Jan 2009

Participate in Honor the Senior Dinner Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Zong Sheng in Puli, Taiwan

To correspond to "Three Good Practices Campaign", Jiun Tou Elementary and Junior High School held a series of school anniversary activities. The first is initiative solicitude live show. On January 4^th, the students made performance in "Honor the Senior Dinner" held by Puli branch of Hondao Volunteer Association, accompanied the sixty volunteers of the branch to let sixty seniors living alone to have new year celebration with love. Nearly thirty students participated, including Sound of Human World, "Ten Practices Song" reading, sign language songs, and guitar. Children's fun performances made the seniors laughed heartily. The students gained accomplishment and experience solicitude of the volunteers to the seniors. This is an important class of life education. Hope the seed of enthusiastic service be planted in the mind of the children and brought more warmth into the society.

Jan 8

Medical Apparatus Donation Top

By Merit Times Reporter Wu You Zi in Dashu, Taiwan

Recently, president of Sotai Construction Company, Luo Lee Ah Zhao donated Hemodynamic Recorder, air tonometry, 12-lead ECG, pulse oximetry, and micro-compupter automatic machine for height & weight measuring to Fo Guang United Clinic. The fine instruments were provided for detailed physical exam, benefiting the people, to achieve prevention better than treatment.

Jan 7

Calligraphy on Site Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Mou in Wollongong, Australia

On January 3^rd, Liu Jun Qi who exhibited "Mt Maiji grotto fresco art and Liu Jun Qi Individual Exhibition" at Nan Tien Temple held calligraphy on site at reception room. Painting horse in large freehand brushwork is created by Liu Jun Qi, which differs from delicate of fine brushwork, presenting wild and free artistic conception of horse in full. Large freehand brushwork painted with cursive style, presenting unique figure and realm of Chinese. The large is in spirit realm and moral force. Large freehand brushwork lessen strokes, which often integrated with cursive style.

Jan 7

Ho Hua Forum Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Mong in Amsterdam, Netherlands

On January 4^th, Ho Hua Temple held first Dharma Day Learning Presentation of Reading—Ho Hua Forum. More than ten presenters used Mandarin, Cantonese, Dutch, and English. The topics were all-inclusive that everyone stated profound Buddhism by their life experience. Before speech, everyone prepared by practicing again and again. Venerable Miao Yi and Venerable Miao Di also participated in presentation, which raised morale. It is the best way to pay gratitude and experience Buddhism is everywhere.

Jan 7

Completion of Teacher Training Top

Sabah Children Park held teacher training at F.G.S. Sabah Meditation Society. More than ten teachers attended. Abbess, Venerable Man Ke stated the nature of education, mission of education, aim of education, and goal of education, bring out teachers' attitude and skill in guidance and inspiring students. Venerable Man Ke told interesting and thoughtful Chan stories, inspiring everyone to think in laughter and finding method to cross over choking point of teaching. Venerable Man Ke emphasized students and teachers should take compassion, rules, forgiveness, amusing, and meditation as space for interaction, mutually creating love and confidence in order to form positive power which is influential. There is no set rule for education that most important is respecting the difference in students, considering family financial situation, interest, personality, and ability to teach students in accordance with their aptitude.

Jan 7

Joy Camp Gathering Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Qing in Auckland, New Zealand

On January 4^th, young adults who assisted in Children Joy Camp held gathering at cherry blossoms walk in the temple. Nearly forty people participated, including president of BLIA North Island, Tsai Su Fen, director Annie, Lesley, Veronica, cadre, and members. The young adults shared feeling and achievements of learning. They felt the toilsome work of mothers with taking care of especially naughty children and run smoothly with group work. Deputy abbess, Venerable Man Wang encouraged the young adults to gain more endurance and wisdom from every taken responsibility, seeing insufficiency of oneself and improve, by confidence and navigation of Buddhism to make oneself more responsible.

