On the evening of 26 September 2024, Fo Guang Shan New Zealand hosted the Triple Gem Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by The Most Venerable Hsin Bau, the Head Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order. Chief Abbess Manko of FGS Oceania, Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ and other Venerables also present to support the ceremony. There were 163 attendees from various backgrounds and cultures across New Zealand including the British ceramic artist Richard Monk, who gathered in the Main Shrine to vow to uphold the precepts and become devoted disciples of the Triple Gem. The youngest participant was just 1 year and 10 months old, while the eldest was 80 years old.
The Most Venerable Hsin Bau explained the Five Precepts to the new disciples, illustrating that having the Dharma to rely upon is akin to children receiving the care of their parents or plants flourishing under the nurture of sunlight and rain. He encouraged all those who have taken refuge to engage in Temple activities independently and proactively, thereby empowering themselves.
“Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, taught us that everyone possesses the potential to become a Buddha and that each person is inherently a Buddha. Taking refuge is about cultivating confidence in oneself and in the teachings of Buddhism,” The Most Venerable shared, congratulating all participants on becoming faithful Buddhists. He blessed the disciples, encouraging them to progress resolutely along the Bodhi path,strengthen their faith in the Dharma and continually nurture a heart to serve and practise the Bodhisattva path, aiming for ultimate enlightenment.
Chief Abbess Manko reminded the new disciples that the Triple Gems provide the perfect foundation for Buddhist practice. “Take good care of your mind, join in communal practices frequently and seek guidance from wise mentors so that your resolve on the path remains steadfast,” she advised.
Richard Monk, a New Zealand-based ceramic artist, expressed deep honour and gratitude at taking the Triple Gem Refuges and Five Precepts Ceremony under the guidance of the Head Abbot Hsin Bau. He felt fortunate and privileged, sharing his intent to continue spreading messages of goodness throughout his life journey, strengthened by the Abbot’s blessing.
Another disciple, Jiankui Yang, was deeply moved by the calmness of the ceremony and felt grateful for the presence of esteemed venerables who presided over and witnessed the occasion. The gifts from the Temple were received with heartfelt appreciation, conveying warmth and blessings.
Disciple Jinyan WANG felt filled with joy upon hearing the Most Venerable Hsin Bau’s teachings. She expressed a desire to apply the principles she had learned to her daily life and work, remaining mindful of her thoughts and actions in each moment.