2016 Ullambana Sangha’s Day Celebration

The annual “Ullambana Sangha’s Day Celebration” was held on 14th August. The day started with the sounding of bell and drums, followed by 28 BLIA Directors from both North and South Island lining up to invite Venerable Abbess Manshin and other Venerables into the Main Shrine. There the Venerables led a congregation close to 300 to chant the “Ullambana Sutra”.

BLIA North Island Advisor Dolly Tsai gave an opening speech to remind everyone that this is also the 50th year anniversary of the establishment of Fo Guang Shan, where all branch temples around the celebrated this occasion with a variety of festive activities. She also reminded everyone that this venue is our spiritual home and all BLIA members should cultivate their lives to be more compassionate, gentle and wise.

BLIA North Island President Steven Xu exclaimed at this fortunate occurrence where all Venerables have gathered here for this momentous occasion. He thanked all the Venerables for their continuous education to us with the Dharma, and reminded everyone to always remember their faith.

Then all sub-chapters and YAD offered delicious food, gifts and many singing and dancing performances to the Venerables, where everything is filled with hearts of gratitude. This year’s performances included children from the Chinese school adorable songs, South Island sub-chapter lip synching and dancing to the soundtrack of the “Buddha’s Life” play, BLIA sister and aunty volunteers performing beautiful dances, YAD members performing the song “love” and many other popular songs with changed lyrics to suit Buddhism along with dance moves. These young people’s lively and humorous performance fully expressed their affection to the Venerables and filled the whole Shrine with joy and laughter.

Then the Abbess expressed that it is clear that BLIA have put in a lot of effort to prepare for this day, not to mention many years of experiences showed through everyone’s improvement. When we have the Buddha as our teacher and Venerable Master Hsing Yun as our role model we can only diligently improve. She also hope everyone can ensure the passing of this faith to the next generation and enrich each other’s lives.

Then a traditional alms giving ceremony was held on the courtyard, where everyone got the chance to personally plant seeds of merit by placing a donation into each Venerable’s alms bowl, which also expressed their gratitude to the Venerable’s ongoing efforts.

Later at 1:00pm, a “Triple Amitabha Contemplation Dharma Function” was held in order to transfer all merits from the previous Ksitigarbha Dharma Functions and this Ullambana Celebration back all of the Dharma realm, so all sentient beings and our ancestors and deceased relatives can receive benefits, therefore fulfilling the July’s filial piety duties. This Function was attended by over 300 devotees, chanting and paying homage according to the “Triple Amitabha Contemplation Text”.

During the Dharma talk the Abbess thanked everyone for protecting the Dharma and supporting Humanistic Buddhism to shine in New Zealand. She quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words of: “Using self awareness and perfect to benefit the world and people, use aspirations and motivation to benefit the world and people, using cooperation and participation to benefit the world and people.” The Abbess also encouraged everyone to make vows, become self aware, and reach realisations together. Then our individual improvement will result in a more harmonious and peaceful society.