On 10th February 2018, FGS South Island organised a Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner with 200 people consisting of devotees, friends of FGS and members of BLIA South Island, gathered at FGS Temple South Island to enjoy a specially prepared vegetarian meal. Among those in attendance were Member of Parliament Hon Ruth Dyson, Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board deputy chairwoman Helen Broughton, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Wang Zhijian, former NZ Police Virginia Le Bas and spouse, Vice President of International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Meri Gibson, Christchurch International Artists Mr.and Mrs. Keith Morant, Sculptor Paul Deans and spouse, Christchurch Artist Coral Harnett, and BLIA South Island President Bernie.
The celebration first started with a lively lion dance performance to signify the start of a blessed new year ahead. The VIPs were then led into the venue by the dancing lions. Venerable Abbess Manshin then led the guests in the chanting of of a prayer and the recital of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Prayers for World Peace”. In her speech, Venerable Abbess elaborated on Master Hsing Yun’s New Year calligraphy words of ‘A Family Legacy of Loyalty and Honour’. She reminded everyone that the most treasured qualities in this world are ‘Loyalty and Honour’. One should always maintain these qualities regardless of whether one is dealing with one’s superiors or with one’s subordinates. One should also be loyal and true to one’s feeling, responsibility, friendship and leadership.
President Bernie then took to the floor and wished everyone Happy Chinese New Year. He stressed that BLIA South Island shall hold true to the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism expounded by Master Hsing Yun and shall, in 2018, focus on localization of its activities. For that, it shall actively work with New Zealand communities, and focus on local talents. BLIA South Island plans to set up an Emergency Rescue Team to assist local communities dealing with natural disasters. Bernie hoped that the locals will support and participate in the Emergency Rescue Team. Consul General Wang Zhijian of the People’s Republic of China then in his speech recounted that while serving as Deputy Mayor of Yangzhou in his previous posting, he had many memorable encounters with Fo Guang Shan. According to Consul General Wang, Venerable Master Hsing Yun has many special links with Yangzhou. Besides being born in Yangzhou, Master Hsing Yun has also founded the Yangzhou Jianzhen Library to commemorate Venerable Master Jian Zhen. The library has served as venue for many Dharma and Cultural talks. Consul General Wang confided that he is fortunate to be able to come into close contact with FGS and Master Hsing Yun. This has enabled him to better understand how the global development of Humanistic Buddhism by FGS has purified people’s hearts and brought about positivity to the society.
During the course of the dinner, local artiste troupes from Christchurch provided captivating performances to entertain the guests with music and dances. The colourful dresses and the big red lanterns brought about a festive atmosphere which was reflected in the joy and warmth shown by the guests. Members of YAD South Island also added to the fun by performing the Maori Poi dance, singing “We are one” with sign language and performing line dances. The highlight of the day was when the members of BLIA invited the guests to go on stage to join them in singing the song “Fo Guang Shan is my Home”. Finally, the FGS South Island Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner ended with Venerable Abbess Manshin distributing auspicious red packets and Master Hsing Yun’s New Year calligraphy words of wisdom, “A Family Legacy of Loyalty and Honour” to the guests, wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed New Year ahead!
