BLIA South Island NZ Celebrates BLIA Day with Sutra Transcription for Social Harmony
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan’s opening, a concurrent sutra transcription event was held on 16th May across all Fo Guang Shan (FGS) temples around the world. FGS South Island Temple Minister in Charge Venerable Jue Xi led 50 people to transcribe sutras in the temple’s main shrine, including Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members, devotees and Christchurch locals.
Venerable Jue Xi led the attendees in reciting the Heart Sutra and a prayer for those who heard the Dharma and transcribe the sutra. These prayers were a form of meditation that made one’s mind blissful, their hearts purified, and thus forms a beautiful society. The sutra was recited in a respectful and diligent manner and each attendee was able to complete one copy of the Heart Sutra that day. The merits of the sutra transcription were transferred back to the community, such that everyone could seek the Bodhi mind.
The attendees were filled with joy from the day's activities and glad to be able to unite with Buddhists around the world on such a special occasion to transcribe the sutra under the blessing of the Dharma for social harmony. Many locals who visited the temple that day also joined in on the sutra transcription activity when they learned about it. Although it was their first time, they completed the task successfully and the practical experience gave their hearts a sense of inner tranquillity while increasing their belief in Buddhism. In addition, some Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ members did the sutra transcription from home and were able to take part in the global activity and experience the spiritual practice of sutra transcription together with everyone on BLIA Day, transferring the merits to the wider society for peace and to their family for happiness.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun said, "The sutras are key to the path of initiation. Whether one receives a verse or writes a word, it has immense merit”. Every time transcribe a verse, we will remember more and know more about the sutras. In the end, the truth of the sutras will be in our heart and the words of the sages will be engraved in our mind, thus guiding us on the right way to deal with the world and its people.