Abbess Manshin's words to devotees

On 1st of November, the Amitabha Dharma Function was conducted at Fo Guang Shan South Island Temple, attracting approximately 50 devotees. After the service, Venerable Abbess Manshin gave a talk on the 2009 Buddha’s Light International Association General Conference topic “ Buddhisattva and volunteer” .

Abbess Manshin expressed that a Buddhisattva is a volunteer in the human realm and encouraged everyone to be a Buddhisattva. Abbess Manshin also gave six definitions on ‘volunteer’;which are to do things that are beneficial, be more active and have passion in participating events, be hard working and always smiling and good speech all the time, do things that are beneficial to others and take joy in serving others and lastly be a volunteer’s volunteer which means to give a hand to other volunteers when they are needed.

Abbess Manshin wished that everyone can learn through serving others, be able to influence family, friends and society, and learn more of the Buddha Dharma and apply it to our daily life.

Account by Fan-Ping Chiang and Sheng-Han Lim

On 29th October 2008, Minister of Ethnic Affairs Hon. Chris Carter sent a special email to all the Buddha's Light International Association South Island Young Adult Division members who helped with neighborhood day on the 11th October.

In the email Minister Hon. Chris Carter praised YAD's performance, which was the ANZBYC 2008 camp song "Transform and Contribute". Minister Hon. Chris Carter also encouraged us “to spread the Buddha’s message of peace and harmony”. He also emphasized that for us immigrants, we should value our parents’ hard work and sacrifice by aiming high in our education.

Account by Fan-Ping Chiang and Sheng-Han Lim