On 10 May 2026, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland held a Mother’s Day Tea Chan Gathering. Nearly 60 people attended, including Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, President Yulin KU of BLIA North Island, Chief Advisor Lintao YU, BLIA members and BLIA YAD.
First, BLIA members gathered in front of the Chinese School to write wish cards together. Some expressed gratitude to their mothers, while others offered blessings to their children. Several elderly Bodhisattvas joyfully asked others to write on their behalf, with their words revealing deep love and concern for their children. The group then proceeded to the commemorative exhibition, Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy. Guided by Vicky HAN, Administrative Manager of FGY Art Gallery Auckland, everyone reflected with gratitude on the compassionate vows and actions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order , in propagating Humanistic Buddhism for 60 years. They were also deeply moved by the compassion and wisdom of the Master’s mother, who supported her child’s future and created the causes and conditions for him to become a monastic. Together, the participants sang The Song of Fo Guang Shan at the exhibition.
The event included a Mindfulness Tea Meditation experience, where participants enjoyed traditional music, tea served by Tea Chan practitioners, and delicate refreshments in a peaceful Chan atmosphere. They also watched a Mother’s Day video, whose message of love and trust deeply moved everyone.
Venerable Rulian explained that there are two kinds of mothers: the mother who gives birth to our physical body and the mother of prajna wisdom. She shared that the best way to repay parents’ kindness is not only to care for their daily needs, but also to help them draw close to the Triple Gem and grow in wisdom. She thanked BLIA members for their dedication to supporting the Temple. Everyone should awaken their own prajna wisdom, cherish family relationships, and express care to their parents and loved ones.
Venerable Rulian thanked all BLIA members for their diligent efforts in supporting the Temple and serving the community wholeheartedly. She pointed out that Venerable Master dedicated his entire life to Buddhism, and encouraged everyone to diligently learn and awaken the prajna wisdom within their own nature. Finally, Venerable Rulian compassionately shared wisdom on family relationships and encouraged everyone to cherish the causes and conditions of the present moment and take the initiative to express care and greetings to their parents and family members.
President KU thanked Abbess Manshin and the Temple for guiding everyone with compassion and wisdom like parents and teachers. First Subchapter Advisor Jennifer LIANG said the gathering brought warmth, joy and gratitude, creating a meaningful Mother’s Day experience.
Fourth Subchapter Advisor Veronica LEE shared that the Tea Chan session brought peace and warmth. At the same time, Third Subchapter committee member Rebecca POON said serving tea helped her experience the inner abundance of giving and strengthened her confidence in serving the Temple.
BLIA YAD committee members Edwin and Alan expressed gratitude to Abbess and the Temple for caring and guiding the youth, helping them grow in wisdom and become better versions of themselves. YAD 1 President Regina LI and Shuxuan HUANG shared reflections on their performance of Listen to Mother’s Words, inspiring thoughts on parent-child love and conflict. Second Subchapter committee member Sara DING said the performance reminded her that parents’ discipline comes from love, while children also long to be trusted. True family growth comes through understanding, tolerance and companionship.
