Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 17, 2023

The "Hands in Harmony" event opened on May 12th at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple. This event was sponsored by the Hsing Yun Education Foundation.

The honoured guest in attendance included Venerable Manke, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand; Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM of Wollongong; The Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer Minister for Financial Services of Australian Federal Government; Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces in the New South Wales Government; Dr. Jodi Edward, Custodian of Dharawal Aboriginal Land; as well as approximately one hundred student representatives from Berkeley West, Figtree, and Unanderra public schools. Together, they witnessed the compassionate power of "Hands in Harmony" in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Venerable Manke gave a speech at the "Hands in Harmony" event. photo／The Life News Agency

One of the highlights of this event was the "Sea of Hand sand Lotus" installation art. Drawing inspiration from the Australian Aboriginal "Sea of Hands" concept, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple incorporated the lotus element, combining unity, justice, and reconciliation in Aboriginal culture and self-benefit and benefiting others, eliminating opposition, and harmonious coexistence of Buddhist principles. Lotus stickers were placed on hand-shaped signs surrounding the Buddha statue, resembling the radiance of the Buddha's halo and representing the illuminating power of coexistence and cultural integration.

"Sea of Hand sand Lotus" installation art is one of the highlights of "Hands in Harmony" event. photo／The Life News Agency

During her speech, Jodi Edward expressed the profound significance of this event. She said that in the ancient culture of Aboriginal people, humans and nature are interconnected, and humans get along well with all things. She insisted that the cherished traditions will continue to be upheld, "Please remember that beautiful rainbow that encompasses all of us. Let us extend warm hands to the world and radiate the shining light from deep within our hearts."

Venerable Zhi Li(right) took a photo with Jodi Edward, Custodian of Dharawal Aboriginal Land. photo／The Life News Agency

During the class, Venerable Zhi Li of Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple used the example of Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva delivering sentient beings to explain the symbolism of "hands" representing offering and giving. 

Venerable Zhi Li wanted the students to realize that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva not only exists within the temple but also manifests in parents, teachers, doctors, and even oneself, who offer help in daily life. Just as Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, often raised his hand and asked, "What else can I do for you?" Venerable Master Hsing Yun constantly sought to facilitate and assist others, embodying the true essence of Humanistic Buddhism, which aims to return to the original intention of Buddha.

Venerable Zhi Li also said that the Buddhist practice of environmental protection, which also attracts students' attention. Both the kasaya and alms-begging were early Buddhist practices for environmental conservation. Venerable Zhi Li encouraged everyone to approach the environment with a compassionate mindset, carrying forward the principles of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.