On 15th December 2024, Fo Guang Shan Auckland held an Amitabha Dharma Function, presided over by Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand. During the service, participants mindfully recited the name of Amitabha Buddha, immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere and the blessings of Buddha. Over 100 devotees actively participated, filling the hall with devotion and reverence.
Abbess delivered a profound teaching on the four extraordinary characteristics of the Western Pure Land which are boundless time and space, a carefree lifestyle, a harmonious society and spiritual unity. Quoting the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Abbess explained the concepts of “Buddha’s Light Pure Land, Dharma Nature Pure Land, Meritorious Pure Land and Personal Pure Land,” emphasising that they arise through personal cultivation and aspiration. Drawing from the Venerable Master’s article, The Sublimation of Vows, the Abbess encouraged attendees to align their hearts and minds with Amitabha Buddha, becoming worthy disciples who embody his teachings.
To embody the compassion of the Venerable Master, the Temple prepared 300 steamed buns to share with the attendees. Abbess shared a story about the Grand Master at the HQ in Taiwan. There was one morning when the Venerable Master was at the main dining hall, he instructed to add one more bun to everyone to make sure everyone had enough food. This simple gesture inspired the tradition of offering steamed buns at all Amitabha Dharma Services across Fo Guang Shan worldwide. The Abbess explained, “These buns carry the Venerable Master’s blessings, offering nourishment to both body and mind. May everyone savour the joy of Dharma, along with health, peace and abundance.”
In addition, the Temple celebrated the Buddha’s Enlightenment by meticulously preparing Laba congee, which was served on the weekends of December 7th and 14th. The Temple’s volunteers cooked thousands of bowls of porridge and offered them to visitors. Sharing a warm bowl of Laba congee not only marked this auspicious occasion but also enabled visitors to take home peace and wisdom.
The Amitabha Dharma Service not only inspired wisdom in the attendees but also conveyed Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassion and heartfelt vows through the sharing of steamed buns and Laba congee, allowing everyone to partake in the joy of Dharma.