BLIA North Island Chapter Participated in 2022 World BLIA Meeting of the Board of Directors – Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Confidence
On the 2nd of October, the Opening Ceremony of 2022 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Virtual 4th Meeting of the Seventh Board of Directors, hosted BLIA World Headquarters and co-hosted by North American BLIA Chapters, was held. Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin; Minister-in-charge of FGS Auckland, Venerable Rulian and President of BLIA North Island Chapter, Yulin Gu, led more than 60 directors of BLIA North Island Chapter, subchapters’ committee members, BLIA members and Young Adult Division (YAD) members to join the Ceremony.
The founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, stating that the BLIA World Headquarters was officially established in Los Angeles in 1992, and that BLIA members are a group of individuals with hope in Buddhism. Listeners were prompted to reflect on the collective karma of the nations, how it has allowed Buddhism to spread, and united the people and the descendants from the Linji Clan together. It was wished that the blessings of the Buddha would be received by the masses of the human world for the individuals equipped with virtuous roots.
President of BLIA World Headquarters, Most Venerable Hsin Bau delivered a speech announcing that the opening of the conference is commendable. He said it was great that the baton of hosting the Conference had been returned to Los Angeles after 30 years and that BLIA members are truly bringing light and hope to the world. The various efforts made by the BLIA members are for the betterment of the world. Most Venerable Hsin Bau shared that “if you have strong faith, you will be blessed, have more wisdom, and become more comfortable and joyful.” Honorary President Wu Po-Hsiung and Vice President Liu Chang-Le delivered their speeches respectively, thanking Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the Venerables for their leadership, and making the compassionate wish for the Buddha's light to shine on three thousand realms, and for Dharma water to flow across the five continents. It was also wished that all the BLIA members continue to spread seeds of kindness and beauty to the world, and to light the torch of Prajna in throughout.
The handover ceremony for the new BLIA association presidents was also held. Lintao Yu, the former president of the New Zealand North Island BLIA, was promoted to be one of the supervisors of BLIA North Island Chapter. The presidential role was officially passed to Yulin Gu with the witness of Most Venerable Hsin Bau. The top three outstanding works for 2022 Three Acts of Goodness International Microfilm Contest were announced, and the theme song of the conference Good to Have You was sung. In the discussion section of the proposal, certain matters were discussed. This included the donation proposal of "The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun". In depth discussion was also held on determining and actioning responses to environmental and psychological protection, spiritual development, climate change, and more with reference to The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Decisions were made and resolutions were passed.
The Abbess of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, Venerable Manshin gave warm hearted encouragement to BLIA NZ members who participated in the conference and reminded them that "Prajna wisdom is very precious in the way of self-improvement”. She continued, stating that if we have a soft heart of wisdom and compassion, we are empowered to make ourselves stronger. She further stated that when serving the community, one is invited to cultivate confidence and can consequently find the diamond within themselves. She said that BLIA members in New Zealand should feel glad because they have Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan, and the people around the world as their strong base. Abbess Manshin wished all BLIA members to have increased positivity and compassion so that they are empowered to continuing supporting Buddhism.
The president of BLIA North Island, Yulin Gu said that this year's BLIA World Conference embodies wisdom and innovation. BLIA Members across the world can meet online, and just like Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said, “this is the gathering place of all the good people, this is the Pure Land!” The theme song of the conference Good to Have You has united everyone's hearts closely. Yulin Gu expressed a firm belief that the conference will prove to be the best opportunity for each participant to learn and grow.
The vice president of the BLIA North Island, Larry Yang also said that this year's BLIA World Conference helped to connect BLIA Members across the five continents together again. He reflected on how all were present at the same meeting, but in a different time and space. Wisdom and technology were harnessed to successfully navigate all through the barriers of time and space so all of us could participate together. The origin and mission of BLIA were noted with reference to the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Larry Yang expressed hope that through the exchanges and learning of the conference he would be able to better practice faith and legacy.
BLIA New Zealand North Island Subchapter Supervisor, Peggy Tsan responded that through the screen, she could see that the BLIA Members across the five continents are full of vitality and are well equipped to promote Buddhism, practise the teachings of the Buddha, and spread the nourishing Dharma waters throughout the world. She continued stating that the faces of all BLIA members are full of joyful Dharma smiles, as explained in the scriptures of the Amitabha Sutra. Peggy also emphasized the importance of meeting, listening, and serving in Buddhist practice. The precious words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun were recalled, prompting all to remember that to be busy is to be filled with nutrition. Only when we are busy, we hold the opportunity to purify, form good karma and accumulate good merits.
We are fortunate to be able to walk and study with all the good people of BLIA. We all thank Venerable Master Hsing Yun for leading us forward, and carry a deep faith that the Dharma boat of Prajna will definitely bring us all to the other side of liberation.