Emphasize respect of life, relief by peace

BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief Service Centre continued on after the fifth day of the 22nd February earthquake. On the 26th of February, 7pm, around 30 members from BLIA NZ Fo Guang Shan attended the meeting held by Venerable Abbess Manshin and supervised by Venerable Jue Xi with Venerable Miao Yu to report all job tasks and preparations for the BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief Centre.

Firstly, Abbess Manshin gratefully thanked all members from the BLIA NZ members including the members of the BLIA NZ North Island that came help make BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief Centre stronger. Abbess then reminded all members while relieving people from this earthquake to have the respect for life, a concern mind, not to expose any privacy, not to publicize the pathos and manners, be temperate and carry on the aid work tranquilly. Make this experience as a reminder of value, sincerity, development, encouragement and enlightenment of life.

Venerable Jue Xi then redistributes duties for each group and members and explains to each group and members in matters that needs attention and re-coordinates the newest relief progress. Groups are divided into dining and cooking services, reception, information, phone reception, spiritual counseling, environmental department etc. The resolutions of the meeting are: -
1. To conduct chanting dharma service for earthquake victims on Fridays;
2. Fundraising for earthquake relief;
3. Light offering for the earthquake victims in the Buddha hall;
4. Deputy Secretary General of BLIA Oceania Venerable Yu Lai will attend the BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief Centre before the 1st of March; 5. The association monthly meeting will be held ahead of time on 27th of February;
6. All events and activities conducted will be suspended until it is more affable.

In the meeting, some members of the BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief Centre also shares the experience of the earthquake that happened in the centre and realized the spirit of concerning for others first, ensuring safety first, not to panic, not creating chaos and some members even became a volunteer from a victim with an awareness of the great value of life. In addition, while the earthquake happened, foreign affair ambassador, Mr. Philip Gibson was also dining in the centre and has been an unforgettable time for him to experience with members of the centre.

Abbess Manshin indicated that after the disaster, the reconstruction would be a long path. The BLIA NZ South Island will have a direction in providing religious comfort, providing sutras chanting for the decease, for the survivors and for the family members, provide consultations for the comfort of the mind and assist to rebuild families and others. The members of BLIA NZ South Island will continue in offering and contributing in this unusual period.