Jan 7

First European Young Adult Camp Top

By Merit Times Reporter Yang Zheng Fei in Geneva, Switzerland

Hosted by FGS Europe, FGS Geneva Conference Center held First European Young Adult Camp on January 3^rd to 6^th. There were more than forty European young adults from twelve BLIA young adult chapters of nine countries, including Sweden, UK, Portuguese, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland. The program held four days and three nights, including lecture "Young Adult Bodhisattva and Volunteer", First Buddha’s Light Adulthood Ceremony in Europe, young adults reading presentation, European young adult Peace and Hope Wall, Buddha Light evening, song teaching of Sound of Human World, one day trip to snow land in Switzerland, round table conference of "Threshold of International Young Adults Participation in UN Affairs", group discussion, and interfaith new year joint prayer party. Venerable Man Chien delivered lecture "Bodhisattva and Volunteer", with series of stories in history of the wise in devotion to the society. To let European young adults have a deeper understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Venerable Chue Yun, Venerable Chue Xin, Venerable Miao Xi, Venerable Miao Yan, Venerable Ru Hai, and Venerable Miao Shuan made guidance in three groups to read "Perfectly Willing" and "Buddhism Depends on Me" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in Chinese, English, and French. The group representatives expressed feeling of gratitude to life and never regret after reading. Nearly twenty young adults from nine countries participated in Buddha’s Light Adulthood Ceremony. On the European young adult Peace and Hope Wall, the young adults painted vision for new year. At Buddha Light evening, there were performance of chanting name of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara with viola. Incense Burning Hymn with flute, Heart Sutra dance, guitar, piano, singing of "Where is Heaven?", sign language song "Friend", modern vigorous dance, pick up peas with chopstick contest, and saying goodbye in sign language song "Harmony".

Jan 7

Participate in Annual Interfaith Breakfast Top

By Merit Times Reporter in New York, USA

Mayor Bloomberg held annual Interfaith Breakfast on December 31 at the New York Public Library. Nearly three hundred fifty representatives of five religions, Christian, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism were invited to attend, discussing "how religion comfort disturbed mind of the people". Venerable Miao Hong of IBPS New York and seven cadres of BLIA New York participated. Bloomberg reflected on the contributions of different faith groups to New York City's pluralism, and implored his audience of religious leaders to continue offering faith-based perspectives on the challenges facing the city.

Jan 7

World Peace Get-together Party Top

By Merit Times Reporter Xinlu in Manila, Philippines

On January 4^th, IBPS Manila and BLIA Philippines were invited by Miao De Temple and Miao De Bodhisattva Association to new year celebration "Amitabha Chanting World Peace Get-together Party". More than four hundred people participated. Abbess of IBPS Manila, Venerable Yong Zhao were invited to participate. The party were held at fifth floor of Liberty Building. Monastics of temples and devotees were invited to pray for world peace and participate in get-together party. Abbess of Miao De Temple, Venerable Jing Ping hoped to eliminate disaster cause by concupiscence, anger, and ignorance with Amitabha chanting.

Jan 7

2008 End of Year Volunteer Gathering Top

By Merit Times Reporter Huang Jun Xiung in Dashu, Taiwan

On January 4^th, "2008 Fo Guang Shan Monastery End of Year Volunteer Gathering" were opened with performance of "Harmony" by Chao Zhou Temple to wish world peace. Nearly one thousand four hundred volunteers participated. President of Domestic & Overseas Executive Council, Venerable Hui Chuan were invited to host the opening ceremony and hoped everyone could walk out, vow to be a volunteer, practice Buddhism far-reaching in life, building humanistic pure land. In the gathering, abbess and deputy abbess of the branch temple handed out award to volunteers of Fo Guang Shan Monastery and branch temples, including 107 volunteers of "Bodhi Volunteer Award", 60 volunteers of "Self Realization Award", 15 volunteers of " Practice Buddhism Award", and "Excellent Volunteer Award" of branch temples. There were spectacular performances, including sign language "Give" by Women’s Buddhist College, coconut shell dance by Da Ci Children’s Home, and aboriginal dance "Rich Harvest Celebration" by BLIA Xingtian. "2009 Festival of Light and Peace" will be held on January 26^th to Feb 24^th. Venerable Hui Chuan stated four themes, belief, peace, harmony, and craft. Hope everyone could eagerly to be a volunteer. At the end, song "Praise Be the Master" brought highlight and Venerable Hui Chuan prayed for the volunteers.

