2022 FGS Christchurch Triple Gems Refuge Ceremony

Fo Guang Shan Christchurch held the "2022 Triple Gems Refuge Ceremony" on 5 November, in which Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, presided over the ceremony and led 33 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members, devotees and the public to take refuge in the Triple gems.

The attendees followed the Abbess sincerely in reciting sutras, repenting their past wrongdoings, and taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha to become true Buddhist disciples. They pledged to strive together in their Buddhist studies and support the promotion of Buddhism.

Abbess gave a Dharma talk, stating that Fo Guang Shan is a place of orthodox Buddhist teachings and only those with good fortune could take refuge in the Triple gems, free from the influence of evil spirits and deviant teachings, with correct knowledge and understanding. In today's tumultuous society, having the right faith is crucial. Taking refuge in the Triple gems is the foundation of belief and Buddhist studies. He hoped that those who have taken refuge would become masters of their minds, have firm faith in Buddhism, strengthen their confidence in the Dharma, cultivate correct knowledge and understanding, and regularly return to the temple to support it.

Ming Yuan Kuo, the elder advisor BLIA South Island Chapter one, said that it was a great opportunity for the devotees to take refuge in the Triple Gems again, and it was an auspicious occasion. As the Abbess said, "The Buddha is like light, the Dharma is like water, and the Sangha is like a merit-field. Buddhist learners must radiate light to illuminate those around them to learn Buddhism together. The Dharma water must flow across the five continents to improve inner-wisdom. Buddhist learners must support Buddhism, cultivate blessings, and allow the Dharma to remain in the world. We must follow the teacher and the path, keep up with the steps of the Venerable and our home temple, protect Buddhism, and make New Zealand a pure land of Buddhism."

Forest Lin, the secretary of the BLIA South Island, felt fortunate to participate in the refuge ceremony, which was a rare blessing and strengthened everyone's aspiration to learn Buddhism. She planned to bring her son to the temple more often to do volunteer work and participate in activities, planting the seeds of Bodhi in their hearts, which would have a positive influence on their future lives. "May we follow the Buddha's teachings in this life and the next, and never lose our original intention."

Wendy Chang, a member of BLIA South Island, participated in the refuge ceremony with her mother and two friends. Both friends visited the temple for the first time and had the chance to take refuge in the Triple Gems, feeling honored and joyful. The solemn and dignified ceremony made them deeply feel the peace and compassion of Buddhism. They pledged to come to the temple regularly to hear the Buddha's teachings, learn to become true Buddhist disciples.

Donald He, another member of BLIA South Island, felt delighted to be able to take refuge in the Triple gems, which strengthened his faith. It also reminded him that as a Buddhist, he must always remember the Buddha's teachings: "Do no evil, practice all that is good," and cultivate correct knowledge and understanding, and increase good causes and conditions.