Fo Guang Shan New Zealand has held a commemoration service for the influential Buddhist monk and teacher Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding patriarch of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order who died in February, and also marked Buddha’s Birthday.
On April 1, more than 500 people attended the ceremony at the temple in Flat Bush singing praise for Venerable Master, along with a hand gesture performance to express their gratitude to the Venerable Master.
The ceremony began with a Scottish pipe band, and representatives of the New Zealand Police carried a statue of Prince Siddhartha – the Buddha – into the main shrine.
The Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin, led the blessing ceremony and welcomed guests to bathe the Prince Siddhartha.
Representatives from various religions, including Catholic representative Rev Deacon Chris Sullivan, Anglican representative Rev Ivica Gregurec and Maori elder Matua Toi Katipa, also performed their respective religious blessings for world peace.
In her speech, Abbess Manshin said, “As we gather here today for Buddha’s Birthday, I would also like to use this opportunity to commemorate the passing of our beloved Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan.
“Throughout his life, Venerable Master has lived by the philosophy of giving. The best way to honour Venerable Master’s legacy and memory is to let the Three Acts of Goodness which represents truth, kindness and beauty take root in our society and community.”
The President of BLIA [Buddha’s Light International Association] North Island, Yulin Ku, expressed gratitude for Venerable Master’s benevolent wishes in spreading Humanistic Buddhism worldwide.
She said the two Temples in Auckland and Christchurch are the most beautiful gift that the Venerable Master has given to New Zealanders. The best way to commemorate him is to carry the spirit of giving and work together with the temple to serve the community with joy.
The Leader of Opposition NZ and MP of Botany, Christopher Luxon expressed sincere condolences to the Venerable Master.
“Since Venerable Master Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan in 1967, it has become a globally-recognised Buddhist organisation, sowing the energy of harmony, peace and compassion.”
The director general of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Kendra Chen, said she is grateful for the compassionate vow of Venerable Master for constructing Fo Guang Shan.
“It is a treasure of faith shared by people around the world,” she said.
Acting Area Commander of Manukau West Inspector Ross Ellwood said, “Venerable Master was a great leader, a teacher and a philosopher and we are grateful to the Temple for accepting our heartfelt condolences.”
The celebration also featured a baby and children blessing ceremony, local markets, art exhibitions and more.
Under the guidance of the Venerables, BLIA members actively practiced the spirit of giving, to bring joy to the community.
“Through service, BLIA members bring glory to their faith and pride to themselves, allowing message of Three Acts of Goodness to take root in New Zealand,” Abbess Manshin said.
