FGS News
Fo Guang Cup schedule was postponed due to rain,BK Academy advanced to the semifinals with an undefeated record in the preliminary rounds
The Merit Times July 25, 2024 On the third day of the 2024 Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament, the afternoon schedule was postponed due to Typhoon Gaemi. In the men's division morning games, the Malaysia Selection Team defeated National Formosa University 81-73, and Brian Kerle Basketball Academy beat the University of Tsukuba 74-71. In the women's division, Mukogawa Women's University won against Brian Kerle Basketball Academy with a score of 104-70. During the game between the Malaysia Selection Team and National Formosa University, Bosango Tychique secured the win for his team with a three-pointer in the final minute. Bosango Tychique scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Michael Munnesvicky contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds. In another men's division game, Brian Kerle Basketball Academy narrowly won by 3 points, thanks to Adam Kerle's 25 points and 6 rebounds, Griffin Biwer's 15 points and 20 rebounds, and Christian Pang's 12 points and 3 rebounds. Brian Kerle Basketball Academy won all three of their preliminary games, securing the top seed in Group A of the men's basketball division. In the women's division game, Suzune Miyamoto from Mukogawa Women's University scored 17 points and grabbed 2 rebounds, Koharu Segawa contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Kaede Takahashi scored 13 points and grabbed 2 rebounds, helping their team easily defeat Brian Kerle Basketball Academy.
Typhoon Gaemi Hits Taiwan, Fo Guang Cup Proceeds as Scheduled and Fo Guang University Advances to the Semifinals
The Merit Times July 24, 2024 2024 Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament was held on July 23, and on July 24, Fo Guang University becomes the first team to advance to the semifinals in the women's division after beating National University of Philippines by 76-72. Typhoon Gaemi struck Taiwan on July 24th, but the Fo Guang Cup games held at the Kaohsiung Arena were unaffected and proceeded as scheduled. Fo Guang University achieved their second consecutive victory, advancing to the semifinals. Ting-Chi Chen scored a game-high 20 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Despite securing two consecutive wins, both were narrow victories by single-digit margins. Coach Shu-Ching Yang admitted that the players did not perform at their usual pace. In the other matches on the 24th, in the women's division, the Malaysia Selection Team defeated Basketball New Zealand 67-53. Key player Xin-Jie Chen delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 24 points and grabbing 4 rebounds, keeping the team’s hopes of advancing alive. In the men's division, the Malaysia Selection Team defeated Basketball New Zealand 71-57. Bosango Tychique from the Malaysia Selection Team scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, Michael Munnesvicky scored 11 points with 4 rebounds, and De Wee Yiang contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Brian Kerle Basketball Academy beat Taiwan Normal University 96-62. Adam Kerle from the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy scored 19 points, with 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals; Darcy Ryder scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds; and Liam Fletcher scored 23 points, with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
2024 Fo Guang Cup Kicks Off on July 23, Mayor of Kaohsiung Chen Chi-mai Presided Over the Tip-Off Ceremony
The Merit Times July 23, 2024 The Opening Ceremony of the 11th Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament was held on July 23. Chen Chi-mai, the Mayor of Kaohsiung, attended the opening ceremony and presided over the ceremoiny with Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Monastery. The honoured guests include Venerable Tzu Jung, Buddha's Light International Association(BLIA) World Headquarters Acting President; Venerable Yi Lai; Venerable Ru Chang, Director of Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum; Venerable Chueh Pei, BLIA World Headquarters Secretary General; Venerable Yung Guang; Jow-Fei Ho, president of Fo Guang University; Liu Chao-ming, President of the Three Acts of Goodness Sports Association; Yang Chao-hsiang, presidentof Fo Guang Shan University Consortium; and Hou Tsun-yao, Director of the Sports Development Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government. Chen Chi-mai presided over the tip-off ceremony, cheering on the players. Most Venerable Hsin Bau gave a teaching. He encouraged the players to give their best effort, enjoy the competition, practice the "Three Acts of Goodness," and make the world a better place. At the opening ceremony, a message from Fo Guang Shan Monastery Venerable Master Hsing Yun was played, expressing his hopes for the basketball tournament. He wished for the sincerity, friendship, and excellence of the sport to be fully demonstrated on the court. 16 teams compete for the highest honor，with 8 teams in the men's division, including National Formosa University, National Chengchi University, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Brian Kerle Basketball Academy (Australia), University of Tsukuba (Japan), Guang Ming College (Philippines), Basketball New Zealand, and Malaysia Selection Team. In the women's division, there are also 8 teams participating, including Fo Guang University, Taiwan Normal University, Brian Kerle Basketball Academy (Australia), Oklahoma Baptist University (USA), Mukogawa Women's University (Japan), National University (Philippines), Basketball New Zealand, and Malaysia Selection Team. Many distinguished guests were invited to the opening ceremony. After the auspicious dragon dance by Fo Guang Shan, the organizer, Fo Guang University's president Jow-Fei Ho, gave a speech, welcoming all the teams and guests to the Fo Guang Cup. He expressed gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for advocating the spread of the "Three Acts of Goodness" through sports. Lastly, he specially thanked the city government of Kaohsiung and various organizations for their support of the event. After the cheerleading performance, the women's match began, featuring Fo Guang University against the Malaysia Selection Team. Fo Guang University led the game from the start, with the Malaysia Selection Team continually chasing. With only 5.6 seconds remaining, they closed the gap to just 1 point but couldn't take the lead. Ultimately, Fo Guang University won the game 75-74.
