New Zealand North Island BLIA Get Together Party

The “BLIA Members of North Island New Zealand Get Together Party” was held on 31st July. This gathering was attended by Venerabe Abbess Manshin, other Venerables, Dolly Tsai; BLIA North Island Head Advisor, Steven Xu; BLIA North Island President, BLIA advisors, Committee members, regular members, and YAD members, altogether 120 people in attendance.

The event started with a short film documenting a collection of BLTV pieces showing news reports of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand. This piece was edited by President Xu in order to show case all the joy and contributions made by fellow members here.

Head Advisors Tsai then stood up to speak about: “Life does not have to be perfect, but it must be complete.” She advised everyone to encourage our friends to join BLIA. Because only by having the right faith can one’s life become naturally complete, which is the most beneficial aspect of joining BLIA, by joining one can make many good affinities, increase your knowledge and use the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism to enrich and brighten one’s life.

Marks for the Buddhist examination held on 10th July was announced that day, and 84 high achievers were subsequently congratulated and awarded with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s books, such as “Humanistic Buddhism, returning to the Buddha’s Original Intent”, “366 Days with Wisdom” and “Graphic Novel of Sakyamuni Buddha’s Life”.

The Abbess expressed that many Chinese immigrants used to describe New Zealand as a country with “good mountains and beaches, yet is rather boring.” But with Humanistic Buddhism taking rooting and germinating in this soil, New Zealand is becoming a place of: “good mountains, beaches, diligence, busy activities and enrichment.” The Abbess reminded everyone that serving others is actually serving ourselves. Through “busy” the value of our life will continue to be enriched. Hence we obtain the true meaning of faith and be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Then the joyful day concluded with fun games of “charade”, “picking up peas” and delicious refreshments.