A Father is Like a Protecting Tree

Father’s Day falls on the first week of September in New Zealand and on September 2, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island celebrated Father’s Day after the weekly Friday Dharma Function. During the Dharma Function, Venerable Juexi presided in the chanting of “Amithaba Sutra” and “A Prayer to Amithaba Buddha by Venerable Master Hsing Yun”. Venerable Juexi then gave a Dharma talk about the dignified Buddha Memorial Hall in Taiwan that will be opening this year end and also the story about Buddha’s tooth relic.

After that, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Young Adult Division (YAD) South Island members performed hand gestures alongside the song “Droplets of Gratitude” thanking their fathers’ protection and hard work all these while. During the performance, YAD members had “Home” and “Trees” representing the greatness of a father. The performance also created happy atmosphere and warm feeling for everyone.

Applauses from fathers and devotees were warmly given as the YAD members put great effort into the performance. BLIA South Island Advisor, Mr. Ku and English Sub-chapter member, John shared parenting tips as a father and a grandfather; in addition, English Sub-chapter member, Peter also shared the reflections about his father’s thought. Four YAD members expressed gratitude where their fathers worked so hard just for the children to have no worries with their life. One of them, 12 years old Chris expressed that he missed his father that is currently working in China so much and Chris’s expression touched hearts to those who are listening.

A father’s love for children is subtle and profound but many tend to ignore the communication with the father. This celebration reminded everyone to express their gratitude for their beloved father. Ending the celebration, Venerable Juexi wishes everyone a joyful and happy Father’s Day.