In response to World Earth Day, BLIA North Island Chapter held the Environmental and Spiritual Preservation T-Earth activity on 26 April 2026. More than 50 BLIA members, volunteers and YAD members gathered at the Temple for community service and a seminar. They put environmental and spiritual preservation into practice by caring for the Earth, the Temple, and the mind.
Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ led the participants in chanting the Heart Sutra, praying for the global environment and the well-being of society. Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian guided participants to divide into groups and carry out cleaning work around the Temple. Tasks included cleaning the outdoor window frames of the shrines, sweeping leaves from the car park and garden, tidying the vines around the roundabout and cleaning the kitchen. The Team worked together in the spirit of collective effort, completing the tasks quickly and efficiently. A delicious vegetarian lunch was prepared on time, nourishing everyone and providing the energy they needed.
During the seminar, Abbess Manshin shared that environmental protection is not only about caring for the outer ecology but also about inner spiritual preservation. This means purifying oneself through one’s thoughts, views, speech and intentions. The greatest form of environmental protection begins with the mind. When the mind is pure, the world naturally becomes pure. Abbess encouraged everyone to make good use of wisdom, compassion, patience, diligence, humility and repentance, cherishing every cause and condition. Through continuous practice, one can cultivate a pure, gentle and resilient mind, bringing Chan spirit and wisdom into daily life. The four special qualities of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, namely carefree living, boundless time and space, social harmony, and unity with all things, bless everyone to create their own inner Pure Land.
President Yulin KU of BLIA North Island said the day’s programme was meaningful and fulfilling, offering an opportunity for reflection and helping participants become aware of their blind spots and imperfect habits. It felt like a deep cleansing and uplifting of both body and mind. The teaching, When the mind is pure, the land is pure, reminded her to protect every thought and practise the Dharma through action. Chief Advisor Lintao YU of BLIA North Island shared that Abbess’s long-standing care and guidance reflect deep compassion and the hope for everyone to grow in wisdom and joy. He expressed gratitude to the Abbess for generously sharing her life experience, spiritual cultivation and profound insights, noting that her sincere efforts were deeply moving.
Sub-Chapter 4 President Eric CHANG, together with Advisors Annie CHANG and Veronica LEE, shared that spending the day with sunlight, plants, and soil felt like a meditation retreat, purifying and relaxing both body and mind. They said environmental protection is not just a slogan, and hoped to practise environmental and spiritual preservation through mindfulness in daily life. BLIA members Sara DING and Xiaobo ZHAO shared that the day’s cleaning experience helped them appreciate the monastic community’s long-term dedication to maintaining such a tranquil and peaceful Temple. They vowed to take on more responsibility in supporting and protecting this spiritual home for everyone.
