FGS South Island NZ English Chanting Session Leads Local to Understand Buddhism
In order to make Buddhism more localized and closer to the community, Fo Guang Shan South Island New Zealand started an English language prayer session on 1st August, led by Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand Committee Director member Kok Wei Low and YAD CHCH Leader Ni-Ling Chia, with nearly 30 local students attending.
The English Chanting session focused on reciting the English version of the Heart Sutra, opening up the students’ mind to the Dharma, and acquainting them with concepts of Buddhist rituals. Afterwards, the students practiced the 18 Tai Chi postures, did walking mediation, followed by a sitting meditation. Most of the students attended the English Chanting session for the first time. They were very interested in Buddhism and wanted to learn more about it through the group prayer session. The students were very attentive, especially during the Sanskrit chanting, and from the sitting meditation came a strong sense of inner peace. Some participants asked questions after the class, wanting to know more about the temple’s activities. The students are looking forward to the next class and hope to learn even more things about Buddhism.