Jan 6

Dharma Day in Calcutta Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Ru Jian in Calcutta, India

On January 3^rd, IBPS Calcutta celebrated Dharma Day, cooking gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day to share with Chinese in Tangra and poor in India. Monastic of IBPS Calcutta and BLIA members cooked the gruel at four in the morning. At six, the gruel were distributed at Chinese market. Although most of the visitors' religion are Hinduism and Islam, they took the gruel with gratitude. At ten, IBPS Calcutta held prayer at the temple. Venerable Ru Ji introduced the origin of gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day and shared what is real merit.

Jan 6

Donation for BLIA Worldwide Book Day Top

By Merit Times Reporter Yang Sui Yong in Jinmen, Taiwan

On January 3^rd, to correspond with Dharma Day Celebration-BLIA Worldwide Book Day, director Yang Qing Guo donated his new books "Joyful to Share Vol. 1 and Vol. 2", "Bitterness of Lovesickness", and "Future Island and Future Buddha". The books were donated to public libraries including Jinmen Library, Jinhu Town Library, Jinning County Library, Jinsa Town Library, Lieyu County Library, with ten books and five sets each; schools including National Kinmen Institute of Technology, Kinmen Senior High School, National Kinmen Agricultural and Industrial Vocational Senior High School, Jincheng Junior High School, Jinhu Junior High School, Jinning Junior High School, Jinsa Junior High School, Lieyu Junior High School, with ten books and five sets each；other organizations including twenty books and ten sets for Jinmen Prison, four books and two set for National Library, eight books and four sets for Jiun Tou Junior High School, twenty books and ten set for BLIA Chunghua Headquarters, Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University, and Ming Chuan University.. Hope the organizations could display for people to borrow and promote a reading society.

Jan 6

New Year in Amsterdam Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Mong in Amsterdam, Netherlands

On January 2^nd, first shot of Amsterdam Chinatown were set off with "Welcome New Year" jointly held by Chinees Nederlandse Cultuur & Wushu Stichting and Liu He Men Kung Fu School. Ho Hua Temple is the first stop. Members of Lion Dance Group gathered at Yuan Tong Shrine. People stood outside the temple to watch. Deng Wen Jie and Henry of BLIA Amsterdam 2^nd Chapter offered incense, wishing prosperous in business of all stores and financial resources keep coming. At eleven, Venerable Miao Yi hosted initiation ceremony. After dotting the pupil in the eye. In sound of drum, coach Deng Wen Long of Chinees Nederlandse Cultuur & Wushu Stichting with pupils performed "Lion Bowing to Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara" and jumped to the middle of the shrine, which won applauses for sharp action. Media reporters of newspapers and TV chose best spot to capture the historic sight. Venerable Miao Yi presented spring couplet "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" to Liu He Men Kung Fu School. The activity is important matter of the new year in Chinatown.

Jan 6

Sound of the Human World Buddhist Band Presentation Top

By Merit Times Reporter Jiang Feng Ping in Taichong, Taiwan

On January 4^th, eighth session of Sound of the Human World Buddhist Band Presentation were held at Hui Zhong Temple. More than one thousand people attended. The music feast is splendid, including description of dragon boat contest in Dragon Boat Festival with colorful dragon boat, wave washing sand with pipa, joy in gardening by suona horn, erhu solo of "I Vow", flute solo of "Moon of Mt. Guan", and singing by Venerable Chue Ju, Venerable Hui Kang, and Tainan Buddha Light Chorus. At the end, the band played an encore song and Venerable Chue Ju and more than ten monastics of mid Taiwan sang "Song of Fo Guang Shan".

