Summer Solstice Tea Party

A Summer solstice tea party was held on 21st of December at FGS South Island. This heart-warming tea party was organised by the West Wing division of BLIA South Island so that all the BLIA members can enjoy the yummy sweet dumplings even though they are living in New Zealand. This tea party was graced by the presence of Venerable Abbess Man Shin, Venerable Jue Xi, BLIA South Island President See Shen Lee. About 40 BLIA members were invited to this event to celebrate winter solstice.

The tea party started with members singing songs together, followed by a revision of “Buddhist Affinities across 100 years” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This is a book about the imperative events that happened to FGS in the past few decades and the history of Buddhism, for instance the story of Master Hsing Yun when he was young and how he achieved such astonishing accomplishments for Buddhism throughout his journey. Everyone was touched to learn it.

One of BLIA’s core members Benny Wong shared his experience at FGS Kaohsiung’s kitchen when he was doing voluntary work there in November 2013. A 80ish volunteer asked him a simple question that left him pondering for a long time before he could finally answer it – What are you trying to achieve when you come to the kitchen? He finally realised the purpose of its visit, which is to learn to do things with the right attitude and that the ordinary mind is the way of life. He also expressed his gratitude towards the Venerable and volunteers who guided him during his visit to FGS Kaohsiung.

Venerable Abbess Man Shin told everyone that there are 4 kinds of people who travel the furthest in this world- the soldiers, the businessman, the adventurers and the monks. For the monks, everywhere could be their home. All BLIA members must be aware that faith plays an important role in one’s life. Abbess encouraged everyone to read the book “ Buddhist affinities across 100 years” and learn from the pearls of wisdom shared by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and used it in their lives.