On 21st of February, the Aoraki Dragon Boat Association of Christchurch New Zealand held a series of dragon boat competitions at Avon River. 3 months ago, President of the Association Ms. Meri Gibson wrote a letter inviting Venerable Abbess Manshin to inaugurate the Dragon Boat Competition by conducting an eye dotting blessing ceremony for the six newly bought dragon boats from China.
Abbess Manshin led more than ten BLIA South Island committee members and members of BLIA Young Adults Division to attend the ceremony at Avon River. There, they chanted the “Heart Sutra” and read the “Prayer for the Dragon Boat Festival”. Over one hundred people and competition participants witnessed the moving Dragon eye-dotting ceremony.
On behalf of all the participants, Ms. Meri Gibson expressed her gratitude for Abbess Manshin’s willingness to inaugurate the dragon boats as well as for introducing the majestic Buddhist Culture to the Christchurch community.
The extension of the Chinese culture in far away Christchurch boosts the significance and value of the Dragon Boat Festival.
