Yitong Ding, The Life News Agency
August 14, 2023

Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple conducted the ‘Baby Blessing and Baby Shower Ceremony’ at the Main Shrine on 6 August when many young parents together with their relatives and friends have brought their children to Nan Tien Temple. Many families in the community immediately signed up for attendance upon hearing the news that the Temple was about to organize a baby blessing ceremony. The baby blessing ceremony with 43 very young participants was officiated by the Supervisor of the temple, Venerable Jue Ning, and was witnessed by nearly 200 parents, relatives and friends.

The ceremony was witnessed by nearly 200 parents, relatives and friends. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Jue Ning, led the audience in reciting the Heart Sutra, and guided the audience to read the ‘Prayer for the BLIA Babies’ written by Venerable Master Hsing-Yun, praying for the Buddha's blessings for the children to grow up free of misfortune, to grow up with healthy mind and body, to be intelligent and wise, and to be blessed with good fortune, so that the children would understand gratitude, humility, self-reflection, to give and to obtain righteous knowledge, while educating them with the tradition of filial piety, respecting for teachers, and supporting the Three Jewels - Buddha, dharma, and sangha.

Venerable Jue Ning prayed for the Buddha's blessings for the children. photo／The Life News Agency

‘We hope our children to become good person, to be amongst the most outstanding ones in society.’ Venerable Jue Ning pointed out that in the process of growing up, parents are the ones that children learn from and emulate. Therefore, parents need to put in a lot of efforts and commitments to provide their children with guidance on how to love, make decisions, share with others, understand others, and take responsibilities, so that the children can grow up to be upright and filial. On behalf of the Nan Tien Temple, Venerable Jue Ning sent the best wishes to children, hoping them to always be happy, healthy, and beautiful.

The cleansing ceremony was then conducted for the 43 children. photo／The Life News Agency

The cleansing ceremony was then conducted for the 43 children before they each received their attendance certificates and gifts. Parents were touched that their children were able to participate in the Prayer and grow up with the blessings of the Buddha and the religious beliefs of righteousness.

Children before they each received their attendance certificates and gifts. photo／The Life News Agency

Bhavik and Kavita, parents from the UK with Indian cultural background, were excited to bring their 3-week-old child Vihaan to participate in the Baby Blessing, to receive Buddha's blessings and to embark on the right path of life with wisdom.

Lara Beard who lived near Nan Tien Temple, felt close to Buddhism because of her father's collection of Buddha statues. Lara and her husband, Bradley Thomas, joined the event with their 4-month-old child Adrian, hoping that the child to grow up in a harmonious and inclusive environment.

Lara Beard who lived near Nan Tien Temple, joined the event with their 4-month-old child Adrian. photo／The Life News Agency

Daniel and Angela, a couple living in Wollongong , especially enjoyed the peaceful and quiet atmosphere around Nan Tien Temple. They brought their 7.5-month-old child Alfie to participate in the ceremony for the second time. They prayed that Alfie, under the blessings of the Buddha, would grow up to be a gentle and kind-hearted person who understands how to love and show care for others.

Jocelyn and Jeanfrancois were delighted to bring their baby who just turned one year old to join the event with the wishes that the baby will lead a healthy and happy life with the blessings of the Buddha and  the inclusiveness embed within the cross-cultural communication.

An Indian family attended the ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency