On the 30th November, Buddha Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ Deputy President James Low and BLIA YAD member Pei Yi held a Buddhist Wedding ceremony, officiated by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin. Also attending the ceremony was FGS South Island NZ Temple Minister in Charge Venerable Jue Xi, FGS North Island NZ Venerable Rulian and Venerable Miao Yu, BLIA South Island NZ President Bernie, family and friends of the newlyweds, making up about a hundred people in total.
After reciting A Prayer for a Buddhist wedding ceremony, Abbess advised the newlyweds using Master Hsing Yun’s “Guide for husband and wife to get along”. At the same time, she reminded them to be grateful towards their parents, relatives, and friends, and to acknowledge the wonderful Affinities given by the Buddhist temple. While cherishing these merits, be kind and compassionate so as to get closer to the triple gem. Establish a Buddhist family and become a model example of a loving couple.
Abbess mentioned that the newlyweds are hardworking volunteers. They have served the FGS South Island temple for over ten years and received lots of training and guidance from the Venerables all this time. Pei Yi become an active volunteer at the South Island temple three years ago. Now that the two are united together as a Buddhist family, we still hope that they continue to contribute back to the temple and Buddhism in the coming years.
Venerable Jue Xi remarked on how James has devoted his heart to the temple this past ten years, making it his home, and treating everyone at the temple like family. She looks forward to seeing the newlyweds establishing a “Three Good” family, achieving a three generations BLIA family and allowing faith to become the basis of life. Venerable Rulian notes that James is a very responsible volunteer, and Pei Yi is a very enthusiastic volunteer too. She is delighted that the two BLIA YAD members can form a Buddhist family, and hopes to see more three-generation BLIA families in the near future, so that Buddhism can flourish in New Zealand. Venerable Miao Yu said that James is as loyal as Dharma protector, tirelessly watching over the temple all these years, and deeply and emotionally connected to it. Having now begun a family himself, he will no doubt continue to look after the temple and practice the Buddhist path onward.
The newlyweds were very touched by the overwhelmingly positive response from all the BLIA members and friends who attended their wedding, and would like to thank the temple especially for being a part of this very special moment in their lives. James expressed his appreciation toward the temple for the many years of love, guidance and support. It has really been a great pleasure working with the FGS and BLIA team. The best way to repay the temple is to put Buddhism into practice in daily lives, from family to society and let Humanistic Buddhism shine out into the world.
After the ceremony, the guests were invited to have some afternoon tea. The newlyweds ended the day brimming with blessings from everyone. They wish the two smooth sailing together along the Bodhi path, and become a model example Buddhist family!