To commemorate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day and to share Dharma wisdom, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch, in collaboration with the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island, held the Laba Congee Sharing event on 6th and 7th December 2024. Nearly 1,500 portions of Laba congee were distributed to school teachers, students and the local community, spreading the joy of Buddha’s enlightenment.
On the first day, BLIA South Island President Bernie SIEW led volunteers in cooking, packaging and delivering congee to schools and shops. BLIA volunteers joyfully and enthusiastically served members of the public who came to collect their congee at the temple.
BLIA members Ola Lyckholm and Deirdre Johns came early in the morning for two consecutive days to help cook the congee. Participating for the first time, they were very excited and had marked the date months ago upon learning about the event, eager to join the team and connect with the community. They also expressed their wish to join the delivery team in the future to personally bring hot congee to the local community.
Rowley Primary School teacher Meagan Hyett received 260 portions of Laba congee for the students, using it as a lunch snack. She expressed gratitude to FGS Christchurch for supporting the students’ well-being through such meaningful activities. Local resident Margarate Vamhan, praised the unique taste of salty Laba congee and mentioned that locals are accustomed to sweet congee so this was a new experience for her. She joked about reserving her portion for the next ten years. A famous local cake shop Japanese Bakery, expressed their appreciation for the delivery congee to their doorstep by gifting cookies in return. The Laba congee sharing activity spreads Buddhism to communities, schools and families, allowing the public to practise 3 Acts of Goodness and 4 Givings in their daily lives.
Minister in charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, encouraged everyone to gain wisdom and enlightenment like the Buddha after enjoying the Laba Congee, face life’s challenges with confidence, and live with freedom and joy.