Francis Wong
August 30, 2023

On 20 August, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Sydney organised the “2023 Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Birthday Commemoration and Sangha Offerings” at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, attracting nearly 600 people, including devotees and members from various local Fo Guang Shan Sydney temple branches, as well as community residents and visitors, gathered at the temple to participate in this auspicious event.

Venerables accepted the offerings form BLIA Scouts. photo／The Life News Agency

"Throughout his life, Venerable Master Hsing Yun had no self, only the community and the public." Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, highlighted that Venerable Master Hsing Yun advocated the “Sangha Day” for offering to the Sangha, which not only elevates the status of Buddhism and monastics internationally but also deepens the reverence, respect, and gratitude of the general public through supporting the monastic community.

Venerable Man Ko shared Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s insights on birthday wishes. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Man Ko shared Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s insights on birthday wishes, which included supporting Fo Guang Shan and the monastic community, propagating Dharma to bring honour to Buddhism, working collectively, and enhancing the educational and propagational functions of the temple. Venerable Man Ko encouraged the attendees to embrace Venerable Master Hsing Yun's aspiration of "Seeking nothing in my lifetime but to bring peace and happiness to everyone worldwide." In addition, Venerable Man Ko encouraged the attendees to follow the Eightfold Path as the direction of life to cultivate blessings and wisdom. Finally, Venerable Man Ko expressed gratitude on behalf of the temple to BLIA Sydney for the offerings of performances and food to the venerables.

Youngsters of Nan Tien Youth Buddhist Academy offered to the Sangha. photo／The Life News Agency

Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney, pointed out the profound significance of this year's Sangha Offering, is to express gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for establishing Fo Guang Shan and Buddha’s Light International Association, providing the opportunity for the public to learn and practice Buddhism. He also encouraged individuals to practice the Six Paramitas in daily life, inheriting Venerable Master Hsing Yun's compassion and wisdom, and to localise Buddhism in Australia.

A video on Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "Mind of Offering" was played, inspiring attendees to understand that true offering is rooted in reverence and respect. Venerable Master Hsing Yun also suggested that practical offerings can start from volunteering and performing good deeds in daily life, and to support the monastics.

A video on Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of "Mind of Offering" was played, inspiring attendees to understand that true offering is rooted in reverence and respect. photo／The Life News Agency

Directors of BLIA Sydney sincerely welcoming Venerable Man Ko and other venerables to receive the offerings. This year, two additional venerables from neighbour temples were invited to join the offering.

BLIA Scouts performed "Where There's Dharma, There's a Way." photo／The Life News Agency

BLIA Sydney Southern sub-chapters performed "Light of Hope." photo／The Life News Agency

Performances from sub-chapters, Young Adult Division (YAD) and BLIA Scouts formed part of the offerings, including "Buddhism Relies on Me" by BLIA Sydney North-1, "Where There's Dharma, There's a Way" by BLIA Scouts, "Good to Have You" in sign language by YAD, "Light of Hope" by BLIA Sydney Southern sub-chapters, and "Eternal Heart" by BLIA Sydney Western sub-chapters.

Members of BLIA Sydney Western sub-chapters performed the "Eternal Heart."／The Life News Agency

BLIA-YAD members performed "Good to Have You" in sign language. photo／The Life News Agency

Sangha Offerings also Incorporated the traditional Alms Rounds, attendees joyfully participated in the Alms Rounds in expressing sincere gratitude to venerables.

Magdalena, a visitor from Chile, was drawn by the serene and peaceful atmosphere of Nan Tien Temple during her third week staying in Australia. She appreciated the venerables’ solemn demeanour and the friendly service of volunteers. She also savoured a free vegetarian meal on the Sangha Day, leaving her with wonderful and unforgettable memories of her Australian journey.

Sarah from BLIA Sydney West-1 sub-chapter, dedicated herself to the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "Four Givings," aspiring for the prosperity of Buddhism and her own continuous growth on the path. BLIA Scouts leaders, Jenny Huang and Wanyun Zhao, were delighted that the Scouts performed a wonderful song and dance. Both leaders aim to support Buddhism and propagate the Dharma locally.

Daniel from BLIA Sydney North-1 sub-chapter participated in Sangha Offering and strengthened the connections with members by working harmoniously and patiently with volunteers. Diana, President of BLIA North-1 sub-chapter, led the performance in singing "Buddhism Relies on Me”, hoping for the continued flourishing of Buddhism.

Yongchun Wu from BLIA Sydney South-1 sub-chapter expressed gratitude for the auspicious opportunity to welcome the venerables. He admired the dedication and commitment of the BLIA members and volunteers, who conscientiously carried out various tasks related to the Sangha Offering, deeply experiencing the power of the Master's advocacy of "Collective Creation."

After the completion of Dharma Service, Fo Guang members respectfully escorted venerables as they departed. photo／The Life News Agency