,000 attendees joining in the festivities to mark the beginning of a new year. The celebration was graced by the presence of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The Prime Minister paid homage to the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, by offering flowers in appreciation of the Venerable Master establishing the Temple in New Zealand and the significant contributions to the wellbeing of the local community through various educational, artistic and cultural services. Distinguished guests including National Party MP Nancy LU, Chairman of the Howick Local Board, Damian Light, New Zealand Police Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and artist Richard Monk, also graced the event, extending their New Year wishes to the Chinese community in New Zealand. Venerable Abbess Manshin presented Spring Festival couplets to Prime Minister Luxon, May you be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful, imparting wishes for peace and joy amidst his responsibilities. Prime Minister Luxon expressed his gratitude to Fo Guang Shan New Zealand for consistently organising the vibrant Lunar New Year event, marking his third year of participation. He committed to leading New Zealand towards a prosperous future with new strategies under his government. The event also featured heartfelt New Year greetings from MP Nancy LU and Chairperson Light. They expressed their joy in participating and wished the public family harmony and success in the Year of the Dragon. The New Zealand Police provide security services to ensure the smooth and safe progression of the festivities. The police officers also participate in the Fo Guang Lion Dance Performance, adding a unique flair to the celebrations and showcasing the cooperation between the police and the community. Senior Sergeant Anson LIN thanked the public for their support and stressed the importance of cooperation in ensuring community safety. The Fo Guang Shan Auckland meticulously prepared over ten thousand auspicious New Year red packets. These were distributed by Abbess Manshin, Prime Minister Luxon and Chairman Light, conveying the best wishes to the public. The enthusiastic participation of the public in the countdown and the New Year performances underscored the warmth and blessings extended by Fo Guang Shan Temple to the people of New Zealand. Prime Minister Luxon’s attendance highlighted the government’s support for the Chinese community and the broader message of New Zealand’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity.

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BLIA NZ YAD Consensus Seminar Filling Life with Right Understanding and Views

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 11, 2024 On 17 March 2024, BLIA Auckland organised the Consensus Seminar at FGS Auckland. Inviting Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of FGS NZ and Supervisor Meggan LAM of the BLIA NZ North Island Subchapter 1 as instructors, the seminar led over 20 young adults in a series of activities. These activities included Tai Chi meditation and interactive discussions, aiming to address and unravel challenges faced in life, learning and work, thereby establishing right understanding and views. Meggan Lam, a member of the Auckland Health Committee and a clinical psychology consultant, guided participants to reflect on the core reasons and values behind their actions. She provided practical advice for youth in school and the workplace, such as the importance of asking for help, understanding one’s limits, maintaining transparent and timely communication with superiors, and using positive language to resolve difficulties. Abbess answered various questions, highlighting the importance of having an enlightened mind regardless of one’s location. This involves caring about the growth of wisdom, harmonising emotions and learning to endure hardships. The Abbess shared a teaching from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Keeping up is important. She emphasised that there’s nothing that can’t be done well or kept up with. It’s crucial to admit and accept one’s imperfections, understanding that everything is subject to change. In the transient nature of life, it’s possible to find the right ways, methods, directions and to vigorously catch up. The Abbess encouraged the youths saying, a single person can move fast, but a group can go far. Together, the youth are stronger in the team.

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Nan Tien Institute Participates in the "Attention Ecology" International Conference to Promote World Peace

Francis Wong February 23, 2024 Venerable Jue Wei, Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Center at Nan Tien Institute of Fo Guang Shan, attended the online workshop "Toward a systemic concept of attention for the attention economy, using Buddhist and Western ethics" on 7 February, at the invitation of the Eindhoven Centre for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence in the Netherlands. She delivered a keynote speech and explored the theme of "Ethics & Attention," along with other renowned experts, scholars, and institutional leaders. The workshop covered topics such as "Artificial Intelligence and Attention," "Economics, Business, and Attention," and "Law and Attention." Each presenter was given 15 minutes for their keynote speech, followed by an hour of online and offline open discussion. Venerable Jue Wei, drawing on Mahayana Buddhist principles, discussed how to transform the "Attention Economy" into an "Attention Ecology." She advocated for using "Attention Ecology" to enhance the concentration of the universe, removing the "Five Hindrances" that obstruct humanity's understanding of reality. He also explained the concept of "MettaVerses" to illustrate compassion and generosity across all realms, utilizing technology to benefit the public and foster the Bodhi mind. Venerable Jue Wei emphasized that Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes understanding of dependent origination, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self as fundamental insights into the nature of reality. The "Five Hindrances" of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt hinder the recognition of interdependence, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self, distorting perception of reality, clouding mental clarity, and reducing the ability to cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and concentration, which are psychological factors or "energies" within the attention economy's emotional landscape. Focusing on the Bodhi mind in Mahayana Buddhism, Venerable Jue Wei underscored the cultivation of compassion and love, directing attention to the suffering of others, feeling compassion, and translating it into action. She proposed the concept of "MettaVerses," defining compassion as "selflessly serving and assisting with wisdom" and "giving charity unconditionally, without expecting anything in return," as shared by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with the public. During the Q&A session, participants demonstrated great interest in "MettaVerses" and Buddhist concepts, discussing mindfulness, "maintaining equanimity is the way," various Buddhist practices related to concentration, going with the flow, gradual enlightenment, and sudden enlightenment. Venerable Jue Wei believes that the current problems and crises in the world require collaboration across various fields, including religion, economics, law, ethics, and technology, to collectively create and transform crises, improve society, and promote world peace. She felt honoured to attend this presentation alongside some elite scholars and noted that Nan Tien Institute's curriculum references and cites these scholars' books as course materials, inspiring deeper and broader learning. Venerable Jue Wei recalls the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun that the venerables of Fo Guang Shan should "step out to the world" and stand on the international stage to advocate for Buddhism, using Buddhism to change society and promote world peace. Conference Video to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNnjP8zk9A