Jan 6

Relief from BLIA and Lions Club Top

By Merit Times Reporter Jiang Feng Ping in Jiji, Taiwan

On January 4^th, hosted by BLIA Fuping, Lions Club Taichong Southeast Chapter, and Taichung Jen Shann Meei Lions Club, Nantou and Jiji chapters held "2008 End of Year Winter Relief" at He Ping Primary School. The activity were held ten years since 921 earthquake. Beneficiaries accumulated to more than one thousand two hundred families, more than ten millions in expenditure, which were recognized and praised by local government and people in the society. Venerable Hui Mu of Qing De Temple led everyone in reading "Prayer for Preventing and Putting an End to Calamities and Disasters". Venerable Hui Mu stated that one changed the fate of life with thoughts. The relief goods were given to one hundred fifty families, with daily necessities of three thousand six hundred dollars, bed quilt, and rice. Donation were also given to emergency relief fund of He Ping Primary School, Shu-I Elementary School, and financial support for Mentally Handicapped Family. BLIA Fuping cooked gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day for the minorities on site, which warm their heart.

Jan 6

Gruel for Schools and Organizations Top

By Merit Times Reporter in Xindian, Taiwan

On December 30^th and January 3^rd, Xin Dian Temple distributed more than four thousand gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day and spring couplet "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to Xidian City Hall, Xindian Police, Qingtan Police Station, Sindian Elementary School, Beisin Elementary School, Da Feng Elementary School, Wen Shan Junior High School, An Kang Junior High School, Peicheng Junior High School, Neng Ren Commercial & Household Vocational High School, Chi Jen High School, bank, insurance, village head, etc. Hope everyone could work diligently like cow to gain good relationship, nurture merit, and accomplish practice.

Jan 6

Gruel for Community Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Miao Zhu in Taipei, Taiwan

Pu Men Temple and BLIA southern Taipei chapters celebrated Dharma Day separately with head of villages to hold "2008 Gruel with Nuts and Dates of Dharma Day and Neighborhood Visiting". More than four hundred BLIA members cooked gruel at sixteen sites to share with the public. Monastics of Pu Men Temple led in chanting Heart Sutra, Prayer for Dharma Day, and transfer merits. Then BLIA members prepared material, vegetables, and cooked. Abbess, Venerable Yong Fu made large poster "Origin of Dharma Day and Ten Benefits of Gruel". 2009 Activity calendar and activity DM were handed out. Monastics of Pu Men Temple presented calligraphy tablets, "Cloud and Water", and Fo Guang Shan 40^th Anniversary Edition to co-hosted village heads. More than forty thousand gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day were distributed to senior home, fire stations, police stations, city hall, organizations, schools, and residents from December 28^th to January 3^rd.

Jan 6

Performance Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Bo in Jiaoxi, Taiwan

On January 3^rd, Lan Yang Temple celebrated Dharma Day at New Crescent Plaza with ruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day. Abbess of Lan Yang Temple, Venerable Yong Guang especially invited students of Buddhism Studies of Fo Guang University to host and make performance to build relationship with everyone. The students come from Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia, just like a small UN. The performance were favored by the audience with encore. The song sang by Antoinette who won excellence in young adult solo in Sound of Human World attracted visitors to stop and listen.

Jan 5

Countdown in Nan Tien Temple Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Mou in Wollongong, Australia

On December 31^st, Nan Tien Temple held light offering at main shrine. Volunteer Gathering Dinner were held at dinning hall. Approximately four hundred people participated. Deputy abbess, Venerable Chue Ning introduced fireside chat of Chinese is reunion. Reunion is completeness. Venerable Chue Ning reminded everyone to do add, subtract, multiply, and division. There were performances by Sydney branches and young adults. At the end, director of BLIA Sydney, Chang Feng Cheng disguised as God of Health to wish everyone complete the dinner. At ten thirty, pilgrimage were held. Then light offering were held at The Way to Buddhahood.