Kaohsiung Nibun Chorus Sing in Gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun After Winning Gold Medals
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand July 23, 2024 The 13th World Choir Games 2024 concluded on 20 July in New Zealand, where the Nibun Chorus from Liugui, Kaohsiung, emerged victorious from over 200 choirs. They won two gold medals in the categories of Folk and Indigenous Music with Accompaniment and Contemporary Mixed Voice Music. Their melodious singing, akin to heavenly voices, amazed the judges. The following day, on 21 July, the choir, led by conductor Jun-Zhi CHEN, visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland again at the invitation of Abbess Manshin. They performed a Bunun song to honour and thank Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan. FGS Director of Executive Council Venerable HuiChuan, who was in Europe chairing the International Buddha’s Light Young Adult Executive Conference, specially recorded a video to congratulate the choir on their achievements. Many members of the choir were survivors of the 2009 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan. At that time, Venerable HuiChuan, appointed by the Venerable Master, served as the Chief Director for the Flood Disaster Relief. Ven HuiChuan expressed his joy at seeing the students grow up healthy and win international gold medals, saying, Congratulations to everyone on winning 2 Gold Medals in the World Choir Games. Fo Guang Shan served as a crucial refuge during the flood disaster, providing significant support. We are also delighted to have supported you in the New Zealand World Choir Games, and we wish you safe and auspicious travels and continued success in future competitions. Only with a pure mind can one produce pure sounds, just as because of the Venerable Master’s compassionate heart, Fo Guang Shan Temples around the world exist, said Abbess Manshin. Abbess led the assembly in reporting to the Grand Master, Compassionate Grand Master, today we have nearly a hundred students from Liugui, Kaohsiung, who after 16 years under the care and love of their teachers and the community, have grown up and taken on responsibilities. They will now sing a song, The Benevolent of Mother’s Eyes, to thank you for your life-saving kindness. The choir’s heavenly voices resonated throughout the space, filling it with pure and elegant melodies. Conductor CHEN shared that the song, like a mother’s loving gaze, brings strength and courage to people’s hearts, reflecting the compassion and warmth of the Venerable Master. He attributed their two gold medals to the Grand Master’s blessings and expressed gratitude for the Abbess’s support and hospitality before and after the competition. The students also expressed their thanks for the abundant food prepared by the Temple, including pastries, snacks, fruits and beverages, which rejuvenated them and greatly helped with the final competition. As a dentist, CHEN mentioned his experience in identifying disaster victims through dental records during the Morakot Flood Disaster, emphasising the profound power of faith. He noted that faith can help recover from severe disasters, stressing the importance of making the voices of Liugui heard. He shared his deep gratitude to Fo Guang Shan Auckland for supporting and showing kindness to the team, which had been one of the blessings and highlights of the trip.
