Francis Wong
May 23, 2024

Organised by Hsing Yun Education Foundation and iPure Green, and co-hosted by BLIA Sydney and Nan Tien Temple, the "2024 Sydney Buddha's Birthday Festival VEGRUN" kicked off joyfully at Darling Harbour on 28th April. Over 400 enthusiastic participants, including Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, Ms. Cathy Guo, a director of Hsing Yun Education Foundation and general public from all walks of life, joined the event.

The purpose of this charity run is to support the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "peace and happiness shining over the five continents," as well as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Good Health and Well-being. Mental health is currently one of the most significant social health issues in Australia, with one in every five Australians facing mental health problems. Therefore, the foundation aims to raise awareness and concern for mental health issues through this charity run.

The journey to mental health begins with a happy life. This year's charity run, themed "Kindness in Motion, Wellness in Every Step," aims to involve everyone in running for health and happiness. The proceeds from the charity run, witnessed by Venerable. Man Ko and the Daniel Wu, President BLIA Sydney, were donated by The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, to the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline Australia during the Buddha's Birthday celebration. These two charitable organizations are the largest in Australia conducting research on mental health, with Lifeline Australia also providing 24-hour crisis support services and personnel training. Their mission aligns with the foundation's vision of safeguarding the happiness and well-being of the public.

The charity run featured participants of all ages, from athletic individuals to elderly participants and families joining in the spirit of joy. Each participant contributed to raising awareness of mental health and realizing a happy and peaceful life.

Before the run, the organizers arranged activities such as Tai Chi and vegetable dances to calm the mind and stretch the body. Then, amidst the cheerful sound of the starting whistle, everyone set off with high spirits. Along the 3-kilometer route, there were cheering stations to support the participants. In the end, Kaushal Thakur, Ben Liu, Ivan Woo, Antares Qi, Leo Divis, and Xavier NG respectively secured the top three positions in the adult and children's categories. Venerable Man Ko presented certificates, medals, and books by Master Hsing Yun as rewards. Each participant also received a charity run badge as encouragement.

Adult category champion Kaushal Thakur, from the birthplace of Buddhism in India, with six years of running experience, expressed his enjoyment of the fun run and highlighted the benefits of running for physical and mental health.

"Moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet" are essential factors for achieving physical and mental health, as emphasized by Venerable Man Ko. A healthy body and a faithful belief can bring positive energy to society, thereby realizing happiness, peace, and creating a world of truth, goodness, and beauty. Venerable Man Ko further pointed out that participants, sponsors, and beneficiaries of the charity run all accumulate the same merits and encouraged everyone to dedicate their merits to building a " Coexistence and Coprosperity " society.