FGS South Island New Zealand Ching Ming Dharma Function
On the 16th of March, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand organised a QingMing Festival. FGS New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin led 50 followers and BLIA members to chant the “Diamond Repentance Sutra”. The devotees worshipped devoutly under the guidance of Abbess and the Venerables, transferring the merits to their deceased ancestors so that they may escape disaster and gain happiness.
Abbess referred in her speech to the unfortunate shooting incident that happened on 15 March. Even though the roads are closed, she still saw how dedicated everyone was in participating in the dharma function that day. The Buddha said that everyone has the Buddha’s nature, but because of wrong ideas, people have formulated contrary opinions. Too many delusions and stubbornness lead us astray from the ideal, and it is this which leads people to conduct criminal behaviour. Not only did these wrongdoings inflict a toll on so many innocent people and took the lives of some, the greater society was also affected and shaken.
In addition, Abbess reiterated on how wrong ideas and opinions causes harm to one’s self, but also innocent people around. We cannot stop tragedies from happening, so we need to transcend ourselves, doing our part by changing the wrong opinions we hold. “The days have gone by, like a fish in shallowing water” what can be done? In order to not have regrets, we must seize the day to do right deeds. Cherish what we have, for every cause and every action is not easy.
BLIA Oceania Fellowship Committee Committee Director Dolly Tsai said: “We do not know what will happen next, but we can seize what we have now”. It is the thoughts we have now that shape what will happen next in our lives. If our thoughts are pure now, then what follows will also be clear. Master Hsing Yun advocates for the 3 Good deeds and 4 Gives principles, and we should learn to let that sink into every second and every piece of our mind. Have courage and strength as we are guided by the Triple Gem, so worry and fear not for the challenges that we will face next.
Lastly, Abbess reminded everyone to take hold of every opportunity and every chance. Sign up now for the upcoming “Nan Tien Temple 2019 Oceania Water and Land Dharma Function” to let you and your family escape disaster and accumulate merits.