On 2 October 2021, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ held its 2021 Annual General Meeting. The event was attended by Venerable Jue Xi, Advisor John Lai, President Bernie, Vice President James Low, First sub Chapter President Louisa Kuo, Second sub Chapter President Cao Qian, Third Chapter President Sally Lim and members, making up about 50 people attending at the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ temple.
In his opening remarks, President Bernie said, “The world is still affected by COVID-19 and many BLIA groups around the world have been unable to hold activities at their temple. Fortunately, the pandemic situation has stabilised in Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand”. He was happy that the BLIA South Island members are able to come together for such a meaningful event, although they all still had to wear masks. He then led the BLIA South Island members to review the activities organised by the BLIA and FGS South Island over the past year, including the “3G4G Humanistic Buddhism Cultural Sharing Festival”, the donation of hand sanitizers, the Vege A Plan, the 2020 Blessing Chocolatte and the “Sharing Laba Congee event”, all of which have served and benefited the wider community, so much that FGS South Island was awarded the “2020 Christchurch Civic Award” by the Christchurch City Council, which is a well-deserved achievement.
First sub chapter President Louisa Kuo reported that the Caring Service Team has been participating in the Red Cross Meals on Wheels lunch delivery service for 25 years, and thanked the volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Some of them are in their 70s or 80s, but they are still dedicated to the community and have a commendable spirit.
Cao Qian reported on the activities of the Second sub chapter, such as preparing buns on the first day of the Lunar New Year to convey Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s care and blessings to his disciples and BLIA people, making vegetarian food for various festivals, making delicious vegetarian food for special events such as Mother’s Day and assisting the temple in preparing for small and large events.
Sally reported that the third sub chapter had prepared refreshments for various events, such as during the Mid-Autumn Festival social gathering, BLIA baby blessing, European lunch buffet, Mother’s Day, weddings, and also during opening ceremony of new exhibits at the art gallery.
BLIA South Island NZ YAD leader Ni Ling Chia reported that the YAD had hosted the YAD college, established the “ARA Fo Guang Club”, and conducted “School Meditation Classes”. In order to connect with the world’s Buddhist youth, they also participated in the “Oceania White Elephant Commitee Member Training”, the “BLIA Youth Conference”, the “Australia-New Zealand Buddha’s Light Youth Conference”, and so on.
The meeting also announced the names of the next committee Directors. President Bernie, Vice President James Low were re-elected and Dong Zhang was the new Vice President; First sub chapter President Louisa and Third sub chapter President Sally will be completed their role, and will be succeeded by Tiffany Su Yan and Elsa Li respectively as new president. During the meeting, the new committee members were also announced. President Bernie thanked the committee Directors for their hard work and achievements for BLIA South Island and hoped that the new committee members would continue to assist the temple in promoting the events.
Venerable Jue Xi said, “We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of all the Dharma volunteers, especially the core team on the front line, who are willing to take on the responsibility. It is clear that everyone has unlimited potential and is learning and growing. People who study Buddhism must have good psychological qualities: to move others, we must first move ourselves. You must first activate your own inner joy, happiness, warmth and hope before you can spread them to others.”
After the meeting, the “Global Buddhist Examination” awards ceremony was held. President Bernie, Vice President James Low and First sub Chapter President Louisa Kuo presented certificates to the candidates for their hard work and dedication to the exam. The BLIA South Island members who received the awards were very happy and touched to have their excellent results recognized too.
