Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 4, 2023

On 26th August, Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple held Offering to the Sangha Dharma Service at the Tathagata Shrine. 

Nearly 600 attendees participated in the event, including Venerable Man Ko, the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, Venerable Man Wang, Abbess of Chung Tian Temple, Luo Shu-Feng, President of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Queensland, Zhang Rong-Ji, Elder Advisors General, Yang Shi Bang, Director of BLIA World Headquarters, benefactors Lu Shu-Yuan and Hong Jin-Zhong, and Fo Guang members.

At the beginning of the Dharma Service, Venerable Ru Yi and Venerable Zhi Li led the congregation in chanting the Buddha's name in the Tathagata Shrine, followed by a meal offering to the monks. Luo Shu-Feng led the Advisors and Directors to welcome 13 venerables to the meal offering. Representatives from various units presented alms boxes, fruits, soup, tea, and towels as offerings to venerables. Superintendent Venerable Miao Yong led the benefactors in the Rite of Appreciation ceremony, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Representatives from various units presented alms boxes, fruits, soup, tea, and towels as offerings to venerables. photo／The Life News Agency

After attendees watched the film of late Venerable Master Hsing Yun's commentary on "The mind to offer," Luo Shu-Feng expressed gratitude to the attendees for their participation, especially the venerables for their mercifully accepting the offering, allowing attendees to cultivate the Fields of Merit. Life is impermanent, only the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha can we depend on. 

She also appreciated that the venerables led all Fo Guang members to practice Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings with wisdom and mercy, allowing Fo Guang members to understand how to cherish blessings, to be grateful, to give, and to be kind to others.

Chung Tian Chinese School recited "Stars & Clouds," Buddha’s Light Scouts performed the "Save The Planet," BLIA Queensland officers sang the "Eternal Star," and members of the Loving Caring Group of BLIA Queensland sang the "The Song Of Sangha" to express gratitude to the venerables for leading devotees to gain wisdoms and blessings and propagating the Dharma. All units performed wholeheartedly, expressing their respect to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for propagating the Dharma in Australia.

All units performed wholeheartedly, expressing their respect to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for propagating the Dharma in Australia. photo／The Life News Agency