Local Film and Television Production Company’s Research trip in preparation for Planned Documentary Filming for Buddha’s Birthday

On 19th March, Shelley Quinn, an researcher for the local film and television production company Notable Pictures visited the Temple to research for the scheduled filming of upcoming Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations. She was received by Venerable Miaoyu and BLIA Member Annie Ng.

They will be filming scenes from the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration and activities during the preparations beforehand. The final cut will be broadcasted on TV3 in order to introduce the New Zealand public to the Celebration event’s source as well as the cultural significance.

Venerable Miaoyu explained that this celebration event is both for commemorating the Buddha’s birthday and to bless participants who will partakes in the day’s “Bathing of the Buddha” ritual. It is to help participants receive wisdom and be purified from the stains of past transgressions.

This year’s activities will also include “Carrying Prince Siddhartha on a Litter” Ceremony and Parading of the “3 kinds of good deeds babies”. There will be many important guests from the government, social organisations, religious representatives from different religions and offering groups. Officers from the Counties Manukau Police will also sharing a singing performance with the audience.

Afterwards Annie took Shelley on a temple tour to familiarise her with the Temple environment, therefore better preparing to do some fantastic filming.