2016 Reunion Dinner

The annual Reunion Dinner for this Year of the Monkey was held on the evening of 23rd January. The night included a magnificent blessing Dharma Function led by Venerable Abbess Manshin, lion dance by the youth group, a dance performance by BLIA members called “Offering of the six dusts” and a video of “New Year’s Greetings from Venerable Master Hsing Yun”. Other special guests included representatives from the police force, Chinese community groups, businesses, medical organisations, media and other social groups.

The Abbess spoke about the Chinese tradition of reunion dinners. Even though the 90 year old Venerable Master is in Taiwan, he still managed to share with us the blessing couplet of “Be smart and agile”, wishing everyone to be full of lively energy and be complete in both compassion and wisdom so that one can uncover their potentials, purify their body and mind and benefit society.

Local Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross expressed that every visit to the temple brings him joy, wisdom and fortune. Therefore the people of Botany are fortunate to have Fo Guang Shan as their neighbours, where the motto of “3 good deeds and 4 kinds of giving” will be able to promote a safer and better community.

The Chief Editor of Indian News Link Mr Venkat Raman praised the volunteer’s high qualitied hospitality and Humanistic Buddhism’s educational content. The wisdom and kindness of Buddhism have revealed many sincere and broad hearts.

Afterwards the reunion dinner was shared by over a thousand in the courtyard. BLIA North Island President Steven Xu welcomed the presence of all special guests as well as all attending celebrants. He also emphasised that Humanistic Buddhism that is promoted by Venerable Hsing Yun is something everyone need to lead an energetic life that is full of quality. By working hard together we will surely create a peaceful and harmonious multicultural nation in New Zealand.

During dinner, the audiences were entertained by many great performances by members of BLIA and community groups. Including “Ch’an fist”, “Mountain dance”, a choir by YAD of the song “Giving” and recitation of “Vajrasattva Bodhisattva’s 100 Syllable Mantra”.

Many people have exclaimed that this is the best way to celebrate the Chinese New Year overseas. A first time participant from YAD called Tom expressed this event made him really want to join the youth group so more seeds of wisdom can be planted in his life to unleash limit less light and warmth.