Promoting Vegetarianism with Compassion in Vege Expo

In promoting the benefits of vegetarianism towards health physically and mentally, the Vegetarian Society of New Zealand have had the Christchurch Vegetarian Centre continuing the annual Vege Expo in Hagley Park on October 9 this year. Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island participated this year with upcoming Vice Presidents, Gina Chen and Ding Lihson, members Sally Lim, Mei Ling, Sheng Song and many others in being a part of the contribution for the public and sharing awareness of vegetarianism, a practice in the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and BLIA culture. Venerable MiaoYu was also there to guide and assist.

Other healthy units like the Lifestyle Matters, PIKO food manufacturer, the successful Oolong tea plantation in New Zealand, the ZEALONG and many more participated in the expo to create awareness on not to have cruelty to animals and let everyone understand animals should have the rights to also survive. Other than that, a small string quartet was there to soothe the minds. BLIA members also provided delicious vegetarian food to everyone to all those that attended the expo. Ding and Sheng Song handed out flyers and information about FGS South Island in promoting vegetarianism with compassion. This made many people to continue in having more delicious vegetarian food in the future at the Water Drop Cafe that is together with the FGS temple.

It is estimated that 5000 people came into the expo. With this, it again proves that activities like these put the people of Christchurch into life again after the earthquake. Everyone enjoyed the sun on that day and learned how to have a cleaner body in promoting environmental protection and care of animals, cherishing the Earth.