A Moon Festival of Chan
The Moon Festival or the mid-autumn festival is the time to be together where everyone reunites. In many parts of the world, people will be celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, whilst it is mid autumn in China. It is also the time were lanterns were lit, moon cakes were enjoyed and stories of the goddess and white rabbits were spoken. Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ organized the “2015 BLIA Moon Festival Banquet” on the 25th of September in Addington Twigger Stand. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin, Deputy Consul General of the People Republic’s of China in Christchurch – Li Xin, Councillor of Ricccarton and Wigram – Helen Broughton, Canterbury Police District – Inspector Al Stewart and Constable Li’Ying Chai, BLIA North Island NZ – Advisor Dolly Tsai, BLIA South Island NZ – Advisor John Lai and President See Shen Lee were amongst the hundred that attended.
The banquet started with Venerable Abbess Manshin opening from an old poet, “Moonlight” by the infamous Chinese poet, Li Bai. The verse of “I lift my eyes and see the moon, I bend my head and think of home”, showed the feeling of homesickness for most of those which are not from Christchurch but now, has treated Christchurch as their home. Although we all know that there is no life up in the moon, but, through the many poetries and proverbs from the Chinese culture, it is as the moon is vividly alive in our hearts. With one of the One Stroke Calligraphy title “Autumn Season Chan Mind” by FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing-Yun, Venerable Abbess Manshin wishes everyone to life freely as long as the mind is serene, bright and wholesome, and that is where Zen is presented; no matter it’s a full moon or a half crescent moon, problems will be solved as long as there is Chan in our heart. The abbess then updated everyone with the progress of the temple repairs and thanked everyone’s concern and support.
After thanking the host for inviting him to this event, Deputy Consul General of the People Republic’s of China in Christchurch – Li Xin expressed that the mid-autumn festival is the second most important festival in China after the Chinese New Year and is also the season where warm moments are shared within family reunions. He then recalled the short film that was shared on Buddha’s Birthday earlier this year, which FGS and BLIA members helped the Christchurch community. He was moved by the right doings of it and hopes that FGS and BLIA could go on to create more happiness for this Christchurch home. BLIA North Island Advisor Dolly Tsai also shared her joy with everyone in this festival, although she sometimes couldn’t have family reunions in New Zealand, she cherish the precious time that she has with the venerables, absorbing good knowledge and practicing firmly, creating gratitude in the hearts of many.
The evening continued with a small exhibition of traditional lanterns and paper rabbits giving warmth and touching moments to all that came. Delicious vegetarian dishes were also prepared as the short film of “Wu Gang and the rabbit” was shown. A great performance named “Moonlight Goddess” by the MC of the night, Daisy amazed the participants; following by BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) singing of Chinese classics “If Only it Could be Longer” and “The Moon Represents My Heart” that was applauded cheerfully. Lucky draw was also the hype as the night closed with Abbess Manshin guided everyone in singing along giving a lively atmosphere to a complete evening.