Over Hundred Distinguished guests celebrated at Fo Guang Shan NZ Buddha’s Birthday Celebration

On the 17th April the sun shone on Fo Guang Shan NZ whilst we celebrated the 2011 Buddha’s Day Multicultural Festival, presided over by Abbess Manshin. The distinguished guests included the Ministry of Defence Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, National Party, who was here for the very first time, MP Mr Jami-Lee Ross, Melissa Lee and 3 other National Party MPs. Representing the Labour party’s Leader, Hon Phil Goff was MP Mr Raymond Huo, Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland Mr Hachiro Ishida, Director General-Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland Mr Carl Young, Tainui Elder Kaumatua Sonny Rauwhero, Area Commander for Counties Manukau Eastern Area Inspector Jim Searle, Iwi Liaison Co-ordinator for Counties Manukau Sergeant Richard Waihi, four religious representatives, President of BLIA Ms Dolly Tsai, BLIA advisors and over 100 guests.

The multicultural offering group was made up of 300 people where they dressed in colourful costumes and made their sincere offering to the Buddha. Thereafter, Abbess Manshin and 30 BLIA directors invited the distinguished guests to the ceremony, welcomed by 400 people who were present, which was then followed by the presentation of the Buddhist and National flag, smartly presented by eight of the Fo Guang Youth.

After singing the National Anthem and Ode to the triple gem, Abbess Manshin presided over the blessing ceremony and recited ‘The Prayers for the victims of the Earthquake in Japan and Christchurch ’; followed by one minute of silence dedicated to the earthquake victims. The presentation of the BLIA NZ Christchurch Relief centre video clip touched many people’s hearts, which inspired everyone in NZ to face all challenges together and welcome the future with courage.

During the speech given by BLIA President Dolly Tsai, she reiterated that although earthquakes and tsuinami have caused a huge destruction to many people, love and compassion brings everyone together, and from these disasters we have learnt to treasure all the people and things around us. Under the leadership of Abbess Manshin, BLIA New Zealand has overcome all the challenges to render their service, either materially or spiritually during the Christchurch and Japan earthquakes, realizing the four giving’s teachings of Master Hsing Yun.

Ministry of Defence Hon Dr Wayne Mapp on behalf of Prime Minister John Key, greeted everyone in Mandarin and thanked the temple for the invitation. He spoke of NZ celebrating Buddha’s Birthday for more than 150 years, and the strength of our mission, on this particular day, and remembering the earthquake’s that took place in Christchurch and Japan . The teachings of peace and compassion of the Buddha have a great influence for the victims of the earthquake’s and in times of disasters, everyone comes hand in hand to help fellow humans selflessly which exhibits the true meaning of human spirit. On behalf of the government, he thanked the temple for their support and help for the people of Christchurch and Japan .

Labour party MP Mr Raymond Huo acknowledged the human spiritual that everyone has shown during the Christchurch and Japan earthquake, and acknowledged Abbess Manshin’s wisdom, compassion and leadership skills. MP Mr Jami-Lee Ross shared his experience with Master Hsing Yun during the temple’s open ceremony in 2007, since then, the temple has been a strong focus point, community hub and community spirit for the locals; he thanked the help the temple has given during the Japan and Christchurch earthquakes.

Abbess Manshin encouraged everyone to purify the body, speech and mind through the bathing of the Buddha; and one should respect the mother nature, a place where we make ourselves home, thus one must treasure all those blessings we have and protect the environment for our future generation.

Abbess Manshin and President Dolly Tsai presented the earthquake donation to the NZ government and the Japanese Red Cross society. The cheques were accepted on behalf by National Party MP Melissa Lee and Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland , Mr Hachiro Ishida. Mr Hachiro Ishida expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the temple for everyone’s efforts and help during the Christchurch and Japan earthquake, that allows everyone to learn about love and compassion bringing everyone together.

On such an auspicious occasion, thousands of volunteers have made this event a success. Besides bathing the Buddha, there was 19 vegetarian food stalls, over 12 cultural stalls and a children’s funland. The baby blessing ceremony had also attracted over 80 babies that participated.

The event has attracted over 6000 people.