BLIA New Zealand Members Gather in The Cloud For an Online Meeting
On 2nd October, members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island and South Island New Zealand, separated by Cook Strait, broke through the barrier of space with the help of technology to hold a joint online meeting for the second year. The meeting was held in the Zoom with Fo Guang Shan (FGS) NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin, FGS North Island NZ Minister in charge Venerable Rulian and Venerable Miao Yu, BLIA North Island President Stephen Yu, FGS South Island Minister in charge Venerable Jue Xi, BLIA South Island President Bernie, local chapter advisors and presidents, committee members, members, and Youth Adult Division (YAD) members, making up 150 people. Also joining in was BLIA Oceania relation Advisor Dolly Tsai in Taiwan, who greeted the FGS and BLIA NZ members.
The meeting began with a report by BLIA North Island President Stephen Yu Lin Tao on the annual activities of BLIA North Island NZ, including Buddha's Birthday, 3G4G Humanistic Buddhism Cultural of Sharing Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival Art Salon, Thanksgiving Tea Party, Lunar New Year Festival, Laba Congee, Youth Camp, Online Book Reading Club, Online Mid-Autumn Festival, and participation in cross-regional events such as Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference – ANZBYC and Global Buddhist Examination, etc.
Next, BLIA South Island President Bernie reported on the annual activities of BLIA South Island NZ, such as Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service, Buddha's Birthday, Christchurch Open Day, Light Up the Heart Light Show, Chinese New Year Prayers, Vege A Plan, Mother's Day, Dharma Treasure Festival, 3G4G Humanistic Buddhist Cultural Festival, Donation of Pandemic Prevention Equipment, Oceania Dharma Treasure Seminar, etc. In addition, they have participated in major cross-regional events such as ANZBYC, Global Buddhist Examination, and Online Oceania Committee Member Seminar and so on. The art exhibitions held in South Island, such as After a Thousand Miles World Touring Exhibition, Magnificence of Embroidery - Yao Hong Ying's Embroidery Exhibition and GM Antique Car Exhibition had received great praise. The Water Drop Teahouse on South Island has also become a must-visit destination in the community because of its delicious food.
At the meeting, the following proposals were discussed. First, the Oceania Online Gathering will be held at FGS North Island NZ on 26th February next year. Advisor Dolly Tsai and Abbess appealed to the BLIA North and South Island members to participate enthusiastically, especially for the committee members of BLIA South Island to head North to participate in the preparation for this event. Next year's Three Good and Four Giving Humanistic Buddhism Cultural Festival will be held in May, and this should be widely advertised out to schools to participate in the event.
Venerable Jue Xi thanked Abbess Manshin, for constantly providing opportunities and platforms, dedicating herself to lead the BLIA members in innovating for the cause of Buddhism, so that BLIA members in both the North and South Island can have more confidence in the path of Dharma propagation.
Abbess Manshin said: The North and South Island BLIA and FGS folks have made quality work with their own characteristics. BLIA North Island, through the 3G4G Humanistic Buddhism Cultural of Sharing Festival, has grown to become well embedded in the Auckland community. On the other hand, BLIA South Island has touched people’s hearts with various arts and cultural activities. While serving the public, we must also establish our own values and present the truth, goodness and beauty of Humanistic Buddhism. We in New Zealand must do more for the community, and we have to take root this generation, so that the Dharma can be passed on, and so that BLIA New Zealand can continue to shine and shine on the world stage!