To celebrate the Buddha's birthday, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple held a special "Yu Lin Baby Blessing Ceremony" in the Mahavira Hall for 50 infants on April 8th. The ceremony was presided by Venerable Miao You, a board member of Nan Tien Institute, with nearly 200 parents and relatives in attendance witnessing the event.

Venerable Miao You led the congregation in chanting the Heart Sutra and read the "Prayers and Wishes for Fo Guang Babies" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, for the Buddha's blessings to keep the children free from harm, both physically and mentally, and to cultivate gratitude, shame, reflection, feedback, correct knowledge, and views, as well as filial piety, respect for teachers and elders, and support for the Three Jewels.
Venerable Miao You presided the Yu Lin Baby Blessing Ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Miao You pointed out that children need to establish a correct moral, ethical, and life values during their growth process. Venerable Miao You emphasized that the virtues of "Three Acts of Goodness", compassion, and love in Humanistic Buddhism have important values and meanings for the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of children. 

Furthermore, Venerable Miao You pointed out that correct family education is also very important, and children need guidance to distinguish right from wrong and to know how to accept or reject. She prayed that Buddha bless the children and let them grow up in a positive and trustworthy environment in areas such as environmental protection, community, and school.

The organizer distributed blessing items and purified the 50 babies in the ceremony. To create unforgettable memories, in addition to the certificate of Yu Lin Blessing, a "Tree of Life" certificate featuring a Bodhi tree was designed this year. The children and their families who participated in the ceremony were invited to imprint their fingerprints on the trunk of the Bodhi tree as a painting. There was also a Dharma message from Venerable Master Hsing Yun beside the Bodhi tree, blessing the children to grow up happily and freely, develop wisdom, and spread happiness to every corner of the earth.
Venerable Miao You purified the baby in the ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency

Parents were touched to see their children participate in the "Yu Lin Baby Blessing Ceremony" and grow up in their religious beliefs with the blessings of the Buddha. Ms. Mo Danning, who lives in Canberra, is grateful for her relationship with Nan Tien Temple, where she previously volunteered. She often shares Buddhist thoughts with her husband Troy Tatnell-Blacker, and their 1-year and 9-month-old daughter Luna has been influenced since childhood, often folding her hands and worshipping. The couple hopes their child can receive the blessings of the Buddha from a young age and build a harmonious and Buddhist family. Kristi Archer prayed for the Buddha's blessings so that the babies could grow up with the right values and be kind to others, and serve the society in the future.

Luke and Justine, who live near Nan Tien Temple in Thirroul, took their baby Isaiah to participate in the ceremony and felt the peaceful and positive energy of the temple. They are grateful for the auspicious karma that allowed Isaiah to receive the blessings of the Buddha. 

Jean Lee, a Malaysian who visited Nan Tien Temple from Canberra, brought her baby Maxwell to the solemn ceremony. Jean Lee said that her baby was very quiet throughout the event, and the activity of placing finger imprints on the Bodhi tree was especially meaningful.

Jamie Rees and his family, who have participated in the Yu Lin Baby Blessing Ceremony before, registered for the ceremony this year with his sister-in-law Genevieve and her 7-month-old baby. The family identifies with the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, particularly the virtues of humanism, etiquette, correct values and cultivation, and is grateful for the auspicious conditions arranged by Nan Tien Temple that allows the babies to receive the blessings of the Buddha.