Home Visit for BLIA Members

A home visit and house blessing ceremony was held at sub-chapter 4 members Sheryl and Jessica’s homes on 10th October. It was attended by Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Miaoyu, Venerable Yulian and other other BLIA members. Gifts of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy works “Fortune Filled Family Hall” and “Wondrous Mind and Auspiciousness”, “Fo Guang Shan 40th Anniversary Edition” and “365 Days for Travelers” were given as gifts to the home owners.

Sheryl’s house is situated in a forest surrounded by hundred year old kaori trees. The Abbess professionally arranged a solemn Buddha shrine for her. During the talk Sheryl shared her experiences of living in the forest, cleaning moss and plans to have more interactions with the temple’s youth group.

Sub-chapter 4 Chair Annie Ng shared with everyone about their trip to Tauranga to distribute Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book to motels. Despite the tiring process, it exemplified team effort and accomplished good deeds. North Island BLIA President Steven Yu talked his experiences with trim the hedge and the profound values and enrichment hidden within the simple task.

The Abbess spoke about turning into an expert by starting from an amateur, where one practices through causes and conditions, opportunities, trust and making observations. If there is no wisdom then there will not be any art, peace and Ch’an. Wisdom brings us simplicity, normality and harmony. During daily life we should always uncover ourselves, return to ourselves, elevate our values and encourage ourselves.