Fo Guang Shan NZ - Ullambana Festival and Offering to the Sangha
On 14 August, Fo Guang Shan New Zealand celebrated its’ Ullambana Festival and Sangha Offering Day. 300 devotees from all over New Zealand participated, including the chairperson of The Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW) Mrs Nancy Shih, her husband, WTV Chairman Mr Gary Chang and his wife. Under the majestic and solemn rhythm of the drum and bell, Abbess Manshin, Venerable Manwang, Venerable Juexi and all Reverends were sincerely invited to the Main Shrine by 22 BLIA New Zealand directors led by BLIA (North Island) NZ President Dolly Tsai and Vice President Peter Chen. 180 devotees dressed in multicultural costumes offered flowers and candles to signify the commencement of the Offering to the Sangha ceremony.
BLIA (South Island) NZ Vice President Meihua Chen on behalf of the BLIA (South Island) members, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to be able to attend this function despite the heavy snowfall in Christchurch, as bitter weather could not stop them from participating in this Dharma Service.
BLIA (North Island) NZ President Dolly Tsai quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun in emphasising the need to enhance life values by broadening our horizon and improving the quality of life as well as encouraging a correct perspective of life, values and morality. In Fo Guang Shan NZ, devotees were deeply moved by the Reverends who devoted their lives to educate the youths and everyone according to Master’s teachings. Hence, BLIA NZ would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the Reverends for their relentless effort and continuous guidance.
BLIA NZ had also lined up a series of performances which included a comedy sketch with a stint of Buddhism, traditional Chinese Folk dances and singing. The final performance was by YAD NZ who shouted : I Love You Reverends in the midst of their performance, which touched many hearts.
Abbess Manshin thanked all BLIA NZ members for their effort in planning such interesting performances and the devotees for their offerings, hoping every individual will continue to work hard to purify one’s body, speech and mind. Thereafter, she explained the significance of Ullambana Sutra and the origin of Ullambana Festival. She then explained the importance of collaboration between BLIA and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order in propagating Humanistic Buddhism, so as to integrate Buddhism into the society, community and daily life. She further explained the meaning of the eight pagodas in the Buddha Memorial Hall and encouraged everyone to put Dharma into practice, diligently walk towards Buddhahood and dedicate all merits to oneself, family members and all past parents.
In the speech by The Chairperson of The Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW) Mrs Nancy Shih, she expressed her joy and was honoured to be part of this Sangha Offering Dharma service, praising BLIA members who were not only diligent in their spiritual practice, but also showcased their talents through the multicultural performances. She recalled one GFCBW member who held a memorable wedding at the temple this May with the aid of all reverends and volunteers, and on behalf of all members of GFCBW, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this wedding a success.
After the Sangha Offering, it was alms round where all devotees offered their sincerest offering to all the Reverends, which is also the virtue of giving. The whole ceremony ended at 12.30pm and an interview was conducted by New Zealand’s only Chinese TV station, WTV.