First Incense of the Year

On 25th January, Fo Guang Shan South Island’s Chinese New Year Eve Dharma Function took place at 10.30 pm, with the second part of the Function being at midnight. The devotees began to arrive at 9 pm, and the entire Temple was filled with a celebratory atmosphere as the 100 over devotees congregated.

During the Chinese New Year Eve Dharma Function, the Venerables led everyone in reading the “Prayer for Chinese New Year Eve” and explained to everyone the meaning behind “Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvest”.

The devotees lined up to offer their first incense of the year, make a wish at the Wishing Bell and receive a copy of the new Spring Festival scroll. The devotees also offered New Year pastry and steamed sponge cake to the Buddha, hoping for a good year.

The Temple prepared red bean stuffed dumpling soup for the devotees after the Dharma Function. Over ten members of Buddha’s Light International Association Young Adults Division South Island camped out in the court yard, adhering to the Chinese tradition of wishing for the health and longevity for their parents by sleeping late and together welcomed the arrival of a new year.

Account by Sheng-Han Lim