Filial Piety on Mother’s Day

To celebrate this years’ Mothers’ day, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island held a series of activities from 11th to 14th of May 2017. The Ikebana Floral Arrangement Exhibition by Sogetsu Teacher’s Association started on 11th of May at the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch. Meanwhile, on 13th and 14th of May, to commemorate with the occasion, Water Drop Cafe prepared a Mother’s Day High Tea Affair for the guests and as was well received.

Apart from these events, a special Dharma function was conducted on the evening of 12 May in the Buddha Hall to offer blessings to the all mothers, led By Temple Supervisor, Venerable Juexi and attended by 40 over devotees. Here, the devotees chanted the “Filial Piety Sutra”, “Prayers to Mothers” written by Venerable Master Hsing-Yun and offered lighted candles as blessings to the mothers.

At the end of the Dharma function, members of the Young Adult Division (YAD) South Island presented a lively singing and dancing performance to cheer up all mothers moreover presented roses to them showing gratitude. In the performance, a few mothers joined the YAD members in their dancing. YAD members Jason Liu, Zhang Dong, Vicky Han, Cao Qian and Ann Zeng shared their stories they have with their mothers. They thanked their mothers for the sacrifices in bringing them up. This touched the hearts and brought tears to all.

Later on, Venerable Juexi expressed her gratitude towards her mother for bringing her into this world despite all the difficulties encountered, and for instilling in her the right attitude to courageously face obstacles in life. The venerable described how mothers evolved from beautiful ladies to strong people who are forever willing to make sacrifices, and to overcome challenges to ensure the wellbeing of their children. For this reason, the children should in turn practice filial piety and take care of their mothers. Venerable Jue Xi urged everyone to make personal calls to their mothers to express their love for them. She also encouraged the children to visit their mothers frequently. Finally, Venerable Juexi wished all mothers a “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY”!