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

On September 24th, which is South Africa's Heritage Day, Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple hosted the "2023 Festival of Light and Peace." Nearly 300 local residents gathered at the Main Shrine of Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple to celebrate the Heritage Day in their own ways and seek inner light and peace.

Heritage Day is a public holiday in South Africa that celebrates the roots and history of diverse cultures. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.

South Africa is a "Rainbow Nation" made up of various ethnic groups, each with its own culture and traditions. On Heritage Day, people come together to celebrate the contributions of everyone in building the nation.

At the "2023 Festival of Light and Peace" event at Nan Hua Temple, volunteer Trudi Mare led everyone in a Chan meditation to relax the body, followed by practicing the Taichi 18 Forms. Through Taichi exercises, the gentle and flowing movements guided inner tranquility.

Volunteer Trudi Mare led everyone to practice the Taichi 18 Forms. photo／The Life News Agency

Following this, participants held candles and recited the "Six-Character Great Bright Mantra" of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, followed by contemplation. Guided by the emcee, participants offered their candles before the Buddha, praying to see the right direction and gain the wisdom of right mindfulness in the midst of life's unrest and chaos.

Participants offered their candles before the Buddha. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Hui Fang, the Abbott of Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple, guided the congregation in meditation. Initially, he employed a breath-focused technique to help everyone relax their bodies and minds, dispelling chaotic and cluttered thoughts. Gradually, the participants entered a deep state of relaxation. Then, he led them to cultivate mindfulness by focusing on their own awareness. This involved penetrating all thoughts formed by inner mental processes, observing everything clearly, and immersing themselves in stillness within that awareness, thereby experiencing mental tranquility.

Venerable Hui Fang guided the congregation in meditation. photo／The Life News Agency

Next, the participants sincerely recited "A Prayer for World Peace" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, praying for their inner peace to extend throughout the world, much like the "butterfly effect."

Venerable Hui Fang also mentioned: "The root cause of many afflictions for ordinary beings is the concept of 'self.' Everything revolves around oneself, prioritizing self-interest, which leads to comparisons and attachments. People evaluate relationships based on self-interest, distinguishing between likes and dislikes, thereby causing afflictions and suffering in life." He hopes that people can use meditation and mindfulness to discover their inherent purity and realize "I am a Buddha."

After the meditation session, participants gathered at the Pilgrim’s Lodge to enjoy delicious vegetarian food and watch a performance by the South African BLIA YAD to raise funds for next year's activities. The group's captivating dance and singing received enthusiastic applause.

Participants gathered at the Pilgrim’s Lodge to enjoy delicious vegetarian food. photo／The Life News Agency

Kim, Ashley, and Tristan, a family of attendees, expressed that the event brought them a sense of peace and tranquility. Gaelan mentioned that the event provided him with an opportunity for self-discovery and awakening, and he greatly appreciated the guidance from the venerables. Tsebang shared that his favorite part of the event was the Lamp Offering Ceremony, stating, "Lighting a candle is like bringing light to the darkness in someone's life."