Commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment

On 8 Jan 2014, to commemorate the Enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha, a celebration was jointly organized by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island, in the Cloud and Water House. In the morning of 8 Jan 2014, about 30 members of BLIA South Island gathered in the Cloud and Water House for the celebration. Led by Venerable Jue Xi, the congregation first performed the paying of homage to Buddha, the chanting of Heart Sutra, and then proceeded to enjoy the specially prepared ‘Laba Congee’ Porridges.

After the Prayer and Chanting season and before the meal, Venerable Jue Xi enlightened the congregation on the history and significance of the ‘Laba Congee’ Porridge. She urged all present to reflect on the teachings of Lord Buddha while enjoying the food, and to become good Buddhists in their daily lives.

In the afternoon, 3 teams of BLIA members distributed hundreds of the packed Porridges to homes of devotees, restaurants, shops and offices. Accompanying these Porridges were calligraphic prints of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’ New Year Blessings. The gesture in the distributing of Porridges and the sharing of Joy on this Special Occasion is a tradition practiced by FGS and BLIA South Island.