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New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon Inspired by Venerable Master’s Calligraphy

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 19, 2024 On 9th February 2024, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon celebrated the Lunar New Year at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Auckland, marking his third visit to the Temple. Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of FGS New Zealand, presented him with a calligraphy piece, Those Who Endure Are Powerful, inscribed by the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, along with the book Master Hsing Yun’s Eight Decades. These gifts symbolised wishes for the Prime Minister to lead the nation towards stability and prosperity with resilience. Prime Minister Luxon, who became a Member of Parliament for the Temple’s region three years prior, expressed his deep impression of the community work done by the Temple. In February 2023, upon learning of Venerable Master’s peaceful passing, he sent immediate condolences and thanked the Grand Master for bringing the Temple to New Zealand. He also conveyed greetings to the Head Abbot of FGS, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau. Since taking office, Prime Minister Luxon has implemented new governance strategies, including tax cuts to reduce living costs, empowering police with more authority to enhance public safety, banning mobile phones in schools and increasing teaching hours. During his visit, Abbess invited the Prime Minister to read a Dharma word from the Venerable Master: Endurance requires supreme wisdom to bear the unbearable and do the difficult. It is magnanimous compassion, insightful Bodhi wisdom and unparalleled strength. Abbess explained the Venerable Master’s vision and the power of patience, emphasising that maintaining balance through endurance can lead to a clear understanding of worldly truths and the power to effect change. The event was attended by notable guests including National Party MP Nancy LU, Howick Local Board Chairman Damian Light, NZP Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and BLIA North Island President Evelyn KU, Advisor Sally WONG, Advisor Lintao YU, Deputy President Larry YANG and Nick YOONG. The attendees applauded the PM, expressing hope for national prosperity and harmony under his leadership. The PM expressed his gratitude, stating he would hang the Grand Master’s teachings in his office as a reminder that endurance is an essential part of life and his mission. The celebration highlighted Fo Guang Shan New Zealand and the BLIA’s teamwork with the police, schools and various community sectors in achieving significant results in culture, education and charity. The visit of PM Luxon underscored the government’s support for New Zealand’s commitment to inclusivity.

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2024 BLIA NZ Seminar

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 28, 2024 On 2nd and 3rd March 2024, the Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) North Island Chapter held a two-day seminar featuring insightful lectures by FGS Abbess Manshin, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian and Senior Advisor Lintao YU. Over 50 BLIA members attended, engaging in interactive discussions and Q&A sessions, focusing on cultivating the right mindfulness and right views. Lay Dharma Teacher Lintao YU presented the story of BLIA’s Founding by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He highlighted the Temple’s leadership in guiding the association with the principle of promoting kindness through culture and cultivating talents through education. YU implemented several projects such as the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, 366 Days with Wisdom Book Gifting Project and the Annual Art Salon. He expressed gratitude for the Temple’s guidance and the members’ dedication to community service. The Venerable Master says Stability is crucial, Venerable Rulian encouraged the attendees to find their life’s purpose and to enrich lives through service. By taking on responsibilities, one can discover one’s potential, apply wisdom to dignify life and strengthen confidence in faith. President Evelyn KU expressed appreciation for the active participation and idea-sharing, noting the seminar’s role in strengthening the team. Abbess Manshin emphasised the importance of wisdom in daily life. Referring to the Venerable Master’s teachings, where there is Dharma, there is a way, implying that any problem can be resolved with wisdom. Venerable Master also pointed out that BLIA members should engage in myriad activities and create myriad affinities. By serving in various platforms, individuals cultivate personal positive karmic retribution, which manifests good qualities through actions, speech and thoughts. Starting from oneself to construct a harmonious society. On the second day, Abbess addressed the questions that arose among the members while serving in various departments within the Temple. Using simple language, she shared practical experiences of skilful means, clarifying the relationships between wealth and service, attire and attitude, as well as between remorse and gratitude. The Abbess blessed the participants, expressing hope that everyone can shine brightly, excel in quality and gracefully realise one potential through collective efforts, refining a splendid life within the heart of gratitude.

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