Sutra Chanting and Transferring Merits

On the 4th of March, 7 pm, BLIA NZ South Island held a second sutra chanting for the Christchurch Earthquake disaster. Around 70 Fo Guang Shan members, Buddhist members and family members of the victims chanted and transferred merits under preside of Abbess Manshin. Family of New Zealand’s famous cycler, Ross Bush that passed away on Riccarton Road also attended.

Venerable Abbess Manshin expressed, after the experience of 222 Christchurch Earthquake, one should ponder and treasure more on the value of life. Abbess also mentioned, when the earthquake happened, Prime Minister John Key that grew up in Christchurch immediately appealed to all people of Christchurch to open their doors and care for their neighbourhood. Abbess decided immediately to have the BLIA NZ South Island Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple to be set up as a relief centre on the day after the earthquake, to help the people and the New Zealand government hand in hand to relief the disaster.

Besides that, Abbess has also taken in consideration of sutra chanting and to transfer merits for the Earthquake disaster for the deceased to relief their souls from the horrible disaster and it has had support from friends and family of the deceased.

After sutra chanting and transferring merits, Venerable Abbess Manshin met with the family members of Ross Bush. Abbess had told them to have encouragement to lay down the sorrow feeling and welcome them to the Buddhist temple more often for precipitation of body and mind. The family of Ross Bush thanked Abbess for the comfort of mind they have received.