2017 ANZBYC Opening Ceremony
The historical 20th 2017 Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference (ANZBYC) which took place at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch began their Opening Ceremony on the 4th of August with VIP guests attending such as the Minister for Disability Issues and Supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Hon. Nicky Wagner, MP for Wigram, Dr Megan Wood, Chief Abbess of Oceania, Venerable Manko, Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin, Abbess of Chung Tian Temple Queensland, Venerable Chueh Shan, General Manager of Hsing Yun Education Foundation, Venerable Juefang, BLIA World Headquarters Executive Council Member, Mrs Dominique Yu, Deputy Director of BLIA Oceania Fellowship Committee, Ms Dolly Tsai, Strategic Advisor Race Relations at the NZ Human Rights Commission, Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, former NZP Detective Superintendent Virginia Le Bas, Inspector Al Stewart, Detective Inspector Tony Hill , Detective Inspector Rachel Jefferies and distinguished artists.
At the start of the opening ceremony, five flag bearers of YAD from each state guided the VIPs into the venue followed by a local Maori Haka war dance to welcome everyone. Later on, the Chief Abbess of Oceania presented shoulder scarfs representing the 20th anniversary of ANZBYC to all the Venerables, VIP representatives and participants as a symbol of recognising the growth of Oceania YAD in the past 20 years and a mission to pass on the faith for the future.
A video showing Venerable Master Hsing Yun sharing wisdom words and encouragement to the youths was one of the highlights for the opening ceremony. Letters of appreciation were also presented donors of the conference.
Opening speeches were then given by the Christchurch YAD President, Zhang Dong, followed by Hon. Nicky Wagner and Inspector Rakesh Naidoo which all emphasized on the event’s title Consensus and Openness showing respect and inclusiveness with everybody’s involvement, giving a better future; with Buddhism elevating the minds of the youths developing the value and significance of life.
Chief Abbess Venerable Manko, explained the idea of Consensus and Openness promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in the 2016 BLIA General Conference. She mentioned if human could have Consensus in their six senses, all subjects would be a success. Australia and New Zealand are nations that live in a multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious environment, and this gives Openness for everyone to respect each other. Buddhism is a religion of peace, and with Humanistic Buddhism, it will bring consensus in making the world a more harmonious and joyful place.
Lastly, NZ YAD performed the Maori’s Poi dance to conclude the opening ceremony in a cheerful atmosphere. Then, everyone was invited to an exquisite vegetarian dinner in welcoming everyone from the Oceania continent and celebrated the start of the 20th 2017 ANZBYC.