Oct 2009

Attend Multifaith Prayer Top

By Merit Times Reporter in Brazil

On September 30^th, Itapevi Municipal Hospital held annual religion prayer at lobby. Theme of the year is "peace". Representatives of Catholic, Christian, Buddhism, Candomble, and Judaism to speak for peace. Deputy president of Itapevi Municipal Hospital, Eraldo Chiodeto shortly introduced the origin of holding interchange with religion and read a maxim of bible. Chorus formed by doctors and nurses made a special music feast before religious speeches through beautiful rhythm. Nearly one hundred fifty residents in the neighborhood, doctors on duty, and nurses also received the blessing from all religions. Abbess of IBPS dos Brasil, Venerable Miao Duo stated in Portuguese about contemporary people's worries in body and mind, meaning of a section in Heart Sutra, introduced origin of worries with words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and mentioned therapy of how to settle the body and mind.

Oct 4

Buddhist Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony in Tokyo Top

By Merit Times Reporter Bo Qun in Tokyo, Japan

On September 22^nd, IBPS Tokyo held first "Buddhist Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony". The ceremony were hosted by Venerable Hui Si. There were seventeen bodhi couples received the blessing. There were seventy to eighty observers. The blessing started from eleven thirty, leading by flower girls spreading flowers, monastics entered, and bodhi couples followed to be set in order, read out vows and signed them, and exchange gifts. Venerable Hui Si encouraged the couples to "respect and tolerant" each others, taking interaction of husband and wife as test of practice that it is certain to make a happy family. At the end, Bodhi couples take turns in say a word to each other, some showed gratitude, some felt sorry, some showed encouragement.

Oct 4

Encouragement Program for Examinees Top

By Merit Times Reporter Wen Ling in Klang, Malaysia

President of BLIA Malaysia, Yeow Swee Sung and vice president of BLIA Young Adult Malaysia, Yang Wan Li were invited by teacher of Sekolah Menengah Sri Istana, Qiu Shu Yi to host encouragement program before exam for students taking PMR and SPM. The theme is "Awaken Sunshine in Mind". It shared in class and group games to encourage young adult to face the exam with enthusiasm. Before the completion of program, the students make a circle to read "Prayer for Examinees", leading by Yang Wan Li.

Oct 4

Celebration of International Day of Older Persons Top

By Merit Times Reporter in Brazil

On October 1^st, abbess of IBPS dos Brasil, Venerable Miao Duo were invited to participate "International Day of Older Persons" at Cotia Gymnasium. More than three hundred seniors from nearby towns walked brilliantly from gymnasium to plaza before city hall. After warm up exercise, they walked back to gymnasium to receive blessings from representatives of religions. The guests included mayor Carlao Camargo, Nadinho of Bureau of Sports, mayoress, Mara of Bureau of Women, representatives of bureaus, and representative of religions—Lucio Rosa of Spiritual Sect, Venerable Miao Duo of Buddhism, elder Sidnei of Christian, and Father Odair of Catholic. Venerable Miao Duo blessed everyone with Portuguese and stated the meaning of life with "Four Years Old Senior", believe everyone has potential and value of existence. Venerable Miao Duo shared dharma root written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Life experience of seniors is rich and can make devotion to the society with other method. Hope the seniors could find eternal springtime.

Oct 4

Walk Through China Top

By Merit Times Reporter Huang Si Xuan in Taipei, Taiwan

BLTV will broadcast high quality culture program "Walk Through China". "Walk Through China" promoted outstanding culture of Chinese as mainstream. It presents change and development of contemporary China, stating geography through humanity, introducing humanity through geography, which showed deeply view and value assessment of Chinese culture. The program is in three series, "Attractive China", "Historical China", and "Present China". It showed obvious feature of region, rich culture connotation, unique humanistic view, to reveal history and stating the story. Hope to lead the audience to know the geography and space of China through lenses, search and thought together to open a window to intuitive perception to understand Chinese traditional culture and contemporary civilization with a new angle.

Oct 4

Second Hand Furniture for Guanglin Village Top

By Merit Times Reporter Jing Yi in Pingtung, Taiwan

On September 27^th to 29^th, Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation visited Guanglin Village of Libian County in Pingtung Province to hold "Inspection of Daily Necessity Need of Victims of August 8^th Flood" and "Relief Case Interview" to understand what daily necessities were urgently needed by villagers after the flood. At the same time, "Collection of Second Hand Household Appliance and Furniture for Linbian County" were initiated. On October 1^st, the first batch of goods were transported to Guanglin Village to distribute house by house. Approximately seventy eight second hand furniture of TV, student desk, electric bottle, electric fan, and bedplate were given to forty families, according to investigation in advance. The first batch of second hand furniture were sent out before Mid Autumn Festival to wish the convenience in living of villagers and celebrate the festival with the family in peace. Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation will continuously to distribute furniture and household appliances to the villagers signed up for goods in need.