Jan 5

Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony in South Africa Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chang Can in Bronkhorstpruit, South Africa

On January 1^st, Nan Hua Temple held Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony. There were one hundred seventy people participated, including eight local residents and people of other nationality. Abbot of Nan Hua Temple, Hui Fang represented Venerable Master Hsing Yun to preside over triple gem refuge. The participants chanted, repentance, and took triple gem refuge devotedly. Venerable Hui Fang introduced the meaning of triple gem refuge, encourage the devotees to take triple gem as teacher of life. The ceremony were completed in chanting of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara's name and blessing from Venerable Hui Fang. Venerable Yi Chun introduced how to be a Buddhist with "righteous belief in triple gem, right view in life, right speech in talk, and right livelihood in living".

Jan 5

Report of New Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Mou in Wollongong, Australia

On January 2^nd, Illawarra Mercury published half page introduction to pray for people suffer illness and multifaith prayer for world peace held on January 1^st. The article mentioned the meaning and connotation of the activity is to promote an understanding and acceptance of other cultures to Australian and integrate Chinese and western culture in new year activity, and more important is to pass on intentions of compassion and equality ob Buddhism. Tomoko James visited the temple with husband Rodney James, children Maika and Ren, said the festival was a chance to share some of her Japanese heritage with her family.

Jan 5

Children Joy Camp Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Qing in Auckland, New Zealand

On January 3^rd, held by BLIA Young Adult North Island, two days of "Buddha Light Children Joy Camp" made opening. Deputy abbess, Venerable Man Wang and president of BLIA North Island, Tsai Su Fen made welcome address. Nearly one hundred people participated, including director Peter Yang, president Yang Zhao Ji, cadre Annie Ng, and Linda of BLIA 2^nd East Chapter, and parents. Venerable Ru Lian reminded the children to take theme of the camp "do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts" home to share with families and friends, creating joy everyday to make people surrounded to feel the enthusiasm from their liveliness and dynamic. Sixty two children participated in a series of group game and little monk drawing activities under the guidance of Angela Lim and team leaders. Venerable Ru Yi made guidance in Buddhism etiquette. Alice instructed creative design of tiny dessert. Annie Ng made guidance in tea and chan and Buddhism story telling.

Jan 5

World Peace Day Inter-Faith Prayer Service in Chicago Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Xin in Chicago, USA

On January 1^st, twenty three people including Venerable Miao Can of IBPS Chicago and director Wu Yue Lian and president Huang Yu Wen of BLIA Chicago participated in World Peace Day Inter-Faith Prayer Service held by First Congregational United Church of Christ. The participants included Buddhism, Catholic, Christian, Judaism, Islam, and Bahai. The representatives prayed with their service. For Buddhism, IBPS Chicago represented to chant Heart Sutra and read "Prayer for World Peace" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Every religion invited a children representative to express vision of future peace. In the activity, it is to enhance understanding between religions and hope everyone work together for world peace in the new year.

Jan 5

Initiation of Itinerant Library in Pingtung Top

By Merit Times Reporter Lee Jin Huan in Pingtung, Taiwan

On January 3^rd, Pingtung and Fo Guang Shan Itinerant Library held cut ribbon ceremony at plaza in front of Pingtung County Gymnasium. More than five thousand people watched the cart opened wings. The itinerant library will visit community to make reading society, family, and life. The revenue of seventy stands of garden party were donated to school in need and lunch fee. Secretary general of BLIA Chunghua Headquarters, Venerable Chue Pei praised Pingtung County create team of learning is very valuable. This is the second itinerant library. The first itinerant library is in Kaohsiung, driving into distant villages and school. There were more than twenty thousands person-time in book borrowing, to bring children endless hope and joyfully to enhance wisdom. Hope Taidong and Hualian could follow Pingtung to set up itinerant library to let the students of distant villages to Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests and have more wisdom and dream. It is Dharma Day and Buddha's Enlightenment Day. The visitors enjoyed gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day. At noon, abbess of Pingtung Temple, Venerable Miao Zhang led monastics to hold Buddha's Enlightenment Day Celebration. At the end, the participants received a book before living.