2024 ANZBYC: Embracing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Teachings for a Bright Future
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand July 23, 2024 From 5th to 7th July 2024, the 26th Australia New Zealand Buddha’s Light Youth Conference (ANZBYC) took place at Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple. This year’s conference centred on the theme Stay True to Your Initial Aspirations, featuring an interactive Q&A session led by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer Dr Eric Chan and Advisor Caroline Ong of BLIA Sydney Subchapter. The sessions were deeply rooted in the teachings of the Grand Master Venerable Master Hsing Yun, sharing insights on how to apply the right attitude and mindset to personal development in the areas of spiritual practice, academics and careers. Realising Initial Aspiration through Faith Abbess Manshin shared her journey of discovering Buddhism at age 14 through the profound truth of Cause + Conditions = Effect. Recalling her vow to keep up with the Venerable Master’s teachings during her time at the FGS Tsung Lin Buddhist College, she emphasised the importance of becoming someone who is teachable. Over her three-decade service in Australia and New Zealand, Abbess Manshin has remained committed to the Founder’s vision of providing service, sharing positive values and uplifting the community in New Zealand, appreciating the endless Dharma treasures left by the Venerable Master. Abbess reminded the youth of the significance of holding activities at the Temple, which is a space filled with wisdom and compassion. Abbess drew an analogy to offering lights, stating that a single light can illuminate the hall when combined with others, and similarly, each person’s small contributions can collectively create significant impact. Quoting the Most Venerable Abbot Hsin Bau of FGS Buddhist Order, Abbess Manshin emphasised that everyone should focus on meaningful practice and learning, avoiding distractions that do not enhance wisdom or address life’s essential questions. Abbess encouraged the youths to cherish their affinities, support each other and strive together for a better future, drawing strength and value from the peaceful environment of the Temple. Rediscovering Initial Aspiration through Academics Dr Eric Chan’s lectures spanned three days, beginning with focus on that one’s initial aspiration is found by looking inward and facing one’s true self. He highlighted the spirits of compassion, wisdom, vow, and practice exemplified by the Four Great Bodhisattvas. Dr Eric shared his journey of receiving Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s benevolence, which supported him to study at Nanhua University without tuition fees, giving him the opportunity to pursue and complete his doctorate in medicine and become a professor. Dr Eric inspired the youth by emphasising that the initial aspiration lies at the root of one’s heart, encouraging them to harness their fearlessness, sincerity and faith to give back to the many causes and acts of kindness that have shaped their lives. During the workshops, participants engaged in group discussions to explore their insights and questions. Dr Eric addressed various concerns such as the feeling of disappointment when not recognised by others, the challenges of adversity in interpersonal relationships and the source of motivation for maintaining one’s initial aspirations. He quoted Venerable Master’s teachings: Only one who can take hardship has a bright future, reminding the youth that doing good for others stems from enduring hardships and the desire to help. Reflecting on his role as a university professor, he shared that his motivation comes from teaching the way he wished to be taught, which naturally empowers him. Nurturing Initial Aspiration through Careers Caroline ONG, who currently serves as a risk management director at a financial institution shared her extensive career experience in finance. With over the last 24 years of dedicated service at Fo Guang Shan, Caroline’s growth from a youth leader to a BLIA advisor illustrates the profound impact of commitment and responsibility. She recounted her first volunteer experience at the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration at Nan Tien Temple, starting in the food stall and eventually leading event planning. She emphasised Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words, to delve deep, one must first be involved; to excel, one must first contribute, highlighting the Temple as a platform for youths to realise their potential and contribute to the community. Participants inquired about various career aspects, including interview preparation, workplace culture, essential qualities and industry prospects. Caroline advised the youths to embrace responsibility early in their careers and to be meticulous in their work. She shared her experience of mastering office equipment maintenance and document management, which opened doors for her in the company, demonstrating that diligence in small tasks can lead to greater opportunities. She encouraged considering the broader impact of decisions and adhering to Venerable Master’s philosophy: I am one among many.