Oct 3

Eco Lantern Top

By Merit Times Reporter Zheng Li Lin in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

On September 19^th and 26^th, Children Buddhist Class of Persatuan Penganut Ugama Buddha Fo Guang Johor Bahru made eco lantern. Everyone used recycled goods by racking their brains to make unique lantern to participate in contest. Persatuan Penganut Ugama Buddha Fo Guang Johor Bahru held "Eco Lantern Making Contest" to encourage children to cherish resources and learning Chinese culture and customs. Nearly three hundred children brought recycle goods in home to class, including bottle, can, paper box, paper cup, folder, and egg shell. After two days of design, ingenious works were presented. After selection by directors and presidents of BLIA, there were sixteen eco lanterns stood out. All the works will be displayed on October 4^th, the day for pilgrimage of Mid Autumn Festival and present gifts. At the time, children could hold their lantern to celebrate Mid Autumn Festival.

Oct 3

School Opening of Mass Media Education Academy Top

By Merit Times Reporter Xuan Ren in Changhua, Taiwan

On October 1^st, hosted by Education Council and jointly held by Merit Times, BLTV, and Fu Shan Temple, First Session of "Mass Media Education Academy" held opening ceremony at Fu Shan Temple. There were sixteen young women will receive four months of program and practice in media. The guests participated including President of Domestic & Overseas Executive Council, Venerable Hui Chuan, executive officer of Fo Guang Shan Dharma TV Foundation, Venerable Chue Nian, deputy abbess of Fu Shan Temple, Venerable Miao Chen, Venerable Miao Xi of Merit Times, and vice president of BLIA Mid Taiwan, Dai Deng Zhong. Venerable Hui Chuan encouraged the students with three directions of news writing, recording news, finding news, and creating news. Venerable Hui Chuan encouraged the students to write report to make everyone happy with three good practices campaign and four types of giving promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Chue Nian welcome the students to join in, "devoted completely, finding one's interest in learning, and think about direction for the future". Hope the new forces will elaborate what they learned in BLTV and Merit Times. Venerable Miao Xi hope everyone could learn to make report from positive view and influence the public with positive power, turning clear stream into mainstream. Some parents also attended.

Oct 3

Doe Sutra Yield Unusually Brilliant Results Top

By Merit Times Reporter Qin Sheng Shan in Pingtung, Taiwan

On October 1^st, BLIA Pingtung 1^st Chapter made performance in campus with drama. The first drama "Doe Sutra" were performed at Min Her Elementary School in Pingtung City. Three hundred students played well with the students made performance. The air is high. The students of Min Her Elementary School and Heh Sheng Elementary School cooperated in performance of "Doe Sutra", coordinating with program of "Life Education" in school to introduce grandeur of maternal love. Principal of Min Her Elementary School, Cao Jun Pei especially encouraged students to write report on gained knowledge, enhancing students' understanding of "life education". Cao Jun Pei gave certificate of gratitude to BLIA Pingtung 1^st Chapter. The second performance will be made at Heh Sheng Elementary School on October 7^th.

Oct 3

Foundation Laying Ceremony of Lotus Pagoda Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Xin Sheng in Christchurch, New Zealand

Lotus pagoda of I.B.T. New Zealand got construction permission from local court and recognition from nearby community. On September 27^th, Most Venerable Hsin Ting presided over Foundation Laying Ceremony for the pagoda. Guests were invited to break the ground together with shovel, including Minister of Ethnic Affairs and Minister of Women's Affairs, Hon Pansy Wong, senior associate of Warren and Mahoney Architects, Simon Dodd, Huang Ming Tai, Tsai Su Fen, Lin Zhong Yi, Lai Yao Shen, Lu Jian Xun, and Lai Xi Zhang. Before the ceremony, a heavy rain purified the land. More than one hundred BLIA cadres and devotees attended also were pour down by the rain. Most Venerable Hsin Ting said a verse at breaking the ground for the pagoda and introduced meaning and function of pagoda in the history of Buddhism. Hon Pansy Wong stated the efforts of I.B.T. New Zealand in the area has resulted in Buddhism being accepted in New Zealand that the building of pagoda is the result of completion of all causes. Abbess, Venerable Man Xin were grateful for everyone's participation and will work with everyone to complete this important goal.

Oct 3

Visitors from C.C.C. Lutheran Church Top

By Merit Times Reporter Hu Mu Ying in Brisbane, Australia

On September 30^th, twelve seniors of C.C.C. Lutheran Church made a culture visit to Chung Tian Temple. Volunteer tour guide, Gary introduced Humanistic Buddhism of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, and light on the small Buddha statues. They also visited pagoda, Buddhist goods hall, did meditation, tasted Chinese tea, sutra calligraphy, and striking bell for good luck. C.C.C. Lutheran Church means Christian City Churches Lutheran Church. The seniors were glad for the visit to Chung Tian Temple to understand Buddhism and Chinese culture and loved the atmosphere of meditation.

