2011 Buddha’s Birthday – Cheering of CHCH Citizens

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ held the “2011 Buddha’s Birthday Prayer for Christchurch Earthquake Victims” on April 9. This year's Buddha's Birthday Prayer was dedicated to all those affected by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that happened in Christchurch on February 22, which took more than 180 lives and caused great damage to the city as well as economic loss. People from all races and religions came together to rally the message of hope and give their support and encouragement.

The event started with a drum roll and the arrivals of Venerable Abbess Manshin, Minister of Conservation and Labor Hon Kate Wilkinson MP, Labor Party Hon Ruth Dyson MP, Spokesman on Climate Change and Associate Spokesman for the Environment Brendon Burns MP, List National MP Nicky Wagner, City Councilor Ms Helen Broughton, Sister Bertha Hurley representing the Catholics, Mr Ibrahim Abdulhalim representing the Muslims, Dr Surinder Tandon representing Hinduism, Commissioner Minister Reverend Hugh Perry and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South and North Island NZ Presidents Mr Almeric Cheng and Ms Dolly Tsai. Other distinguished guests included Detective Sergeant Tony Hill, Constable Andrea Williams, Constable Liying Chai and representatives from many community organizations.

The Young Adult Division conducted the flag bearing ceremony. Led by their youngest member Chris Wong, they sang the NZ National Anthem and Buddhist hymn Ode to the Triple Gem. This was followed by the chanting of Praise for the Incense Offering, Heart Sutra and “Prayer for the Victims of the Earthquake in Christchurch NZ” written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. A two-minute silence was observed for the earthquake victims. The guests were then invited to participate in "Bathe the Buddha."

Commissioner Minister Reverend Hugh Perry and other representatives from different religions were invited to give their blessings. They wished everyone safe, encouraged people to move on with life, to create a new home together and rebuild the charm of Christchurch city.

A short film of “BLIA NZ Earthquake Relief” was played on a projector, sharing the love and relief efforts that Buddha's Light International Association South Island NZ gave to the community after the Christchurch earthquake. Everyone was moved by the strength and achievements of BLIA members.

BLIA South Island NZ President Mr Almeric Cheng thanked everyone for attending this year’s Buddha’s Birthday. Their participation in the dignified and solemn ceremony was the best gift for the quake-shaken community.

Hon Kate Wilkinson MP brought regards from Prime Minister Right Hon John Key and Minister of Energy and Resources Hon Gerry Brownlee. They were grateful of the support and assistance provided by the temple and its members in the earthquake relief. The government is committed in helping to rebuild Christchurch, making it prettier, safer and a city of artistic and cultural values. Everyone shall not give up and together we can move forward bravely.

NZ Labor Party Hon Ruth Dyson MP acclaimed “Over NZ$100,000 has been donated from this community to Red Cross. 3496 hot meals were provided in two weeks. It is extraordinary. A centre that established here provided a place of peace and security; people were quite overwhelmed with grief and felt very isolated until they come here. So, the values of Buddha, of compassion, of tolerance and of humanity were demonstrated at the time when people most needed that support. Today is a wonderful opportunity to lighten up the flame of hope for the future of the city, of our communities and of our people”. Ms Helen Broughton brought blessings from Mayor of Christchurch and said “We are going to have the strength and courage to get through these times, and we are going to find the confidence to move forward and rebuild this city; and I believe this time our spiritual leaders are going to be really important because we have to keep up that sense of hope and confidence. We have to move forward and keep up”.

Venerable Abbess Manshin expressed: “The succession of time writes different stories of life. Sometimes it is joyful, other times it is sorrowful; sometimes it is exciting, other times it is serious. Impermanence is the essence of life, just like the changes of the four seasons. It enables us to see the different faces of all living beings”. “Since September 2010, the people of Christchurch in Canterbury have gone through earthquakes of various magnitudes. We have experienced the power of nature as well as the fragility and helplessness of human beings. However, during these times of difficulties, we have also been inspired. We have become a better team, we treasure each other more, and we strive harder together. In this Buddha’s Birthday celebration, we hope that water from bathing the Buddha can wash away the flying dust that filled the pain in our hearts as well as amending a large crack on the earth. At the same time, we also understand that we must be respectful of nature in order to be able to develop space for the survivors of the human race. Let us work together, to cherish our fortune, our affinity with each other, as well as things and beings, love and protect others. Pay more attention and treasure our resources. Let us have a beautiful earth for our future generations”.

Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA South and North Island NZ presidents presented a cheque of NZ$30,000 to the “Christchurch Earthquake Appeal”. The donation was accepted by Hon Kate Wilkinson on behalf of the government.

The ceremony concluded with 20 members of the Young Adult Division performing hand gestures to the song “Harmonize”. Everyone joined in to share their hope and confidence in rebuilding a new Christchurch city.

Later that day, 30 babies took part in the Baby Blessing Ceremony and around 40 devotees participated in the Taking Refuge of Triple Gems and Five Precepts. The Teahouse prepared special Buddha’s Birthday Set Lunch. Although this year’s Buddha’s Birthday was without the usual festivities and cultural performances, it was filled with an atmosphere of solemn and religious believes. Through the power of prayer, the people have an assured heart, and Christchurch city will be rebuilt to become a more beautiful place to be.