A Visit to Dunedin Vesak Day
An invitation from Buddhist brothers of Thai venerables in Dunedin had Fo Guang Shan (FGS) NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin, FGS South Island Temple Supervisor Venerable Juexi, FGS North Island Venerable J Hao, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island President Dolly Tsai and other BLIA members totaling up to 9 people attended on the 17th of May for the Oceania Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2011 ceremony.
The Director of the 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation of New Zealand cum the President of Buddhist Federation of Australia, Most Venerable Suddhamo Bhikku, Deputy Mayor of Dunedin, Councilor Chris Staynes, The Ambassador of Thailand in New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Noppadol Teppitak, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Division of Humanities in University of Otago, Professor Brian Moloughney, Tibetan monastics and over hundred of guests were also at the ceremony.
The ceremony started at 4.00pm with Paying Homage to the Buddha by the Buddhist Sangha (monastic members) of each Nikaya (monastic order) where FGS venerables were also invited up to join in. Venerable Abbess Manshin also presided in the chanting of “Heart Sutra” on behalf of Buddhism to the public.
University of Otago’s, Professor Brian Moloughney, has then read The Secretary-General message on the United Nations Day of Vesak followed by The Director of the 60th Dhammachai Education Foundation of New Zealand, Most Venerable Sudhammo Bhikkhu in reading a message from the Most Venerable Phrarajbhavanavisudh, the President of Watphradhammakaya. FGS NZ, Venerable Abbess Manshin later presented “A Prayer for Buddha’s Birthday” by the founder of FGS, Venerable Master Hsing Yun with applause from the public in return.
Besides performance of their youth group in “The Story of Enlightenment”, the ceremony was brought more lively with the VTR showing of “Buddhism in Peace” in order to let incoming guests understand more about the life of Buddha. Adding on the ceremony was the presentation of awards for the University level and the High School level in the winning essays on the title “Peace in New Zealand”.
Ending in 6.00pm, FGS NZ Abbess and the President of Buddhist Federation of Australia had a conversation where the Abbess thanked the invitation and presented “BLIA NZ Activities Report” and “BLIA 222 Christchurch Earthquake Relief Report”. In return, the Director presented “The Sun of Peace”.
In participating this ceremony from Buddhist brothers of Thai venerables in Dunedin, FGS and BLIA members had learned in a variant Buddha’s Birthday Celebration, which gives better perception for both the FGS North and South Island members, and may this teaching of Buddha and Buddhist devotees could exchange experience in a mutual way. BLIA members felt appreciated in the participation and travelling to the ceremony.