Oct 3

Participate in Hard Brush Character and Reciting Contest Top

By Merit Times Reporter Hua Yi Chen in Changhua, Taiwan

On September 26^th, Changhua Province held "2009 Adult Education Students Hard Brush Character, Reciting, and Writing through Pictures Contest" at Pusin Elementary School. Changhua Community College recommended six students to participate, three in hard brush character and three in reciting. The contest is to proof listening, speaking, reading, and writing ability of foreign students to enhance effects of teaching. Changhua Community College has been held foreign spouses literacy seminar and counseling of life for six years. Nearly two thousand people times were benefited.

Oct 3

Seniors Gather for Coffee Top

By Merit Times Reporter Hu Ming Zhi in Jiaoxi, Taiwan

On September 29^th, Longtan Solicitude Site "World Coffee Shop" were opened at Lanyang Ren Ai Senior Citizens Home. Director, Venerable Chue Fang hosted "Grandfather and Grandmother Gather for Cup of Coffee". The first try of reading group had good effect. Director of Social Affairs also came to give solicitude and encouraged staff to learn the experience. More than thirty staff, volunteers, and senior joyfully enjoy the family gathering and talk. The discussion started with solicitude, the change after participating in activity and influence in life, and at the end, expectation to future of Lanyang Ren Ai Senior Citizens Home.

Oct 3

Graduation Performance Top

By Merit Times Reporter Tsai Guo Quan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

On September 22^nd, Pu Men High School held Fifth Intermediate School Music Class Teaching Presentation to present three years of learning to the public at Zhi Shan Hall of Kaohsiung Culture Center. The performance included famous Taiwanese and western songs. Venerable Hui Chuan were grateful to parents for sending children to Pu Men High School and introduced heritage of learning presentation. The heritage from senior students let the music class grow and become stronger.

Oct 1

Admit to Be Back Next Year Top

By Merit Times Reporter Yuan Sheng and Na Cheng in Daqing, China

On September 26^th and 27^th, Venerable Master Hsing Yun visited Acheng District of Harbin and Da Qing, rich in oil. Venerable Master were invited by abbess of Bao Sheng Temple, Venerable Fa Jing and abbot of Jing Chue Temple, Venerable Ben Ying to deliver lecture and promised to come back next year. On September 26^th, Venerable Master Hsing Yun visited Bao Sheng Temple with president of Helongjiang Buddhist Association, Venerable Jing Bo, disciple Venerable Tzu Jung, and Venerable Yi Zhao. Venerable Fa Jing with devotees wearing dharma robe to welcome Venerable Master Hsing Yun at Mountain Gate. Later, Venerable Master Hsing Yun gave talk at the main shrine, with everyone sat on the floor. Nobody is walking around in and out the shrine. Some even joint palms through all course and listened. Six years ago, Venerable Fa Jing felt the desire of residents of Acheng to learn Buddhism and especially applied to build the temple. Bao Sheng Temple is still in construction. Venerable Master Hsing Yun glad to see Bhikuni Buddhist Order is developing in northeast that Venerable Master Hsing Yun donated hundred thousand RMB to Bao Sheng Temple. On September 27^th, Venerable Master Hsing Yun visited Da Qing City with Venerable Jing Bo. Venerable Master Hsing Yun were invited by abbot of Jing Chue Temple, Venerable Ben Ying to deliver lecture at yard of the main shrine. Venerable Master stated Da Qing produces oil, which is the main dynamic of nation and society development. Sun Rong En, Venerable Jing Bo, and Venerable Ben Ying invited Venerable Master Hsing Yun for dharma lecture next year that Venerable Master promised to come to northeast next year for dharma propagation.

Oct 1

Inauguration of Bodhi Temple Top

By Merit Times Reporter Yuan Sheng in Shandong, China

On September 28^th, Venerable Master Hsing Yun completed ten days of dharma propagation in northeast and came to last stop—Qingdao in Shandong. Venerable Master Hsing Yun were invited to participate in inauguration ceremony of Lingzhushan Bodhi Temple and assist in enthrone of abbot Venerable Ming Zhe. Bodhi Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Qingdao, with eighty acres, and rebuild with more than one billion. Abbot of Zhan Shan Temple, Venerable Ming Zhe serve concurrently as abbot. Inauguration of temple, Buddhist statue in Golden Hall, and enthrone ceremony of Venerable Ming Zhe. Venerable Master Hsing Yun and more than one hundred monastics and eminent monks participated in enthrone ceremony. Venerable Master saw Venerable Ming Zhe in seat. Venerable Master Hsing sang a verse for the ceremony and stated Qingdao build a temple is actually build a school for the society. Temple is the school of moral education and fuel station for trip of life. Venerable Ming Zhe planned to make Bodhi Temple as famous northern Buddhist College, emphasizing on education and nurturing talents, and advocate gender equality, which corresponding to Venerable Master Hsing Yun promoting Humanistic Buddhism. Venerable Ming Zhe were deeply touched that Venerable Master Hsing Yun see him in seat.

