2012 BLIA Fellowship Function – Unleash the Power of Life

In order to show appreciation for the support provided by BLIA members over the years, and to strengthen the ties of our fellowship; all directors and sub-chapter chair persons meticulously organised a “2012 BLIA Fellowship Function” on 18th August. This event will allow long standing and new members to develop better understand of BLIA’s ideals and functions. New Zealand North Island BLIA chairperson Dolly Tsai welcomed the 80 participants. All sub-chapter’s chairpersons and committee members were introduced, and their experiences of hard work over the years were also shared with everyone. This showed the passionate and supportive spirit of Fo Guang people, which always shines brilliantly during the organisation of many different events. By attending Fo Guang Shan activities we are actually developing ourselves, creating good affinities and expanding our life experiences. This will allow Humanistic Buddhism to enter our lives.
Then the assembly invited Abbess Venerable Manshin to give a talk regarding the topic of “The essence of Fo Guang Shan”. The Abbess encouraged compassion and tolerance; hence during our times of work and responsibility, we should always practice forbearance, thus cultivating our personality to become more compassionate and tolerant. We should elevate our character by not shunning hard work and difficulties. BLIA emphasises equality, and allow everyone the chance to unleash their light and energy. At the same time, we also respect family values and highly regards social responsibilities. Hence we strive to establish Buddhism families, provide activities suitable for different age groups, thus extending our lives around Buddhism life after life without cease.
Afterward, fun social activities were organised by the central chapter, which started by leading everyone to sing along to “Cheer for the World” (a song composed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun for the “Humanistic musical affinities” series). Then members of Young Adult Division performed Maori Haka and “Auspiciousness” dance to get everyone warmed up. East 2 sub-chapter led everyone through fun games such as “Brain teaser” and “Finding friends”. Lastly, East 1 sub-chapter took everyone by the hand to dance to the tune of “Our home is at Fo Guang Shan”. Thus successfully completing the Fellowship Function.