Here’s a report from Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush on its recent major event.

On April 5-6, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) hosted the annual Buddha’s Birthday Celebration for World Peace.

The ceremony was led by FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, who guided the assembly in chanting the Heart Sutra and reciting the Prayer for World Peace by the founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the ceremony and joined in the prayers for World Peace.

The ceremony also included interfaith blessings offered by Māori Kaumatua Tame Hauraki and Reverend Ivica Gregurec from the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Over 300 distinguished guests from political, educational and NZ Police gathered in the Main Shrine.

Attendees included president Evelyn Ku of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island, List MP Nancy Lu, Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson, director general Kendra Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Counties Manukau Police District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, Inspector Rod Honan, Acting Superintendent Trevor Beggs, Howick Local Board chair Damian Light, along with local school principals and community leaders.

The ceremony also included a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Myanmar earthquake.

Abbess Manshin stated that one of the foundations of world peace is ensuring people live safe and stable lives.

Abbess expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s tireless efforts across the globe to bring prosperity and stability to the nation.

From a Buddhist perspective, there are six ways to cultivate wealth: Being hardworking, being thrifty, being kind and thoughtful, being confident, creating affinity with others and being generous.

Abbess added that the most precious form of wealth is Prajna Wisdom, which brings light and infinite treasures to one’s life and wished everyone a life filled with wisdom, joy and inner abundance.

Prime Minister Luxon shared that even after nearly 3,000 years, the Buddha’s teachings such as wisdom, compassion, patience, generosity and care continue to inspire people today.

These are values everyone should live by, and he praised FGS for continuing to uphold and share these timeless principles.

In an interview, Luxon expressed his gratitude to BLIA members worldwide for sharing the kindness values, stating this was the kind of message the world needed today.

He commended FGS’s collaborative efforts with schools, police, and community organisations as real-life examples of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings.

He especially thanked the Temple Young Team for being involved in building a peaceful and inclusive community.

BLIA president Evelyn Ku thanked Abbess Manshin and Venerables for their compassionate guidance in advocating Venerable Master’s vision of ‘Giving through culture, education and charity’.

She shared that in the year 2024, the Art Salon featured over 1,200 local artworks and 12,000 Auspicious Red Packets were distributed during Chinese New Year.

She also highlighted the upcoming 11th 3G4G Festival in May, noting 62 local schools have actively participated over the past decade.

Depuy mayor Desley Simpson thanked FGS for supporting youth programmes and volunteer initiatives, highlighting its role in promoting the wise teachings to foster kindness, unity and understanding, while bringing hope and positivity to the city.

Director general Kendra Chen highlighted that through the compassion and wisdom of the Founding Master, FGS New Zealand continued to inspire and uplift the community.

Superintendent Shanan Gray emphasised the Temple’s vital role as a bridge between the police and the community by promoting the Three Acts of Goodness (Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words and Think Good Thoughts) to create a harmonious society.

The celebration also included an offering ceremony.

BLIA YAD performed a lion dance, while a Scottish pipe band welcomed the Prince Siddhartha Statue and national flags.

We’re pleased that Tohunga of Hoani Waititi Marae Winnie Retimana joined The BLIA Choir to perform the Maori traditional dance Poi E and the Children’s Dharma Class presented a Dunhuang Dance.

Large apples were distributed as blessings for peace and good health. Nearly 2,000 people attended the two-day celebration.

Other activities included a Baby Blessing Ceremony, a Vintage Car Show, a Local Market, a Venerable Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition, and a Tea Meditation experience, all of which contributed to a joyful and meaningful event for everyone.

See more photos from the event by Doug Mitchell of Howick Photographic Society here.