2023 FGS NZ Commemoration Service for Venerable Master Hsing Yun & Buddha's Birthday Celebration for World Peace
On 1st April 2023, Fo Guang Shan New Zealand held a Commemoration Service for Venerable Master Hsing Yun & Buddha's Birthday Celebration. Over 500 people from diverse backgrounds attended the ceremony singing Praise for Venerable Master, Stars and Clouds and Love & Peace, along with a hand gesture performance to express their gratitude to the Venerable Master.
The auspicious ceremony began with a Scottish pipe band, and the representatives of the New Zealand Police carrying the statue of Prince Siddhartha into the Main Shrine. The Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin, led the blessing ceremony and welcomed distinguished guests to bathe the Prince Siddhartha. Representatives from various religions, including CaStholic Representative Rev Deacon Chris Sullivan, Anglican Representative Rev Ivica Gregurec, and Maori elder Matua Toi Katipa, also performed their respective religious blessings for world peace.
In her speech, Abbess Manshin shared that “As we gather here today for Buddha’s Birthday, I would also like to use this opportunity to commemorate the passing of our beloved Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan. Throughout his life, Venerable Master has lived by the philosophy of Giving. The best way to honour Venerable Master’s legacy and memory is to let the Three Acts of Goodness which represents truth, kindness and beauty take root in our society and community.”
The President of BLIA North Island, Ms Yulin Ku, expressed gratitude for Venerable Master’s benevolent wishes in spreading Humanistic Buddhism worldwide. She said the two Temples in Auckland and Christchurch are the most beautiful gift that the Venerable Master has given to New Zealanders. The best way to commemorate him is to carry the spirit of giving and work together with the Temple to serve the community with joy.
The Leader of Opposition NZ and MP of Botany, Mr Christopher Luxon expressed sincere condolences to the Venerable Master saying “Since Venerable Master Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan in 1967, it has become a globally recognised Buddhist organisation, sowing the energy of harmony, peace and compassion.”
The Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Ms Kendra Chen, shared she is grateful for the compassionate vow of Venerable Master for constructing Fo Guang Shan. It is a treasure of faith shared by people around the world.
Race Relation Commissioner of New Zealand, Mr Meng Foon LIAO, said that “The work that accomplished by BLIA members are valuable to the society, and actualizing and practicing the wisdom of Venerable Master.” Acting Area Commander of Manukau West Inspector Ross Ellwood shared that “Venerable Master was a great leader, a teacher and a philosopher, and we are grateful to the Temple for accepting our heartfelt condolences.”
In addition, Associate Professor in Medical Education at Griffith University, Dr Kwong Chan also delivered a public talk, sharing on how the Venerable Master turned the life of a disciple around. The talk was filled with 120 people, inspired by Venerable Master’s vast kindness and deeply grateful for his selflessness and compassion.
The celebration also featured a Baby & Children Blessing ceremony, local markets, art exhibitions and more. Under the guidance of the Venerables, BLIA members actively practicing the spirit of Giving, to bring joy to the community. Through service, BLIA members bring glory to their faith and pride to themselves, allowing message of Three Acts of Goodness to take root in New Zealand.