south-islandAnnouncements

Fo Guang Shan South NZ Welcoming the Year of Dragon

01 / 10


Although the temperature has dropped suddenly and with unusual storms, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand still continued with 2012 Chinese new year eve dharma function. Temple supervisor Venerable Jue Xi has led devotees in chanting the Medicine Buddha Mantra and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Prayer for Chinese New Year Eve”. More than 100 BLIA member, devotee and local Christchurch Chinese community have come to participate and hope to gain auspicious and luck for themselves and their families as well. Everyone was celebrating with Buddha, Fo Guang Shan Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan current Abbot Venerable Hsing Pei and FGS New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin.

After the dharma function, Venerable Jue Xi explained the meaning of Chinese New Year eve and also explained the two meanings of “Heavenly Protection and Blessing”: first meaning is the heavenly will protect and blessing everyone with auspicious. The second meaning is everyone must vow to become other’s heavenly which can protect and blessing others as well. Venerable also explained the 5 harmonious that is promoted by Venerable Master which are: self harmonious, harmonious and respect among people, harmonious among families, harmonious among society and world harmonious. Venerable also distributed red auspicious packets and the “Heavenly Blessing and Protection” Calligraphy to everyone and wished everyone to have an auspicious year and gain the dharma wealth.

As midnight approached, the rain still continued but that didn't stop the devotees from keep coming to light up the incense, hit the wishing bell and hanging up the wishing cards on the creative wall tree and light up the wishing light. Devotees also got a wisdom dharma word that wish can solve their doubts. Fo Guang Shan temple also sold Fo Guang Vegetarian, red bean and etc. The entire activity ended at 1 am with a joyful atmosphere. Later that night it started to hail outside in the New Zealand summer night which made a memorable night for everyone.