On 12th April 2025, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch hosted the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration and The Little Prince Family Fun Day Festival, with nearly 1,000 participants from the local community. Distinguished guests in attendance included FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, Bishop of Christchurch Anglican Diocese, Dr Hamish Campbell, Member of Parliament for Ilam, Mr XU Haiyuan, Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch, former Detective Supt Virginia Le Bas, Professor Mike Reid from the University of Canterbury and President Evelyn KU of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island Chapter along with other community leaders.
The day began with the Praying for World Peace Ceremony, opened by a performance from the Scottish pipe band. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin led the congregation in prayer and recited the Prayer for World Peace written by the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Representatives of various faiths also offered prayers for peace, including The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell from Christchurch Cathedral and Dr Surinder Tandon from the Hindu faith. The BLIA NZ Young Adult Division supported the event with lively performances of Poi E and I Have Faith.
FGS NZ Abbess Manshin stated that happiness and peace are what everyone strives for, yet it is difficult to avoid the constant changes and disasters, both natural and man-made. Abbess quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Karma is the result of our actions. To reduce suffering and transform karma, Abbess encouraged all to begin by changing our hearts and minds by Doing Good Deeds, Speaking Kind Words, and Thinking Good Thoughts.
President of BLIA South Island NZ, Mr James LOW noted that the disasters and global economic instability over the past year reminded everyone of life’s impermanence. He emphasised that Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings of the Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings and Five Harmonies provide strength and guidance in challenging times. He encouraged everyone to cultivate inner peace and extend it to their families, society and the world.
MP Dr Hamish Campbell shared the importance of compassion and interdependence in facing today’s challenges. He praised the inclusive values of Buddhism, which help people from all walks of life understand one another and build a more harmonious society. He also expressed his gratitude to FGS for organising such a meaningful event.
Deputy Consul-General Mr XU Haiyuan cited Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words, Peace and happiness come from a tranquil heart and encouraged everyone to nurture love and compassion. He also thanked FGS for the long-standing efforts in promoting Chinese culture and spreading peace in the community.
One of the highlights of the day was the Baby Blessing Ceremony, during which nearly 80 children received blessings led by the Abbess. Members from the English Dharma Service also served as Tea Practitioners in a peaceful tea ceremony.
The day featured vibrant multicultural performances, sutra transcription, a vegetarian food fair, free health checks, the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition, a lucky draw and more. Large Apples were distributed as tokens of goodwill, wishing all attendees peace and joy at all times.