Fo Guang Shan Ching Ming Dharma Service and Blessing Ceremony for Victims of the Christchurch and Japan Earthquakes

On 3 April, Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ held the Ching Ming Dharma Service and BlessingCeremony for Victims of the Christchurch and Japan Earthquakes presided over by Abbess Manshin.

‘The Compassionate Water Repentance’ ceremony was attended by 150 devotees. Merits were transferred to the ancestors and painful memories of the earthquakes were soothed through the words of the Buddha. The body, speech and mind were also purified and negative energy was transformed into positive energy.

Abbess Manshin explained the significance and benefits of the Compassionate Water Repentance, praising the wisdom of the ancestors who had wisely expressed through words, the method of repentance and guiding one to repent effectively. Thereafter, she explained the Emperor Liang Repentance Service and Diamond Sutra Repentance Dharma service held at Fo Guang Shan (South Island) from 25 March and 1 April in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster, as well as the mission and relief work of BLIA New Zealand Relief centre. The New Zealand Police had expressed their gratitude to the religious community for their spiritual guidance and support to the earthquake victims. BLIA New Zealand Relief centre not only provided hot meals for the victims during the first two weeks when the tragedy struck, but also provided spiritual support through Dharma functions and services. Abbess encouraged everyone to join in the fund-raising activities for the earthquake relief to help rebuild the city.

After lunch, Abbess Manshin led the devotees in the final session of the dharma function. Last but not least, Abbess explained the Dharma service etiquette and the origin of ‘The Compassionate Water Repentance’. She encouraged everyone to repent sincerely through the guidance of the Buddha and wished everyone would practise the Dharma dilligently. The service concluded at 2.30pm in the afternoon.