Jan 5

Gruel for the Mayor Top

By Merit Times Reporter Guang Yin in Tainan, Taiwan

On December 31^st, deputy abbess of Nan Tai Temple, Venerable Miao Qing visited Mayor of Tainan, Xu Tian Cai at Tainan City Hall to present gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day and one thousand five hundred cups of gruel were distributed to staffs of city hall and land office. Venerable Miao Qin presented calligraphy "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" to mayor Xu Tian Cai and residents.

Jan 5

Dharma Day Activity Top

By Merit Times Reporter Jiang Feng Ping in Longjing, Taiwan

On January 3^rd, BLIA Zhongdu held Dharma Day Celebration at Longjing Skill Master Temple. There were two thousand five hundred cups of gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day distributed. There were five calligraphers including You Ying Yuan of Taiwan Calligraphy and Painting Education Association and nine massage specialists for free diagnosis including Lin Sheng Li of Taichong Massage Association. Hundreds of people joyfully particiapted. President Wu Xian Ming and directors You Zheng He, Wu Xuang, and Shi Jia Can of BLIA Zhongdu led members in relief, prepared gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day, spring couplet "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests", rice, and Great Dharni water to visit more than forty houses of seniors living alone, low income, and single parent. BLIA Zhongdu also sent gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day to palliative care room, emergency unit, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung Blood Center, Lifen Police Station, and Lifen Fire Bridgade, to console effort of patients, families, medical personnel, blood donor, police, and fire fighters. There were a prayer area that Venerable Chue Qing and Venerable Ru Zhao led everyone in praying, reading "Prayer for New Year" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Visitors wrote their new year wishes on the wish card and stroke the bell. Lifen Women Fireproof Promotion Team did fireproof demonstration and promotion.

Jan 4

Seniors Gathering in New Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Hua Zhu in Manila, Philippines

Chu Un Temple is the starting point of dharma propagation of Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Philippines. Since Lu Lin Zhu Zhu went to Taiwan to invite monastics to Cebu to propagate dharma to manage the temple in 1989, it has been twenty years. To show gratitude to devotees for their support, Chu Un Temple invited devotees back to the temple in sessions for vegetarian meal gathering, showing solicitude, and presented spring couplet "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests". On January 1^st, the first session invited more than ten senior devotees over seventy five years old to the temple. The age of seniors added up to nearly one thousand years. Some came earlier to show solicitude to those who were cooking, reluctant to let monastics cook lunch for them. Some brought their best dish and Filipino dessert.

Jan 4

End of Year Gathering Top

By Merit Times Reporter in Recife, Brazil

On December 31st, Temple Budista Fo Guang Shan held End of Year Gathering and Light Offering Ceremony. Nearly one hundred Chinese and Brazilian devotees brought their families to participate to wish for health, peace, and wisdom in the new year. Venerable Chue Xi stated that the fireworks sent away the passing year. Light offering tonight just like lighting up the lamp of brightness and wisdom in mind. Venerable Chue Xi gave everyone four gifts, peace, wealth, success, and compassion, wishing everyone "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" in the new year. The temple presented spring couplet " Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests", Chinese knot decoration to everyone. At the moment, there were sound of firecrackers outside. Everyone made congratulation to each other and happy new year to welcome the year of 2009.

Jan 4

Countdown Party and Light Offering Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Rui Yu in Changhua, Taiwan

On December 31^st, Changhua City held 2009 Countdown Party at parking lot beside Changhua Arts Museum. There were bountiful gifts and fascinating programs. Mayor and Mrs. Wen Guo Ming countdown with residents of Changhua. The performances started with drum of Fushan Community Battle Drum Group. There were Chinese folk craft, Middle East belly dance, Flamingo, scarf dance, singers Weng Li You, Lin Pei Yao, and Lin Dao Yuan. At the end, Wen Guo Ming countdown with everyone joyfully and loudly, then fireworks set off, welcoming new year of 2009. Venerable Chue Ju led everyone in light offering, wishing everyone could "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" and "Reverse the Course of Events in Year of Cow", and prayed for everyone with "Prayer for the New Year". Hope blessing from Buddha let everyone "do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts".

