2023 FGS NZ Cherry Blossom Festival - Creating a Joyful Land
The 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival with a series of events on 11th November held at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. The day featured a variety of enriching activities, including the Baby & Children Blessing Ceremony, Art Salon, Mindfulness Tea Meditation, a Classic Car Show and a local market. Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin, along with President Yulin Ku of the BLIA Chapter and the Team welcomed guests from all walks of life. Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland Ms Kendra Chen; Chairman of the Howick Local Board, Mr Damian Light, Council Member Ms Adele White; NZ Police Officers, professors and artists, with more than 6,000 people participating.
There were 14 local artists conducted workshops, offering a beautiful visual experience to visitors at the Art Salon Exhibition. These artists expressed their gratitude, revelling in the cultural atmosphere and feeling deeply respected by the care and attention of the gallery and its team at the display venue. In the Cloud Corner, the tea practitioners, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity. Meanwhile, in the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition, over a thousand visitors were inspired by wisdom quotes from the teachings of the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
The market showcased a vibrant local market, with 32 local vendors presenting their unique products, delighting attendees. The vendors thanked the organising committee for the well-organized event and looked forward to next year's gathering.
Notably, the presentation of classic cars brought great joy and surprise to the audience. There were four different classic car enthusiast groups from Auckland, including the Austin Flying ‘A’ Car Club, Rover Car Club, Auckland Triumph Car Club, and Vintage Car Club participated in the exhibition. Noeline Billing from Rover Car Club thanked the Temple for providing a platform that harmoniously brought together a classical beauty.
Abbess Manshin specifically thanked the team for diligently practicing the philosophy of Giving as taught by the Venerable Master. Abbess encouraged the team to construct a space that spreads joy and auspiciousness to the community. President Yulin Ku also expressed gratitude to the Temple for providing a platform for serving the community and enriching their quality of life.