Fo Guang Shan in CHCH Earthquake Anniversary
During the Christchurch earthquake anniversary, New Zealand government and Christchurch City Council have organised various memorial service. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin invited by the organiser to attend the special prayer session for the families member of quake victims on 22nd February 8am at Latimer Square. FGS South Island Temple supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) president See Shen Lee, Directors Mei-Hwa, Christine, Jack Liu and Sally attend the service.
They were approximately 800 families member of quake victim attend this special ceremony. Prime Minister John Key, Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Labour party leader MP David Shearer, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, Maori Elder Henare Rakiiha Tau, Royal Police Commissioner Peter Marshall, Strategy Advisor Officer Rakesh Naidoo, Representative of Taipei Economic and Culture Elliot Charng, Member of Parliaments and various representative of all field attended. Various important religious Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Jewish representatives were invited. FGS New Zealand Abbess Manshin represent on behalf of Buddhist.
The memorial services were led by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and The Right Reverend Victoria Matthews. In Prime Minister John Key speech, he committed people of Christchurch to rebuilding this “great city” and encouraged people to stay positive when facing the reality. Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae also reads a message from Prince Charles which talks about the courage, determination and spirit of New Zealanders. Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker stated together will rebuild the city with hope and vision and he encourage public not to give up.
FGS New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin led the BLIA members in chanting the Medicine Buddha holy name and “Medicine Buddha Mantra”, by propagating the positive energy to the public and turns the suffering and sadness into calm and harmony. BLIA New Zealand attended the Christchurch earthquake anniversary memorial service have felt the time flies and shared the same rebuilding rhythm with the locals. In the coming future, BLIA member will continue with positive attitude and together with Christchurch to rebuild new home in this once wounded city.
The memorial service was live streaming through the national television, with Prime Minster blessing, various religion representative prayer that propagating to every New Zealander’ heart and marked this earthquake anniversary day a day of blessing, caring and courage for each others.