FGS News
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.
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.
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.
Learn from his Compassion and Wisdom, the “Community of Practices” 2-month series to commemorate Venerable Master Hsing Yun has concluded
Priscilla Wong April 17, 2024 On 31 March, the Sunday “Community of Practices” Check-In to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s passing with a 2-month series has concluded. Community members shared their personal and inspiring tributes to Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Juewei commenced the sessions, sharing the Venerable Master’s example of leading with courage to undertake innovative initiatives which were initially met with great resistance. However, his persistence and fortitude have resulted in the Fo Guang Shan we know today. Venerable reflected on how she draws strength from her teacher’s example - and asked each of us to consider how we too can take courageous action to make a positive impact on the world. Ina Denton (from the USA) and Cecile Manikan (from the Philippines) followed by sharing the joy of their personal interactions with the Venerable Master and also being the recipients of the kindness and generosity from his monastic students throughout the world. Under this genuine care, Ina undertook a personal journey from skeptic to humble student to dharma teacher, while Cecile marvelled at the art of nobility which all of us can be encouraged to practice and perfect. Lipeng Lim and Joey Yeo gave examples of how the Venerable Master’s actions and words guide us in both daily life, and when faced with life’s challenges. Joey was moved by a simple bookmark calling on him to safeguard the mind and encouraged us all to reflect on how we can be mindful of our every thought. Lipeng spoke of her admiration of the Venerable Master’s befriending of illness. Instead of resistance, anger and denial, we can see through his example the possibility to transform our experience to gratitude and acceptance. Stacey Weng gave different experiences of how the Master had touched their lives beyond form. photo／The Life News Agency Finally, our friends Xiaomeng Tian, Liam Carver and Stacey Weng gave different experiences of how the Master had touched their lives beyond form. Xiaomeng, despite never having met the Venerable Master, came to find a spiritual home in the study groups, educational institutes and communities of Fo Guang Shan. Stacey too, was delighted by the wonder and joy created by the artistic ventures nurtured by the Venerable Master - particularly in the Buddha’s Birthday Festivals (BBF) and Buddha’s Birthday Education Project (BBEP) which so many friends from around the world have contributed to. And Liam shared an internal journey of discovery. He confessed his initial disappointment at the dharma name Upholding Affinities given to him by the Venerable Master - a man he had only seen from afar, before gradually coming to appreciate how perfect the name and precious the gift were. Liam offered this final note of tribute to the Venerable Master which the community echoed: “You really were a star among the stars I could only aspire to” The Sunday Check In community now moves to our next series welcoming the authors of the 2023 book Cultivating Compassion who will present their chapters each week over the upcoming months. The link is as follows: https://www.peterlang.com/document/1340151 To learn more, hear the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Tribute sessions, and to register for the Sunday Check In sessions, see the link: https://community.thebbep.org/2024-sunday-check-in/
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.
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.
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.
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’s Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service to cultivate inner wealth and affiliation
Francis Wong February 23, 2024 On the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, an important day in traditional customs known as "Worshiping the Heavenly Deities," on17 February (The eighth day of Lunar New Year) Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple organised its "Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service ". The Dharma Service was presided over by Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand. Over 300 devotees, including those from the Sydney area, Wollongong community, and dedicated devotees from Melbourne, gathered at the Main Shrine and Dharma Hall to participate in the service, making offerings to the Triple Gem and feasting the heavenly beings. The Dharma Service commenced at 9:30 PM, with two separate incense processions. Guided by Venerable Man Ko, the attendees followed the ritual to purify the altar, invite the sacred, establish seats, make offerings, dedicate merits, and conclude the ceremony with a farewell to the sacred. The congregation recited scriptures and mantras together, and the auspicious ceremony concluded in the early morning, lasting for three hours. "Participating in the Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service, making offerings to the Triple Gem, and feasting the heavenly beings signify prosperity and wisdom," observed Venerable Man Ko with joy as she witnessed the devotees returning to the temple for the service. She expounded on Buddhism's emphasis on cultivating pure and virtuous wealth, promoting equality, generosity, and providing relief. Simultaneously, she highlighted that possessing wisdom, maintaining a joyful heart, and practicing the "Three Acts of Goodness" are enduring forms of wealth.
