Ullambana “Sangha’s Day” Celebration 2013

On the morning of 18th August, the 2013 New Zealand Fo Guang Shan Ullambana Sangha’s Day Celebrations commenced at 10:00am. Under the accompaniment of thunderous drum beats, 26 North and South Island BLIA Directors welcomed Venerable Abbess Manshin and other Venerables into the Main Shrine. Under the lead of the Abbess, a congregation of 300 recited the “Ullambana sutra" Followed by offerings to the Buddha. Then various sub-chapters and groups gave meticulously practiced performances, thus adding more joy into the atmosphere, as well adding sincerity to Fo Guang devotee’s offerings.

North Island BLIA president Dolly Tsai thanked the Venerables for creating deep Dharma connections with the surrounding public, thus allowing Humanistic Buddhism’s wholesome and beautiful ideals to be continuously propagated. South Island BLIA president See Xian Lee thanked the temple for giving Fo Guang people in the South Island a small heartwarming venue. So the devotees can continue their involvement with the Dharma and temple during the main structures repair process.

Afterwards, Abbess Manshin expressed that as long as we have strength within our mind, all things can be accomplished. Everyone’s inner adornment can be expressed by the ways of their action, speech and thoughts. The two BLIA president lead the team through meticulous planning, thus establishing true Fo Guang sprit, such as “Buddhism first, self second, the temple first, self second, and the team first, self second,” This will allow the “3 good and 4 giving” movement to be actualized during our daily life. The Abbess used a story of a poor couple who made food offerings to Sakyamuni Buddha to show the incomprehensible great merit resulting from making offerings to the Sangha. She also thanked everyone for their support thus allowing the continued propagation of Humanistic Buddhism.

Following the celebration’s completion, an alms giving ceremony was held outside along the courtyard. This allowed the devotees to make personal offerings to the Venerables with a joyous and grateful heart, thus allowing great fields of merits to be planted. This year’s Ullambana Sangha’s day thus completed successfully.