On 24th August 2025, Fo Guang Shan Auckland held a commemorative ceremony in honour of the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, together with the Sangha Day Celebration. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ led over 300 devotees gathered in the Main Shrine to recite sutras and pay tribute to the great kindness of the Founder. The BLIA North and South Island Chapters delivered an inspiring and heartfelt performance for the Sangha. Additionally, over 1,500 people gathered at the Temple for the Daffodil Rally Vintage Cars Show, where 14 Auckland vintage car clubs showcased 180 classic vehicles in support of the New Zealand Cancer Society. The wide range of activities reflected the spirit of Great Compassion with Oneness.
Abbess Manshin explained that the seventh lunar month, known in Buddhism as the Month of Filial Piety, is a time to honour parents. It’s also known as Buddha’s Joyful Day, when Buddha was pleased with the progress of disciples during the retreat. The Ullambana Sutra recalls Maudgalyāyana dedicating merit to free his parents from suffering. Abbess expressed gratitude to all who made offerings through performance, food and service, emphasising that such acts of filial piety and gratitude enrich the heart and bring blessings of wisdom and peace.
The Abbess encouraged everyone to serve society selflessly, to build a harmonious community, and to support the charity fundraising initiative. Secretary of Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club, Ms Jodi Tomlin and National Co-ordinator of Daffodil Event for the Vintage Car Club of NZ, Ms Kaaren Smylie, personally expressed their gratitude to Fo Guang Shan for its generosity in supporting the cause.
BLIA North Island President Evelyn KU shared that on this joyful day, members expressed their respect for the Sangha through performances and food, gratefully acknowledging the Dharma teachings from the monastics that inspire people to cultivate good values and benefit society. President KU encouraged everyone to cherish every opportunity to make offerings to the Sangha and to vow to safeguard the Triple Gem and the Temple.
BLIA South Island President James Low expressed gratitude, sharing that the Temple is a steadfast refuge in New Zealand where the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha provide support. He noted that activities such as the Chocolatte Festival and the 366 Wisdom Books Delivering to Hotel and Motel Project embody Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. This affirmed the commitment to uplifting the community through acts of compassion and service.
In the afternoon, the Temple conducted the Three Periods of Amitabha Recitation Service to convey appreciation to devotees for their support of Dharma propagation. Abbess reminded the assembly that the Buddha is like light, illuminating life with wisdom through offerings; the Buddha Dharma is like water, nurturing the Pure Land within; and the Sangha is like merit fields, allowing the seeds of blessings to flourish. With faith, vows and practice, one can connect with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, living a life of freedom and wisdom.
The day also featured exhibitions and community activities including the One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the first session of the 2025 Art Salon, Blossoming Seasons Watercolour Exhibition by Huaiwei LAI, the vintage car charity display and a local community market. These events attracted large crowds, offering both cultural inspiration and warmth to the wider community.