Fo Guang Shan (North Island) Buddha's Day Multicultural Festival on TV1

“How the other half lives” a program about Buddhism produced by TV1 about was aired on 27 September, at 8pm.The program followed the development of Buddhism in NZ, Buddhist teachings, the similarities and differences of different Buddhist traditions.Fo Guang Shan (North Island) Buddha’s Day Multicultural Festival was the final part of the
show.

The host Marc Ellis followed a Theravada monk to meditate in the forest, going on alms round and joined a Tibetan monk in Buddhist chanting.
The audience also got a glimpse of the Buddha’s relic and this is evident that the Buddha was once a human being. This also served as a reminder that each one of us has the Buddha nature within us and similarly can be enlightened.Marc Ellis also interviewed Buddhist New Zealanders who shared their views on this innerpeace seeking religion.

Driving away from the monasteries located in the forest, Marc Ellis came to a Buddha's Day Multicultural Festival at Fo Guang Shan, crowded with thousands of people.

Here, Marc Ellis was given a different perspective of Buddhism known as Humanistic Buddhsim. He experienced the bathing of the Buddha, offering, sutra copying and participated in the baby blessing with a baby. It was an occasion which gathered all Buddhist traditions and leaders from different religions. This not only signified Buddhism is an accepting and tolerant religion but also conveyed the message of Humanistic Buddhism, which involves the active propagation of Buddhism in the society and the engagement with the community. It is practical and relevant in our daily lives.