BLIA Members Attended Advisor James Ku's Funeral

Dr James Ku, founder of Buddha's Light International Association South Island New Zealand, passed away on March 14 in Christchurch. The funeral was held on March 17, and was attended by around 130 friends and family, including many prominent representatives from BLIA and the local Chinese community. The Buddhist Ceremony was led by Venerables from Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple.

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin, who is currently attending the sixth Interfaith Conference in Indonesia, has been tirelessly calling Dr Ku's family to send her regards, as well as express condolences from BLIA Founder Venerable Master Hsin Yun. In her speech, Venerable Jue Hao said Dr Ku and his wife took refuge to the Triple Gem under Master Hsin Yun in 1989, and have since followed Venerable Master Hsin Yun wholeheartedly and made major contributions to the development of BLIA in Christchurch, New Zealand. He devoted his life to the teachings of Buddha and practiced Three Good Deeds and Four Offerings, and is indeed a role model for all.

Mrs Ku expressed her most sincere gratitude to all the members and friends of BLIA, for helping the family with the funeral arrangements and Buddhist Ceremony. She said that Dr Ku would have wanted everyone to turn their sadness into strength. Before he passed away, Dr Ku sought advice from the Abbess in regards to his illness, and accepted the Abbess's words that life is precious and full of challenges - one must face immense obstacles with ease and selflessness, never forgetting the teachings of Buddha. Mrs Ku said that Dr Ku died peacefully, with much blessing from all. At the end of the funeral, Dr Ku's three children sang a song they wrote for him and thanked everyone for coming to say farewell to their beloved father. The ceremony was solemn and moving.