On 29th January 2025, the first day of the Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland held a series of festive celebrations to welcome the Year of Snake. The day’s events featured a lion dance by the BLIA Youth Group, the distribution of auspicious red packets, a vegetarian food stall, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition and more. Over 10,000 visitors came to the Temple for blessing, filling the Temple with an atmosphere of joy and harmony for the last 2days.
In the morning, Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ presided over the New Year’s Light Offering Blessing Ceremony at the Main Shrine. Nearly 300 devotees participated in chanting, light offerings and the recitation of the Prayer of the New Year by the Venerable Master, dedicating their blessings to the well-being of their families and world peace.
The Abbess elaborated on the significance of the Founding Master’s New Year’s message for the Year of the Snake: Keep Going, the Future is Bright. Abbess shared that snakes in nature always move forward, symbolising the courage to face challenges and persevere through adversity. Abbess explained In serving others, we must cultivate humility and softness while enriching ourselves with wisdom. With compassion and insight, we can illuminate our lives and bring light to others. The Abbess encouraged everyone to progress diligently and cultivate wisdom to construct a bright future.
As part of tradition, the Abbess distributed auspicious red packets to attendees, extending the blessings for the New Year. Throughout the celebrations, 10,000 red packets were distributed. This annual New Year’s blessing has become an essential and cherished tradition for the local New Zealand community, marking the Lunar New Year with meaning and joy.