BLIA South Island NZ launches T-EARTH project
In response to the T-EARTH Project launched by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Headquarters, FGS and BLIA NZ undertook a local tree planting exercise on 16th October. The team of 35 BLIA and YAD members were led by BLIA South Island NZ First Chapter President Louisa Kuo and Second Chapter President Cao Qian to work on a forest restoration project organised by Christchurch City Council at Victoria Park, located at Port Hills, Christchurch.
Second Chapter President Cao Qian led the BLIA members to read Venerable Master Hsing Yun's article on Environmental and spiritual Preservation, reminding them to not only practice environmentalism but also to purify their minds. Fiona Fenton, who was the person in charge from Christchurch City Council, said: "It was great to see BLIA people here, not only with adults but also children joining in on the initiative, making the forest restoration event full of life. The saplings were planted by students in the winter, and in the summer we have to clear the surrounding weeds to prevent competition for nutrients, and cover the saplings with a protective layer of mulch to keep the moisture and warmth in.
Fiona led the BLIA folks throughout the day with the following steps: (1) removing weeds from around the saplings; (2) covering the saplings with a protective layer of mulch; (3) surrounding the saplings with nets. The participants that day, young or old, were all very into the activities, some squatting and pulling weeds, others holding large garden shears and bending down to remove the tough weeds. Everyone was glad to help out to save the Earth, and the more they did it, the happier they became.
Christchurch’s Port Hills is an ancient volcanic site with several parks and reserves, and a must visit site for residents, with some of the best views of Christchurch and Lyttleton Harbour at the top. In order to preserve the area's native flora, Christchurch City Council's Forest Conservation Unit organises volunteers to plant seedlings of New Zealand's native tree species each winter, and maintain them in the spring and fall. As long as the saplings are maintained regularly for three years after planting, they will thrive thereafter. Fiona said, "Thanks to the BLIA folks for all the help. It takes a long time to do the restoration work, but with the strong support from the BLIA volunteers, the task was completed quickly, which shows the power of good teamwork!”
On that day, BLIA South Island NZ also celebrated the birthdays of members from September to December, with nine birthday celebrants receiving blessings, the oldest being 88 years old elder and the youngest 11-month-old baby. The BLIA members who attended the event thanked the temple for giving them the opportunity to practice the Three good deeds and Four givings through environmental conservation, and for the chance to get together and bond socially. From the activities, the BLIA folks also got to experience the wisdom of Master Hsing Yun who said: "All beings on Earth have Buddha’s nature; Buddhism view all sentient beings with an equal mind, and we should love not only people and animals, but also care for the mountains, rivers and earth.
BLIA South Island NZ President Bernie
Today, BLIA South Island NZ members participated in a meaningful and environmentally friendly activity to restore the forest and protect the earth. Wonderful!
BLIA South Island NZ First Chapter President Louisa Kuo
It is a blessing for us to be able to go outside during this pandemic to participate in this forest restoration project and spring birthday party celebration. Each of us needs to do our part to help our environment at this time of global warming, so that future generations will have a habitable planet to live in. During the birthday party, we saw both an 88 year old elderly and 1 year old baby celebrating, and celebrate we should as it shows the enduring legacy of Buddha’s light being passed on generation after generation. Thanks to Master Hsing Yun’s guidance, and to all the BLIA members who have participated and helped us to realise the spirit of environmental protection and spiritual preservation.
BLIA South Island NZ Second Chapter President Cao Qian
Thank you to all the BLIA members who participated in today's T-Earth New Zealand forest restoration project, which has completed successfully. Thank you to Venerable Abbess Manshin and Venerable Jue Xi for all the care and guidance that has made our life so much more colourful. Let’s all continue to practice Environmental and Spiritual Preservation, and look forward to working together again in the future!
BLIA South Island NZ Second Chapter Vice President Mei-Hwa Chen
Young or old, we as BLIA members are united to do our part for the land of our country, and had a great day practicing Environmental and Spiritual Preservation. Thank you to the organisers for your dedication, a big thumbs up for you all!
BLIA South Island NZ member Ryan Wang
Thank you to Venerable Abbess Manshin and Venerable Jue Xi for giving me the opportunity to participate in this environmental conservation project. Not only do we need to protect the external environment, it is also important to care for our inner spirit! Thank you for the refreshments prepared by the logistics team! Also, thank you to Cao Qian for sharing Master Hsing Yun's articles with us after the event, it was both educational and fun, and a fulfilling day indeed that combined work and play!
BLIA South Island NZ member Pei Yi
Thank you for organizing today event. Is really good and meaningful. And thanks to all volunteer and crew in making and preparing all the delicious food.