BLIA South Island Members and Devotees Celebrating the Year of Rabbit with Gala Dinner
On 14 January, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch, held a Chinese New Year-Gathering and invited FGS NZ Abbess Venerable Manshin, to bless the attendees. More than 50 people attended, including Gayel Marquett, a friend of Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch, Dr. Patterson Stark artist doctor and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island members.
Abbess Manshin led the crowd in a lamp offering ceremony and read the Prayer for Society written by FGS's founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Abbess said that it is the blessing of the Venerable Master every year, which is a blessing for everyone. This year's spring couplet, "May benevolence and harmony bring peaceful wellbeing, let abundance and joy yield auspiciousness in our lives," means that with a compassionate heart, everything will be fulfilled. In the new year, we should have new ideas, beginnings, styles and aspirations, thus expanding our minds, increasing compassion and growing wisdom. By practicing the wisdom of Buddhism, our hearts will have more content and power. We should rely on Buddhism as our guide and every year, every day and everywhere will be a good day. Many people hope to have a treasure pot at home. As long as we use our six senses well, we will have endless wealth and our family, events, places and things will be filled with treasures.
The Temple staffs prepared a rich New Year's Eve dinner, bidding farewell to the Year of the Tiger and welcoming the Year of the Rabbit in a festive atmosphere. Attendees thanked the temple for their meticulous arrangements and the exquisite and delicious food was particularly impressive. Dr. Patterson Stark praised the food, saying that both the presentation and the taste made him reevaluate vegetarian food. He said that the food at the temple was the best vegetarian food in Christchurch. BLIA volunteers David Edge praised every aspect of the event, saying that every detail was well thought out and the power of the South Island team was incredible. He was delighted to be a part of the team.
BLIA Youth Adult Division members performed a sign language performance of the song Faith, which warmed the hearts of the attendees. Abbess presented New Year's red envelopes, spring couplets and the six-character mantra, wishing everyone the blessings of the Buddha. In the warm atmosphere, everyone joyfully said goodbye to the old year and welcomed the new year. Not only did BLIA South Island members feel the strong Lunar New Year atmosphere, but local friends also experienced the meaning and joy of Chinese New Year.