Auspicious Beginnings of Peace and Harmony
A ceremonious Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner was arranged by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ on the 15th of February at the Riccarton Park Racecourse in gratefully welcoming the year of the sheep. Special guests, MP for Christchurch Central and Minister of Custom – Hon Nicky Wagner, NZ Police Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas, Christchurch City Councillor for Riccarton/Wigram ward - Helen Broughton, Christchurch Multi faith President - Dr. Surinder Tandon, Justice of Peace (JP) - Ron Wright, JP - Archna Tandon, Christchurch Red Cross representative - Jacky Martin and many more attended. FGS NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin and around 170 members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) were also there to say prayers by FGS founder - Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Abbess greets the special guests and attendees with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Auspicious Beginnings of Peace and Harmony”. The Abbess furthermore wishes everyone to join hand in hand to create a harmonious society, be free of trouble and practice mindfulness. BLIA South Island NZ President - See-Shen Lee then continued thanking all those who gave help and support all these while and in the meantime announced three important activities that will be happening in this year of sheep. Firstly, the FGS established scholarships; secondly, donation for “Giving Wisdoms to Travellers”; and thirdly, activities to raise “Water Cloud Books to Faraway India”, hopefully everyone could whole heartedly help to promote this to the public.
Following the event, Minister Nicky Wagner humorously reminded that New Zealand is a huge agricultural land and the humans’ ratio to the sheep is 1:200. This does not just means that the year of sheep would bring better economic growth, but it will also bring warmth and harmonious vibes this year. Subsequently, Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas not only shared ways to combat crimes, but she also shared on how to prevent crimes. She then represents the NZ Police Force in giving gratitude to FGS NZ for all they have done all these years promoting physical and mental harmonious activities, and ended with a joke which says, if everyone would be like the members of FGS and BLIA, the police force would not need any more vacancy for employment.
A few short films were projected out that evening which includes Chinese New Year greetings from Venerable Master Hsing Yun and FGS South Island collaboration with the Christchurch Red Cross “Meals On Wheels” activity. Jacky Martin represented the Red Cross in thanking the selfless dedication provided by FGS and BLIA, and he expressed this is a good model that should be learned. Next, Abbess Manshin presented the “Fo Guang Three Good Deed Family” award to the family of BLIA South Island NZ Vice President - Louisa Kuo and BLIA Dharma Lecturer - Rona Ku, praising the families of devotion and heart in educating everyone gloriously.
Combining with great vegetarian food served, great entertainments were also arranged as member of the Board of Directors - Elsa Hayes led the choir in singing the song “Matins”, BLIA South Island Young Adult Division (YAD) performed hand gestures alongside the song “Transform and Contribute” and leader Maggie Zhang performed 3 wonderful sweet soprano songs. Lucky draw were also presented by Abbess Manshin, Hon Nicky Wagner and See-Shen Lee. It was a joyful and harmonious evening for everyone. In the end, Abbess Manshin gave everyone an auspicious red packet sending regards to the community for Auspicious Beginnings of Peace and Harmony.