Continuation of “One Million Heart Sutras into the Buddha” at New Zealand Fo Guang Shan

On 1st January 2013 at 9:00am, Fo Guang Shan North Island held its 4th “One Million Heart Sutras into the Buddha” event, where devotees get the opportunity to transcribe the Heart Sutra.

Venerable Abbess Manshin led a congregation of 200 to recite the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, and then proceeded to transcribe the sutra meticulously. Participants included local Kiwis, Asian youth, and many who do not know Chinese, yet all continued with the group. Transcribing the Sutra is a form of cultivation that can allow us to connect heart to heart with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and elevated our character and wisdom.
During the transcription process, the Abbess helpfully advised everyone to quietly contemplate their minds, to connect and consonant with the Buddha. It is hoped that all can “Wake up every morning along with the Buddha, slumber every night along with the Buddha”. We can become more relaxed with the reduction of self-attachment and Dharma attachment, as the Avatamsaka Sutra says “If one wants to realise a Buddha’s state of mind, then purify your mind to be like true emptiness”. Then the Abbess led everyone to recite “Prayers for Dharma Hearers and Sutra Transcribers” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, transfer merits, and blessings for all participants to receive purification of their mind, good health, and auspiciousness.

The Main Shrine’s harmonious energies had empowered all those present. All in attendance are deeply grateful to the temple for providing such a rare opportunity. The New Year’s transcribed scriptures will be stored within Buddha Memorial Centre forever. Thus making this event all the more solemn, wondrous and meaningful.