South Joins North for Days of Fun and Learning

From 5th-7th of June, the inaugural gathering of BLIA North and South Island Staff Members was held in the North Island. Over 70 members of BLIA North and South Island staff participated in this event including President of BLIA North Island Mrs. Tsai, President of BLIA South Island Mr. Almeric Cheng, Vice Presidents and committee members of North and South Island.

On the night of 5th June, Venerable Abbess Manshin led a class based on Grand Master Hsing Yun’s “18 Behaviours of Fo Guang People”. The class was split into four groups to discuss and report back on their thoughts. This helped to improve communication within the class and by sharing their thoughts with one another, they learnt different spirits and ideologies of Fo Guang people.

On the morning of 6th June, a group of 52 headed towards Red Forest in Rotorua under the leadership of President Tsai and Mr. Huang. The BLIA monthly meeting between North and South Island was held that night, chaired by President Tsai and attended by many, including Vice President Chen, President Cheng, Vice President Liu, Vice President Chen, advisors and committee members.

After the meeting, a sharing session was held where Director Ng talked about how to maintain the temple, Director Lai shared the cultural and education works of Fo Guang Shan while Advisor Yang addressed the issues of how to get involved in Fo Guang Shan activities and how to overcome barriers in life. Abbess Manshin congratulated the members on coming to this gathering for the dharma, and encouraged everyone to help promote the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. From getting involved, we can gain the affinity, humbleness and appreciation needed to complete the mission.

On 7th June, the group headed towards the famous Blue Sprint and Garden of World in Hamilton to appreciate these wonderful views of nature. The gathering concluded happily on that evening and after officially ending their holiday with Buddha and the temple, they returned to their positions with a fresh mind and body.