Speech by Mr Jeff Liu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland in 2021 Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival for World Peace

Venerable Abbess Manshin, Honourable Mr Wood, Member of Parliament Mr Luxon, Deputy Commissioner, Police Commander and distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I’m very delighted to attend this sumptuous event, the Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival and I’m standing here in front of the Buddha, I feel honoured and humble at the same time. I’m honoured given the close connection of Fo Guang Shan to Taiwan (where I’m from). Also, the Buddha’s teachings by Master Hsing Yun we just read, such a highly respected leader from Taiwan. I’m also humbled I’m standing here in front of such a beautiful society of great diversity promoting peace, respect, tolerance.

Today, many leaders of different backgrounds and different religions gathering together so to show us that we can use love to disappear hate, use wisdom to pursue truth and use respect to accept difference. I think we are here to demonstrate these values which we are needed most today in a time of challenges and adversities.

I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Venerable Manshin. Over the years, under your great leadership, I think Fo Guang Shan has transformed from a temple as an indispensable asset in our society. Fo Guang Shan provides us Buddha’s teachings and much much more. Fo Guang Shan brings us kindness and beauty through education, art and cultural events. I think everyone can benefit from your achievement so in the end, I wish everyone good health and prosperity in the coming days. Thank you very much

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIB09BeYcRY