New Zealand Basketball Teams Prepared for 2024 Fo Guang Cup at Taiwan with Temple Blessings
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand July 23, 2024 The 2024 Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament is set to commence soon. On 19th July, CEO of Basketball New Zealand Dillon Boucher MNZM and national team coach Mitchell Langton led the men’s and women’s teams to the Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple to receive blessings before their departure for Taiwan. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ led a light offering ceremony in the Main Shrine, recited Prayer for Athletes written by the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, blessing the teams for success in their journey. There were 50 guests attending the blessing ceremony, including Editor Farida Master of Small Business Heroes Magazine, BLIA North Island Chapter Advisor Sally Wong, Chief Advisor Jennifer Liang and the Team members. CEO Boucher presented a signed basketball and a number 48 jersey as a token of gratitude to the Temple. He expressed that the players represent not only themselves but also their clubs and country, hoping they achieve great results and return to share their success with the community at Fo Guang Shan New Zealand. Abbess Manshin encouraged the players to have unwavering confidence, noting the special significance of the numbers 4 and 8, as April 8 marks the Buddha’s Birthday, symbolising equality and compassion. She gave each player a blessing apple, encouraged them to give their all, appreciate their opponents and strive to surpass themselves. The Temple also arranged for the team to enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal. Player Lauren Tewhata, representing the team, thanked Fo Guang Shan New Zealand for making their participation in the tournament possible. The men’s and women’s teams performed the Kapa Haka war dance and the Te Aroha song to express their gratitude. The Auckland youth members also performed the Open Your Heart and 3G4G song to cheer on the athletes. The team comprises players selected from 17 top clubs across New Zealand. Coach Matt Lacey will lead 12 male players, and Coach Ryan Dubbeldam will guide 10 female players, departing on 20th July. This marks New Zealand’s third participation in the tournament, with the men’s and women’s teams each winning bronze medals last year. Upon returning, the athletes visited Auckland and Christchurch Temple, expressing gratitude for the friendships fostered through the Fo Guang Cup. The Basketball New Zealand website also features information about the Fo Guang Cup, detailing the event’s origins and player profiles, and expressing gratitude to the Founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, the organisers and supporters. The New Zealand team cherishes the honour of competing in this prestigious event.
Be The Light! The 11th Fo Guang CUP University Basketball Tournament kicks off on July 23
The Merit Times July 22, 2024 The 11th Fo Guang Cup(Buddha’s Light International Association CUP) University Basketball Tournament will take place from July 23 to 28 at the Kaohsiung Arena. The Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament is jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government and Fo Guang University, aiming to enhance friendship and cooperation among young people from various countries through sports activities. The organizers held a pre-tournament press conference on July 22, inviting coaches and key players from each team to attend. Attendees of the press conference included Hou Tsun-yao, Director of the Sports Development Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government; Jow-Fei Ho, president of Fo Guang University; Liu Chao-ming, President of the Three Acts of Goodness Sports Association; Sunny Li, Vice President Human Resources of ASE Technology; Kuniaki Oga, President of Yamagata Basketball Association, and Venerable Yong Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines. They led the players in releasing dream balloons to announce the start of the Fo Guang Cup. The event was kicked off by the Little Star Kindergarten and the Philippine Guang Ming University cheerleading squad, igniting the enthusiasm of the audience with their energetic performance. Hou Tsun-yao stated that he, on behalf of Chen Chi-mai, the Mayor of Kaohsiung, welcomed everyone to Kaohsiung. Following the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Kaohsiung City has collaborated on many local activities, promoting the "Three Acts of Goodness" moral education. He also expressed the hope that during the tournament, everyone would come to Kaohsiung to watch the games and fall in love with the city through tourism. Jow-Fei Ho stated that Fo Guang Cup is not just a competition; it embodies the spirit of the "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings." It is also a showcase of teamwork and collaboration from everyone involved. Liu Chao-ming expressed the hope that the BLIA Cup will fully demonstrate diversity, inclusiveness, enthusiasm, vitality, and social responsibility, spreading positive energy. He aims to promote the "Three Acts of Goodness" movement worldwide through the tournament. Sunny Li acknowledged the long-standing organization of the Fo Guang Cup and the emotional connections it has fostered over the years. She firmly believes that young people's participation in sports events can bring even more strength. The Three Acts of Goodness Sports Association and the Fo Guang Cup Basketball Tournament combine basketball with the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, revitalizing Taiwan's basketball scene. Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the association sees basketball as a platform for physical and mental well-being and the cultivation of good character. It embraces values like courage, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect, in line with Buddhist teachings. Established in 2009, the association not only supports basketball but also promotes the Three Acts of Goodness—doing good, speaking good, and thinking good—for the entire population. The Fo Guang Cup Basketball Tournament, inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun's passion for basketball and inclusive sports, has become a convergence of diverse basketball styles from the East and the West since its inception in 2010. It offers university teams an international stage to showcase their principles and character. The tournament also emphasizes holistic development, covering moral, intellectual, physical, social, and aesthetic aspects. Held at the Kaohsiung Arena, the tournament embodies Venerable Master Hsing Yun's vision of balancing sports development between Taiwan's north and south and aims to establish Kaohsiung as a basketball stronghold. Despite the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers remain committed to bringing the Fo Guang Cup back to the forefront of basketball fans' attention. With the joint efforts of the Kaohsiung City Government and Fo Guang Shan viharas across five continents, the Fo Guang Cup has become a highlight of high-level international competitions in southern Taiwan. The Fo Guang Cup invites outstanding teams from various countries to come to Taiwan, not only promoting sports development and cultural exchange but also serving as a sports event that encourages participation from the public. A total of 16 teams are participating in 2024 Fo Guang Cup, with 8 teams in the men's division, including National Formosa University, National Chengchi University, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Brian Kerle Basketball Academy (Australia), University of Tsukuba (Japan), Guang Ming College (Philippines), Basketball New Zealand, and Malaysia Selection Team. In the women's division, there are also 8 teams participating, including Fo Guang University, Taiwan Normal University, Brian Kerle Basketball Academy (Australia), Oklahoma Baptist University (USA), Mukogawa Women's University (Japan), National University (Philippines), Basketball New Zealand, and Malaysia Selection Team.
The Wishing Tree Graduation: A Vibrant Collaboration Ignites Young Talents in Cebu
Fo Guang Shan Philippines July 22, 2024 The Siddhartha Theater Ensemble and Guang Ming College - Cebu have joined forces to launch a transformative children's summer program in the performing arts, the Octave Music Camp. Guided by the esteemed Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, this inaugural musical production was a masterpiece. Directors Junrey and Alexandrea Alix, along with workshop Coaches Van and Joana, crafted creative scripts inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun's stories, "Harmony (The Four Old Men)" and "The Painters." The students brought these tales to life with heartfelt performances, embodying the values within the stories. This milestone marks the beginning of a vibrant theatrical tradition. The grand finale, "The Wishing Tree Graduation," was the triumphant conclusion of a rigorous five-week musical theater program. Young talents honed their skills in voice, dance, and acting, leaving the audience in awe. Coach Vaughn Duke, with infinite patience and boundless enthusiasm, sparked the creative flames in our young performers, guiding their imaginations to breathtaking fruition. Coach Joana Marie instilled discipline and focus, shaping the students into dedicated performers. Coach Niño Fritz Sianson unlocked their vocal potential, empowering them to express raw emotion with resounding power. Coach Giselle Abalos transformed even the shyest students into exuberant boogie-woogie monsters. Director Junrey Alayacyac’s astute guidance and invaluable insights elevated our coaches' abilities and the overall production. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the students' parents and friends. Your overwhelming support and enthusiasm made the show truly special. To our amazing students, your hard work, dedication, and talent shone brilliantly on stage. To our supportive parents and guardians, thank you for nurturing your children’s love for the arts and sharing this special day with us. Your encouragement means the world. Abbess Venerable Miao Jing of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple concluded the event with a congratulatory message, celebrating the teachers' and students' creative efforts. She emphasized the importance of family ties, hopeful wishes, and success through harmony and teamwork. This successful collaboration has set the stage for a vibrant future in the performing arts for the children of Cebu.
