2010 Annual Reunion Dinner

Venerable Abbess Manshin led a blessing ceremony before the Fo Guang Shan (North Island) Annual Reunion Dinner was held on 6 February 2010. The honoured guests at the dinner included, Hon Pansy Wong (Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Minister of Women's Affairs, Associate Minister for ACC, Associate Minister of Energy and Resources and Associate Minister for Disability Issues), Kaumatua Sunny and his wife, WTV Chairman Mr Gary Chang and his wife, BLIA Advisor Peter Yong and FGS Youth. Altogether 1200 people attended the dinner which was held in the field of merit in front of the main shrine.
Venerable Abbess Manshin wished everybody ‘Awe-inspiring Virtue and Oceans of Prosperity”, with wishes that the world will be filled with an auspicious peace like bathing in an ocean of prosperity and compassionate light so that all sentient beings may coexist in harmony. She encouraged everyone to cultivate wisdom to resolve every problem encountered in life.
In the speech given by BLIA advisor Peter Yong, he hoped that every BLIA member continues to practice good Speech, good Actions and good thoughts. Hon Pansy Wong praised Fo Guang Shan for their contribution in the area of culture, education and charity. Maori Elder, Kaumatua Sonny, expressed his gratitude to Fo Guang Shan (North Island) for inviting him to this multi-cultural event. This is the second time Kaumatua Sunny had visited Fo Guang Shan to witness the enthusiasm and devotion of the BLIA members.
There was a rich programme of entertainment for the guests to enjoy during the dinner which was a big feast of sumptuous vegetarian food. The programme included Chinese dance, an orchestra, Chinese Lion Dance, ballroom and Latin American dancing and Chinese opera. The dinner ended with a sing along session by the VIPs, Venerable Manshin and all the BLIA members. The people attended the dinner went home happy with a copy of an “Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity” couplet written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.