Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 5, 2023

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple and Buddha's Light International Association(BLIA) Sydney Chapter jointly hosted the 2023 Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival in late April. The event, with the theme "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation", aimed to promote spiritual purification and environmental protection, and attracted nearly 600 attendees.

On April 22nd, the organizers held a multi-faith prayer and blessing event and "LOVE and PEACE" concert to praise Venerable Master Hsing Yun, inviting the Australian Yellow River Chorus, the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir & Orchestra, and several internationally renowned singers to participate.

This concert focused on multiculturalism to showcase the concept of harmony in Humanistic Buddhism and demonstrate the power of "love and peace" to the public. In addition to inviting people of different religions to pray for the world, the organizers also paid tribute to and praised Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan.

Venerable Manke, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, led the other Venerable and Fo Guang members to pray for the happiness and well-being of the people, social harmony, and world peace.

Australian Yellow River Chorus recited the "Star & Cloud", sang praises to the great Buddha and Venerable Master Hsing Yun with songs such as "Transmigration" and "Praise to the Great Buddha". Several singers and the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir & Orchestra performed several "Sounds of the Human World", including "Good to Have You", "We are One", and "Be the Light".
Australian Yellow River Chorus recited the "Star & Cloud." photo／The Life News Agency

Australian Yellow River Chorus sang "Praise the Great Buddha." photo／The Life News Agency

Ms. Cherie Ann Burton, former member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, delivered a speech on behalf of the New South Wales Governor. She stated that Venerable Master Hsing Yun has established over 300 temples and 5 universities worldwide, and his determination and achievements are admirable. She also believes that Humanistic Buddhism can bring peace to Australia and the world.
Ms. Cherie Ann Burton, Former member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, delivered a speech on behalf of the New South Wales Governor. photo／The Life News Agency

David Coleman MP pointed out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's promotion of the Three Acts of Goodness — do good deeds, speak good words and think good thoughts, has a great positive and constructive impact.
David Coleman MP pointed out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's promotion of the Three Acts of Goodness has a great positive and constructive impact. photo／The Life News Agency

President of Nan Tien Institute Denise Kirkpatrick expressed her gratitude for Venerable Master Hsing Yun's establishment of Nan Tien Institute, which provides education for numerous students and unites the community.
Denise Kirkpatrick expressed her gratitude for Venerable Master Hsing Yun's establishment of Nan Tien Institute.  photo／The Life News Agency

Daniel Wu, president of BLIA Sydney, stated that the "Love and Peace" concert was a commemoration of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. He also vowed to uphold Venerable Master Hsing Yun's idea of propagating Dharma across five continents, and he will keep working hard to pass on Venerable Master Hsing Yun's compassion and wisdom to everyone and benefit people around the world.