Hsi Lai Girl Scouts Earn Top Honors: Service Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple July 22, 2024 On June 2, 2024, the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) hosted the Gold Award Ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Molly Huang and Allison Chieh from Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai Girl Scout Troop 18894 received the prestigious Gold Award for their projects "Project No Distance" and "Better Environment, Better Tomorrow," respectively. Venerable Zhi San, the Guiding Venerable of Hsi Lai Girl Scouts, along with 15 family members and friends, attended the event. Nearly a thousand attendees celebrated the achievements of 207 awardees. The Gold Award projects addressed themes such as humanitarian care, environmental protection, healthcare, and conservation of animals and insects. The recipients, who are students in grades 9 to 12, choose their topics, plan the details, and contribute over 80 hours of community service. Only 6% of Girl Scouts nationwide receive this honor each year. GSGLA CEO Theresa Edy Kiene praised the awardees for demonstrating care, independence, perseverance, confidence, innovation, and community service through their projects. She affirmed that every Girl Scout is a future leader. Amid continuous applause and cheers from their families and friends, the awardees went on stage individually to receive their medals. The ceremony also featured videos showcasing the project names and gratitude messages from the Girl Scouts. Molly Huang noticed that many clubs at her high school required membership to participate in activities, which discouraged student engagement, especially after the pandemic. To address this, she initiated "Project No Distance," encouraging student interaction and fostering a sense of community and belonging. Her project advisor, Mr. Shay Lohman, remarked on her leadership qualities and the positive impact of her project. Allison Chieh's Gold Award project, "Better Environment, Better Tomorrow," focuses on environmental sustainability. She designed courses, videos, websites, and activities for middle school students to raise awareness about environmental issues. Her project advisor, Mr. Arnel Redoblado, who also guided her Silver Award project, expressed pride in witnessing Allison's growth and dedication to community service. Venerable Zhi San highlighted the perseverance required to achieve the Gold Award. He encouraged the Girl Scouts to continue striving for the welfare of others and to help improve lives.
Nibun Chorus from Taiwan Visited FGS Auckland Heavenly Voices Spread Positive Energy
Fo Guang Shan New Zealand July 22, 2024 The 13th World Choir Games 2024 were held grandly in Auckland, New Zealand from 10 to 20 July. Over 200 choirs with more than 10,000 participants from around the globe attend, including nine choirs from Taiwan, comprising about 400 people. On 18 July, over 80 members of the Nibun Chorus from Liugui, Kaohsiung, Taiwan visited the Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple at the invitation of Advisor Meggan LAM of BLIA North Island. They were warmly received by FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, Chief Advisor Jennifer LIANG of BLIA North Island Chapter and the Team. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ had commitments at the Christchurch Temple, she expressed her concern for the choir through a video call, informing the Auckland team to prepare a delicious meal to uplift the group. Abbess hoped the meal would rejuvenate them, filling them with confidence and joy for the next day’s competition, encouraging the choir to offer their best performance on stage. Each member also received a blessing apple, wishing for a safe journey. Choir conductor Jun-Zhi CHEN shared his annual visits to Fo Guang Shan Headquarter at Kaohsiung for the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival, expressing his surprise and delight at finding a similar sense of home in New Zealand. He was moved by the Temple’s hospitality, which provided them with much-needed blessings and energy, especially resonating with wise words from the Venerable Master: Money can buy slaves but not affection; Money can buy people but not hearts. Conductor Chen shared that many choir members were survivors of the Morakot typhoon, and their growth over the past 15 years was full of challenges. He encouraged the group to cherish all affinities and bring this positive energy to their performance. One student recounted being rescued by helicopter during the typhoon and brought to Fo Guang Shan, expressing gratitude for the Temple’s care. Nick Yoong of the BLIA North Island Chapter led the group for a Temple tour, highlighting the local contributions of FGS New Zealand, allowing the visitors to experience the cultural atmosphere of the Temple. As they walked along the courtyard, they felt transported back to Taiwan, exclaiming, It’s so beautiful, just like being at home. They learned that the vibrant colours of the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition were the result of countless individual wishes and contributions, inspiring everyone to fill out wishing cards and draw wise words from Venerable Master Hsing Yun. They then watched a video of Venerable Master’s calligraphy, gaining insights into the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan. Nick shared that the Grand Master often said do not look at my calligraphy, but look at my heart, comparing it to the choir’s heartfelt singing that transcends beyond languages and touches everyone. The students thanked the Temple for the delightful dinner, expressing how it tasted like a home-cooked meal. Before departing, they performed a beautiful choral piece as a gesture of gratitude to the Temple. Venerable Rulian presented the students with New Zealand propolis candy, beautiful pencils and bookmarks, encouraging them to practise the principles of Three Acts of Goodness & Four Givings and to live by the Five Harmonies for a happy and fulfilling life. She wished the choir the best in spreading pure, sincere and beautiful music to the world and achieving outstanding results in the competition. On 20 July, the Nibun Chorus brought exciting news, winning two gold medals in the categories of Folk and Indigenous Music with Accompaniment and Contemporary Mixed Voice Music. Their melodious singing, like the voice of heaven, amazed the judges. The students also recorded a video to thank Fo Guang Shan and express their gratitude for the blessings that made their journey successful.
