BLIA South Island Members Express Gratitude and Remembrance towards Master Hsing Yun Condolences from All Walks of Life
In memory of the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who passed away peacefully on 5th February 2023. Over 600 people attended FGS Christchurch on 6th Febraury to offer condolences and sent letters of sympathy, including Christchurch's elite and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South Island members.
Paul Deans, a descendant of the Deans family, brought his masterpiece Meditation on Death and Life to the Temple for display, allowing the public to recall the master's compassion and wisdom. Robert Hunt, the president of the New Zealand Buddhist Council, came to the Temple to pay his respects, expressing his great admiration for the master's lifelong efforts in promoting Buddhism. John Levaddock, a pastor from Napier in the North Island of New Zealand, was moved by the master's wisdom and dedication to Buddhism upon learning of his passing, and came to the temple to pay tribute.
Social elites who were unable to come to the temple in person expressed their condolences through letters, including former Mayor of Christchurch Hon. Lianne Dalziel, the Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley - Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, Meng Foon - the Race relation Commissioner of New Zealand Human Rights Commission and Candy Zhang - senior Ethnic Affairs Advisor at the New Zealand Ministry of Internal Affairs. The public felt deeply saddened by the loss of this eminent spiritual leader in the Buddhist community. Directors and members of the BLIA members in the South Island of New Zealand also spoke to express their gratitude for the master's kindness and compassion.
During the period of praise, more than 30 people from the came to the temple each day to participate in the offering of prayers, led by Venerable. BLIA Youth Adult Division (YAD) and BLIA members also sang and chanted the Buddhist song from Rhythm of the World praising the spirit of the master's dedication to Buddhism throughout his life and expressing their gratitude.
Furthermore, more than 100 BLIA South Island members and devotees participated in the Venerable Master's funeral ceremony and cremation ceremony online, synchronised with BLIA members worldwide and led by Venerable Juexi. BLIA members were deeply saddened by the passing of the master and expressed their gratitude for his promotion of Buddhism among people, turning the profound teachings of Buddhism into easily understandable principles of life, and allowing the Buddha's teachings to transcend nationalities, religions and races. BLIA members vowed to follow the master's footsteps, and to practice the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. Venerable Juexi shared that although the Venerable Master has passed away, the teachings of Buddhism that he taught will become more powerful, as they are all truths. BLIA members must be more dedicated to practicing Buddhism in daily life, to remember the compassion of Venerable Master.