Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ - First Day of The 4th Cherry Blossom Festival

The 16 October was the first day of the 4th Cherry Blossom Festival which had been eagerly awaited upon by everyone . The arrival of the Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong announced the commencement of the festival and the celebration has attracted over 600 people. Although the 56 Cherry trees along the Path to Buddhahood were not fully blossomed, activities such as Vegetarian food fair, cultural stalls, wishing bell and light offering ceremony made up for everything; many visitors together with their families sat under the cherry trees and enjoyed some family time.

From 11am to 2pm, a number of activities like temple tours, light offering ceremony, Taichi and vegetarian food fair were open to the general public. The response to the temple tours was overwhelming and has attracted over 200 tourists within an hour; they were invited to the light offering ceremony which took place at 12pm, presided over by Venerable Manshin in the presence of Hon Pansy Wong.

During the speech addressed by Hon Pansy Wong, she reiterated the significant role played by Fo Guang Shan in the community; tolerance and compassion are qualities advocated by Buddhism and are crucial factors to maintaining a harmonious society of diverse cultures and races in New Zealand. Abbess Manshin wished everyone will lead a positive, enthusiastic and vibrant life, and be enriched spiritually.

The open day activity continued after the light offering ceremony. At 1pm, Venerable Miao Yu led the Taichi exercise and over 50 visitors experienced this soul searching motive meditation. The festival was reported by World Television Channel.