Buddha’s Day VIPs Speech Summary

On 11 April 2010, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Hon Pansy Wong; Leader of Opposition, Hon Phil Goff and Manukau City Mayor, Mr Len Brown attended Fo Guang Shan (North Island) Buddha’s Day Multicultural Festival. Below are the summary of their speeches:

Minister of Ethnic Affairs Hon. Pansy Wong:
The Prime Minister sends his regards and was very impressed with Fo Guang Shan Temple when he attended this event last year and how the BLIA members have made the Buddha’s Day event so successful. The Economist magazine has named New Zealand, in relative terms, the most peaceful country in the world. It is not about the fact that we are a country that is multicultural and multiracial, with a variety of religions but we have embraced and celebrated this diversity. I have learnt that the BLIA has universities, which shows that the people who help to grow Fo Guang Shan are not only religious but educated and demonstrates a good blend of both knowledge and wisdom in their every decision. The temple has opened their venue to the community, as seen by the latest Police Safety Expo. Fo Guang Shan cares not only about its own propagation but the welfare of the public. It is also good to see that our future leaders; the youth taking part in the organization of this event, learning from the experience that will help them in their future leadership roles.”

Leader of Opposition Hon. Phil Goff:
“Listening to the various prayers for world peace shows that the main religious values are essentially the same in its core. For example, the value of peace and harmony in a world that is full of violence and hatred; compassion in the face of selfishness and greed, and lastly the need for truth and wisdom in great leadership. New Zealand is a community that is multiracial, multicultural, and filled with many religions and the fact that this diversity is embraced and celebrated is one of our country’s strength. This is evident today with the many cultural entertainments and food on display to be enjoyed.

Manukau City Mayor Mr Len Brown:
“By looking at the crowd that has gathered in celebration of Buddha’s birthday we are a living example of the saying by Mohammad Gandhi, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ The environment that we display here in Manukau City is a leading example to the rest of the world that people of different race, religion and culture can not only coexist harmoniously but serve to complement and improve each other. Fo Guang Shan, before its completion, was built in the hope of being a centre for racial tolerance and harmony and this dream is becoming a reality. Barry Curtis Park complements the Temple and is quickly becoming the favorite park in Manukau City because it shares such a wonderful synergy together with the Temple. The park is a beautiful place where parents can take their children and spend some quality family time together. The Buddhist flag represents the many colors of humanity. Fo Guang Shan is a leader in promoting the sharing of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. Therefore if we can have peace here in Fo Guang Shan, surely we can have peace in the world.”

BLIA (New Zealand North Island) President, Dolly Tsai:
“Buddha’s Day is not only a day where we pray to the Buddhas and deities for protection. The true significance is to remind ourselves about the merits of the Buddha and to eradicate all defilements to realise our Buddha nature. Fo Guang Shan (North Island) advocates Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism, creating a Pureland in the human world by spreading the seeds of the three good acts: speak good words, do good deeds, think good thoughts; cultivating good affinity by offering others confidence, joy, hope, convenience. In propagating the three spirit of righteousness, by learning to be benevolent, moral, grateful and purify the world through family harmony and observance, inter-personal harmony and respect, social harmony and world peace. Incorporating these values in our daily life, we purifying our body, speech and mind as well as enriching and promoting quality of life.”