Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
June 1, 2023

On May 27th, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple Chatswood and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Sydney North 1 Subchapter collaborated to organize the "Harmonious Festival 2023" at The Concourse Chatswood in the northern region of Sydney. The event's theme was "Oneness and Coexistence," aiming to foster community unity, promote family harmony, and facilitate multicultural interaction and exchange within the community.

Nearly 300 individuals participated in the event, including Venerable Manke, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand; Mr. Deepak Khadha, Honorary Consul of Nepal; Mr. Vedi Kurnia Buana, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia; Clr. Jam Xia, representing Mayor Clr. Tanya Taylor of Willoughby City Council; Father David Ranson from the Catholic Diocese of Chatswood; Michael Xie from Sydney Multicultural Services; Venerable Jueguan of Nan Tien Temple Chatswood; Mr. Lee Hong Fan, Director of the Board of BLIA World Headquarters; Mr. Wong King Fung, Supervisor General of BLIA Sydney; Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney; as well as community residents and Fo Guang members.

The organizers invited Brother Robert Weatherall from the City's Indigenous Land Council to attend and perform a traditional indigenous smoking ceremony to purify and bless the venue.

Brother Robert Weatherall played the indigenous  musical instrument. photo／Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple Chatswood

President Daniel Wu explained that the purpose of organizing the Harmonious Festival was to celebrate Buddha's birthday and commemorate the implementation of the "Humanistic Buddhism" advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. He expressed that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's promotion of the "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings" has had a global impact and has contributed to world peace.

Daniel Wu explained that the purpose of organizing the Harmonious Festival was to celebrate Buddha's birthday and commemorate Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple Chatswood

Clr. Jam Xia said he was honored to attend the Harmonious Festival and was delighted to see the proactive efforts of Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple and North One Subchapter in uniting the community and promoting community solidarity. He encouraged everyone to practice the "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings" in their daily lives.

Mr. Deepak Khadha stated that the power of religion is incredible and he recognized that the "Three Acts of Goodness" serve as the greatest driving force for promoting harmony, peace, and mutual assistance and care.

Father David Ranson expressed his deepest respect for Buddhism and expressed his desire to engage in dialogue with Buddhism, seeking common ground while appreciating differences. He hoped to work together in promoting community harmony and offered a "Blessing for Our Souls" as a prayer for the community. Venerable Manke read Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "A Prayer for World Peace" and prayed for peace and happiness in the world.

The organizers asked guests from various countries to wear traditional Japanese kimono, Malaysian attire, Vietnamese clothing, Nepalese attire, Australian outfits, Indonesian costumes, Chinese traditional Hanfu, and BLIA uniforms, symbolizing the harmony and integration of diverse cultures.

Attendees wore traditional clothes. photo／Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple Chatswood

The organizers also encouraged the community to treat the carnival as a "Family Day," and Willoughby City Councillor Mr. Tim James attended with his son to show their support for community harmony.

Willoughby City Councillor Tim James prayed for community harmony. photo／Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple Chatswood