Chinese New Year Dharma Function & Reunion Dinner
In the intersection between welcoming the year of dragon and farewell to the year of rabbit, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand have held a Chinese New Year dharma function and volunteer reunion dinner on 20 January 2012 at 6pm, Fo Guang Shan Venerable Abbess Manshin led everyone in chanting for auspicious. Those present are Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Advisor Ku and wife, Advisor Lai and wife, BLIA supporting advisor Mr. Ron Wright, lawyer Su and husband with over 160 guests. Before the dharma function begin, a vivid Lion dance have show up and bring up the cheerful atmosphere of Chinese New Year. Abbess and venerables entering to the altar and chant with everyone by chanting mantra and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “prayer for the society”.
After the Chanting, Abbess mentions the cause and condition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun vowed to build a Buddha Memorial Centre to host the Buddha tooth Relic. By gathering the devotee’s support and volunteer from ten directions and the majesty grand Buddha hall have completed and let everyone to witness the Buddha relics and felt the compassion and wisdom of Buddha. During the opening ceremony of BMC, more than 100 member of BLIA New Zealand have travel to Fo Guang Shan Headquarter and joined this event which shown the charm and team spirit of New Zealander. Abbess also given the red auspicious packet and Venerable Master calligraphy “Heavenly Protection and Blessing” to the attend public.
160 of the guests have enjoyed their favorite vegetarian dinner in the tea house and dining hall. While their having their meal, several great performances like line dance, street dance and Shao Lin Kung Fu. The lucky draw section also brings out some surprise to the guests. At the end of performance, the host invited Abbess and venerable and everyone in the dinner to go on stage to sing some famous Fo Guang Shan song such as “Fo Guang Shan is my home town” and “Fo Guang member around the world” as the finale of the dinner. As the song keep replay and mark the end year of rabbit and welcoming the year of Dragon.