Sarah Shee
December 14, 2023

In conjunction with International Volunteer Day which falls on 5th December 2023, Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta held a blessing service cum sharing session for all the volunteers at the temple.

“Walking with You” Volunteers Forum. Speakers include (from the left) Monica Hui from BLIA Sydney West 1 Subchapter, Chiok Yin Hor from East 1 Subchapter and Warren Zhou from West 2 Subchapters. Bowen Yang (right) is the Event MC and Facilitator. photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

Dedicated volunteers from BLIA Sydney West 1, West 2 and East 1 subchapters convened to share and to express gratitude for their collective contributions. There was a blessing service, a speakers’ panel, choir performance and heartwarming activities such as presenting gifts to children at the hospital.

BLIA Western Sydney Choir performing Sounds of the Human World. photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

The volunteers forum “Walking with You” featured three speakers, each representing a subchapter, who generously shared their inspiring volunteer experiences. Monica Hui, Advisor from BLIA West 1 Subchapter recounted her journey into volunteering, attributing her commitment to a profound sense of mission.

BLIA YAD members attending the Volunteers Day Blessing Service and Sharing Session. photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

Chiok Yin Hor, a long term Committee Member of East 1 subchapter, revealed that it was the happiness she witnessed among its members that motivated her to join the vibrant community of volunteers in the temple. She drew strength from the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, "Where there Is Dharma, There Is a Way." 

Warren Zhou, BLIA West 2 member, encouraged others to embark on the volunteering journey, asserting that it is a path to spiritual growth and the acquisition of new skills.

BLIA members share the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

Adding a melodic touch to the celebration, the BLIA Sydney West Choir,  performed three songs from Sound of the Human World, spreading joy to all in attendance.

At the blessing service, Abbess Chueh Shan of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta led the assembly to recite the Medicine Buddha Mantra. The audience made light offerings to the Buddha while reciting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Volunteers.

Reciting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “A Prayer for Volunteers.” photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

As a gesture of paying forward the goodwill and kindness of volunteers, a “Loving Gift Donation Drive” was organised. The collected gifts will be sent to Westmead Children's Hospital, spreading festive joy to the children so they too may experience a cheerful holiday season.

In essence, the event encapsulated the belief that joy, emanating from acts of kindness and selfless service, has the power to fill the world with positivity and warmth.

BLIA members make light offering at the Volunteers Day Blessing Service. photo／FGS Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta