Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
January 25, 2024

The 2024 Reunion Dinner was warmly held on the 20th of January at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland New Zealand. The participating guests included the Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland Ms Kendra CHEN, Clinical Director of Mental Health & Addiction at Counties Manukau Health Dr Ian Soonsay, Howick Councillor Ms Sharon Stewart, the Chairperson of the Howick Local Board, Mr Damian Light & Member Ms Adele White, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN, the Principal of Ormiston Primary School Mr Heath McNeil, Artist Mr Richard Monk and over a hundred BLIA members including the President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island Chapter, Advisor Sally WONG, Legal Advisor Eva HO, Chief Advisor Jennifer LIANG and Dharma Lecturer Lintao.

Guests participated in the 2024 Reunion Dinner. photo／FGS NZ

Abbess Manshin led the blessing ceremony and recited the Prayer for the Community by the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The audience watched a New Year’s greetings video from the Venerable Master and expressed their gratitude for the valuable teaching and advice. Abbess Manshin shared the Master’s teachings of emphasizing the importance of having genuine, kind, beautiful and sincere hearts. Abbess also expressed her gratitude to everyone for their support and dedication, encouraging the BLIA members to serve with compassion and wisdom.

Abbess Manshin led the blessing ceremony and recited the Prayer for the Community by the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／FGS NZ

President KU expressed gratitude for the compassionate guidance of the Temple and the joyful contributions of the volunteers. Ms Kendra CHEN expressed her appreciation for the Temple’s events, highlighting the scale, quality and significance in allowing the community to experience the beauty of art and find spiritual balance. Ms Stewart described the Temple’s garden as one of the most beautiful art pieces in New Zealand, expressing gratitude to the Venerable Master for constructing this Temple in NZ.

Mr D Light quoted the Venerable Master’s wise words – while there is much to be concerned about, we must also maintain a positive outlook for the wonderful year ahead. Principal H McNeil expressed his gratitude on behalf of the school, appreciating the Temple’s optimistic and consistent spirit, which he sees as a treasure for the young generation. Senior Sergeant Anson LIN and Richard Monk expressed their appreciation respectively, complimenting the positive impact that the Temple has delivered to the local community and arts festival.

The uplifting dance performance by the BLIA members and Young Adults Division filled the venue with joy and contentment. photo／FGS NZ

The uplifting dance performance by the BLIA members and Young Adults Division filled the venue with joy and contentment. Abbess distributed auspicious New Year red envelopes and longevity noodles to the attendees, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful new year before the end of the event.

Abbess distributed auspicious New Year red envelopes and longevity noodles to the attendees. photo／FGS NZ