Jan 4

Opening of Woodcarving Exhibition Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Rui Yu in Changhua, Taiwan

On January 11^th, Changhua Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery held opening ceremony and tea party of Woodcarving Exhibition by Huang Ma Qing. Two hundred guests attended, including President of Education Council, Venerable Tzu Jung, deputy magistrate Chang Rui Bin, Changhua mayor Wen Guo Ming, director of National Museum of History, Xu Tian Fu, and Hong Li Hung. Huang Ma Qing filled with grateful affection and guided the tour. The exhibition date started from January 1^st to February 22^nd.

Jan 4

Anniversary of Second Hand Assisitive Technology Device Center Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Rui Yu in Changhua, Taiwan

On January 1^st, it is the anniversary of Second Hand Assisitve Technology Device Center of Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation. To show gratitude to the public for solicitude to minority, the center held free diagnosis. Hundreds of people lined up to do checkup. The categories of free diagnosis included blood measure, blood sugar, uric acid, physical fitness simple exam, bone substance density, massage, and diagnosis by Chinese medicine. All staff, from doctor to nurse, are volunteers, serving the public with spirit of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. If the patient who is poor and need assisitive technology device, they can borrow from Second Hand Assisitive Technology Device Center. If anyone have any assisitive technology device not in use anymore, they can donate the device to the center to benefit others. Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation get deeper into the society with volunteers of Changhua Community Service Team to care and give relief for poor residents and visit Yunlin Second Prison to care for inmates.

Jan 4

Opening of Happy Age Resource Center Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen Rui Yu in Changhua, Taiwan

On January 1^st, hosted by Ministry of Education and held by Changhua Community College, Happy Age Resource Center held opening with band and Tibetan dance by Da Ci Children’s Home. More than one thousand people attended, including President of Education Council, Venerable Tzu Jung, deputy magistrate Chang Rui Bin, Changhua mayor and Mrs. Wen Guo Ming, Changhua Province councilor Wang Min Guang, and director of National Museum of History, Xu Tian. Venerable Tzu Jung were grateful to magistrate, mayor, and Ministry of Education, for solicitude to seniors from education and allocation of resources. Free tuition, no exam, learning free and easy, nurture vigorous view of life, that there will be longevity in body and mind. Seniors over fifty years in age are welcome to apply. The courses in the day included health, art composition, construct beautiful new community, planting flower and vegetable, sending love to where need the most and become senior who everyone love. Bountiful courses started from the mind, retire but never exit on stage, creating new park of senior together.

Jan 4

Gruel for Hikers Top

By Merit Times Reporter Sun Fang Fei in Xinshi, Taiwan

On January 1^st, at first beam, Xinshi Town Mayor Zheng Zhi Nan with residents went hiking to express the decision of away from depression and build happiness. BLIA Xinshi celebrated Buddha's Enlightenment Day by offering gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day at end of hiking, Xingang Local Culture Hall. Approximately three thousand cups were offered. Venerable Miao Jing and Xinshi Town Mayor Zheng Zhi Nan comforted members of BLIA Xinshi for their hard work. Lu Zong Xian stated gratitude to them that eating a cup of hot gruel in cold morning just like tasting happiness. There were two thousand cups of gruel with nuts and dates of Dharma Day to organizations and minority groups.

Jan 4

Welcome the First Beam Top

By Merit Times Reporter Huang Jing Hui in Dashu, Taiwan

At dawn of January 1^st, children of Da Ci Children’s Home were ready to set off, packing equipments of sketch, including album of painting, easel, dyes, and small bucket. Teacher Zhou Su Qing and oil painting teacher Chen Chun Chuo and Zhuang Shi He with thirty children went to Puhsien Farm that children impatient to wait to draw the first beam of 2009 joyfully. Children chose spot to draw mountain, stone, tree, flower, and laughter of children playing in the country side. Every sketch could see their sincere, kindhearted, and vitality.

Jan 3

Job of Bodhisattva is Volunteer Top

By Merit Times Reporter Chen De Qi in Dashu, Taiwan

On January 1^st, Venerable Master Hsing Yun made speech "Bodhisattva and Volunteer" at "2009 Humanistic Buddhism Reading Seminar". Venerable Master asked the questions of "What is the job of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva? How much money do they make?" in Taiwanese, which brought laughter and thought. Venerable Master stated that Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are volunteers, not temporary, but overtimes volunteer. Everyone must learn compassion of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, wisdom of Manjusri Bodhisattva, vow of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and ascetic life of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, to be a endless service volunteer. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas earn no money, but joyfully to be a volunteer. Venerable Master wish everyone with "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests", hope everyone initiate vitality to harvest. Let down one's bearing to yield for harvest that one do not greed, joy will be at the moment.

Jan 3

Pilgrimage for New Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Wu Xiu Hua in Brisbane, Australia

On January 1^st, to welcome the first gleams of 2009, Chung Tian Temple held New Year Pilgrimage and Prayer. One hundred fifty devotees from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Logan came to participate. Leader of Men Devotee Team, Wang Guang Han held the incense burner. Everyone pilgrimage from outside to inside. At Yuan Tong Shrine, abbess, Venerable Chue Shan led everyone in reading Prayer for Pilgrimage, written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to wish the blessing from Buddha and welcome peace and happiness.

Jan 3

Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony at New Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Qing in Auckland, New Zealand

On January 1^st, abbess of I.B.T. New Zealand, Venerable Man Xin presided over Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony for fifty New Zealanders and Asians to implement localization and become Buddhist. Everyone participated in pilgrimage and entered the shrine to hold simple and dignified "Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony" and dining. Abbess encouraged the participants to practice basically with six sense-organs. The temple presented spring couplet "Earnest Cultivation Yields Fruitful Harvests" written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to the participants.

Jan 3

Soybean Milk Donation in Paraguay Top

By Merit Times Reporter Pu Shi in Paraguay

Paraguay Buddha Light Compassion Foundation and Paraguay Chinese Charity Foundation held "Soybean Milk Volunteer Commendation", commending volunteers who devoted quietly. Secretary General of Benevolent Soybean Milk made address of gratitude. Director of BLIA Paraguay, Song Yong Jin handed out commendation cup and sign cooperation plan of 2009 Benevolent Soybean Milk Machine. The foundation had fifty two Benevolent Soybean Milk Stations in Alto Parana. Every station distributed two or three times Benevolent Soybean Milk. Up to present 54,000 kilograms of Benevolent Soybean Milk and by-products were provided every month, offering to 3,400 families and two hospitals for free. The plan cooperated with different religion and integrated people of different ethnic to accomplish the extraordinary charity, breaking the barrier of religion, ethnic, and nationality.

Jan 3

New Year Countdown Top

By Merit Times Reporter Shaogu in Singapore

On December 31^st, BLIA Youth Singapore called the youth to gather at FGS Singapore for New Year countdown to welcome brand new 2009 and celebrate the birthday of Wang Shi Yi. Approximately forty people participated. The youth welcome the new year with practice of pilgrimage. Hope to yield self pride and find inner Buddha nature with humbleness of body and mind. Abbess, Venerable Man Ke led the youth to countdown and stated that pilgrimage could eliminate karma, enhance wisdom, strengthening character, nurture endurance, and last to the end.

Jan 3

Amitabha Chanting in New Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Jiang Feng Ping in Puli, Taiwan

At dawn of January 1^st, one thousand five hundred residents of mid Taiwan gathered at Jiun Tou Elementary and Junior High School to participate in "Fo Guang Shan Monastery Mid Taiwan Branches Amitabha Chanting in New Year", which had been held for three consecutive years on January 1^st. Venerable Tzu Jung came to lead everyone in Amitabha chanting diligently. Venerable Tzu Jung stated that there are thousand of people participated in Eight Precepts Retreat, Amitabha Chanting, and Humanistic Buddhism Reading Seminar in north, mid, and southern Taiwan respectively. Each activity is with more than one thousand two hundred participants. It is the implement of comprehension and practice. In the afternoon, the chanting circulated sport field of school. More than one thousand people surrounded the PU runway with more than four circles.