Touching moment for English-speaking participants of FGS Christchurch - Express Gratitude through cards on Session Completion Day
On 18 December, the English-speaking group of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch completed their practice session with Venarable NengChang and BLIA south Island Committee director Kok Wei, Low, leading the session with eleven participants.
As Christchurch has a majority population of English-speaking individuals, the English-speaking practice session was initiated on 1 August 2021, in order to localise Buddhism. The practice session includes chanting the English version of the Heart Sutra, practicing Tai Chi 18 movements and performing walking meditation, followed by sitting meditation.
The English-speaking practice session has attracted many locals who are interested in Buddhism. They participate seriously and joyfully chant the sutras along with the chanting of mantras, and through meditation, they are able to calm their restless minds. Participants ask questions after class and actively participate in the activities of the temple, with some of them even engaging in temple support.
More than ten participants attend every practice session, with eight participants attending every session. These dedicated students are very focused on learning about Buddhism. Participants feel that practicing together is very joyful and useful. They introduce their family and friends to attend, resulting in an increasing number of participants.
Deidre Johns and Ola Lyckholm, a couple who are participants, felt the dedication of the Ven. Neng Chang in teaching the students. On the day of completion, they specially gave a card expressing their gratitude to Ven. Neng Chang for leading the practice session for one year, guiding them to learn about the Dharma, which is very useful in their daily lives.
The English-speaking practice session of 2022 ended in a joyful atmosphere. Participants appreciate Venarable NengChang 's dedication, as she persists in leading the English-speaking practice session every week despite being busy with other temple affairs. They feel the peace in their minds and are gradually understanding the Dharma. They treasure what they have learned in practice and express their desire to continue participating next year.