Fo Guang Shan New Year’s Day Pilgrimage

On the 1st of January 2011, Fo Guang Shan Temple North Island held the annual New Year pilgrimage. Around 200 people participated in this event from all around Auckland. The participants lined up at the far gate in the car park with the participants who wore black robes leading the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage started at 6am and ended at around 8am. The participants were first instructed about what to do during the Pilgrimage before making their way up to the front and main shrine. The participants took three steps in which they chanted Sakyamuni Buddha’s name, before making a prostration.

An hour later, the participants arrived in the main shrine for the blessing ceremony presided over by Abbess Manshin. Abbess told the participants that one wishes Master Hsing Yun a Happy New Year by participating in the Pilgrimage and diligently practice the path to the Buddhahood; she hopes through the Pilgrimage activity, one built up a better character, cultivates wisdom to overcome life challenges, gives rise to a spacious heart and be mindful of one’s body, speech and mind; and through a single sand, stone, grass and plant, one re-discovered one’s true self. Quoted from Master Hsing Yun’s 2011 words of wisdom, she wished everyone “skilful wisdom and enlightened mind”. Every participant was presented Master's Letter to Dharma Protectors and Friends – 2011 as a momento.