House Blessing on the Year of Golden Tiger

The year of tiger had begun. To celebrate this New Year, New Zealand BLIA had initiated a series of House Blessing activities. On the afternoon of 25th February, New Zealand Fo Guang Shan Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juexi and more than 20 other BLIA Members were invited to Mrs. Meier, Tsai’s residence. Mrs. Tsai first came to Christchurch IBA temple more than a decade ago. She is a sincere devotee and a volunteer that assists the venerables as a dharma service attendant. Abbess also advised her on how to decorate the exterior of her house and garden. BLIA members also shared their experiences and feelings during the participation of the “Offering of Celestial Beings Dharma Function” in Auckland.

Abbess Manshin became the Patron of the Royal New Zealand Police College which became a hot topic among BLIA members. She also propagated dharma words with BLIA members on improving the quality of their lives and hence living a life with dignity. Abbess shared some articles that were written by Venerable Grand Master Hsin Yun and encouraged the BLIA members to practice the wisdom so that we can respond to situations that will bring good results.

After visiting Mrs. Tsai’s residence, they proceeded to BLIA advisor Mr. Gu’s residence for the next house blessing. Mr. Gu and his family immigrated from Taiwan to New Zealand in 1988. The Gu family started practicing Buddhism and followed in Venerable Grand Master Hsin Yun’s footsteps on spreading humanistic Buddhism. They founded the New Zealand South Island BLIA. Mrs. Gu is a sincere Fo Guang Shan lecturer and she has been giving Buddhism lectures for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Gu shared their experiences on the practice of Buddhism. They have never regreted practicing it and they are proud to be a Buddhist.

Everyone gathered in the front yard and listened to Abbess’s words and experiences on being a first the Buddhist patron in the Royal New Zealand Police College. She said that her responsibility is to guide the police with Buddha’s teachings and help them serve the residents of New Zealand with peace and joy. Abbess bestowed Mrs. Tsai’s family and Mr. Gu’s Family a collection of the “Fo Guang Shan 40th Annual Report” books and other BLIA member also received “Venerable Grand Master Hsin Yun’s Dharma Word”. She praised them and told them to keep up the good work as role models for other BLIA members.