Oct 1

Praying for Examinee in Kota Kinabalu Top

By Merit Times Reporter Venerable Ru Wei in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

On September 27^th, Sabah Meditation Center held Praying for Examinees. Nearly one hundred twenty students of University Malaysia Sabha, high school, and primary school participated. Monastics walked into the site to led the students in praying to Buddha, giving them wisdom, giving them confidence, for them to present best strength to pass the exam. At the end, youth sang along "Manjusri Core Mantra" to wish everyone clean the thoughts and enhance composure. The temple presented wisdom pen, and lucky colored streamer for students attended.

Oct 1

Participate in National Police Remembrance Day Top

By Merit Times Reporter Wu Xiu Hua in Brisbane, Australia

On September 29^th, National Police Remembrance Day, Queensland Police held memorial service at United Church in Brisbane. Queensland Police Service Commissioner Bob Atkinson invited abbess of Chung Tian Temple, Venerable Chue Shan to participate, represented by Venerable Miao Lai, to offer flower and prayed for police officers died in line of duty. The guests attended including Governor of Queensland, Ms. Penelope Wensley, Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services, Neil Roberts, Queensland Police Service Commissioner Bob Atkinson, representatives of Federal state police, state councilor, city councilor, Buddhism, Catholic, family of deceased police, police club, and Queensland police. More than one thousand people participated in memorial service. At first, all stand up and police band welcomed representatives of religions, national flag, police flag, and state flag. Chaplain of Police Service hosted the memorial service to pray in silence for police officers died in line of duty. At the end, everyone offered flower to show gratitude to sacrifice and dedication of deceased officers to public order.

Oct 1

One Day Trip to Mandurah Top

By Merit Times Report Xu Jie Ni in Perth, Australia

On September 28^th, five chapters of BLIA Western Australia jointly held spring one day trip to Mandurah. More than sixty people participated, with members and their families. The members gathered at train station to ride in Mandurah line. There were free bus to transfer train passengers to the metro. At first, it is free time to view Mandurah City and market or took ship out in the sea. Later, everyone gathered at lawn before Mandurah Foreshore to share different taste of food and snacks. There were group games in series. Venerable Miao Yong stated that join in the BLIA is just like a big family, no matter immigrants or studying abroad. It is rarely so many family members had field trip with us. Although there were conflict in holding activities, but it is just like in group game, everyone need mutual tolerance to brainstorm and work together to win and complete at the end.

Oct 1

Tenth Power Teacher Award Top

By Merit Times Reporter Lee Zhu Xiang in Taipei, Taiwan

On September 28^th, award ceremony of Tenth Power Teacher Award were held at Novell Hall for Performing Arts to stand out importance of education to nation. The award were take over by "Commonwealth Venerable Master Hsing Yun Education Fund" from Syllabus Magazine, which had been hosting for eight years. The teachers receiving award increased to ten and total award raised to one million six hundred thousand. The award winning deeds enlarged from moral to commonwealth, creative teaching, and sacrifice and dedication. The host party hope to elaborate broader influence to the society. Venerable Abbot Hsin Pei introduced education concept of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Power Teacher Award were in three categories this year, primary school, junior high school, and high school and vocational school. Each category selects "Grand Prize of Power Teacher" and "Power Teacher Award". Nearly hundred teachers were recommended to participate in seven in Teacher Award and three in Grand Prize. Grand Prize of Power Teacher Award winners receive three hundred thousand dollars. Power Teacher Award winners receive one hundred thousand dollars.

Oct 1

BLTV Service in Australia Top

By Merit Times Reporter in Taipei, Taiwan

BLTV and Australia A-Skynet cooperated to broadcast in CH21 of A-Skynet to provide audience to see BLTV. It enlarged the covering area of viewship. BLTV provided diversified program to promote to worldwide through power of media.

Oct 1

School Opening of Fo Guang Shan Hospitality Service Personnel Training Top

By Merit Times Reporter Lee Ya Ting in Dashu, Taiwan

On September 28^th, hosted by Education Council and jointly held by Convenience Services Department and Waterdrop Tea House Head Office, school opening of First "Fo Guang Shan Hospitality Service Personnel Training" were held at T-shaped conference room in Tathagatha Building. Seventeen women young adults will receive professional hospitality management training and practice in sixteen weeks. After aesthetics academy and administrative secretary academy received great feedback, Education Council promoted professional program for young women with education above college again. Venerable Yong Jun is the class advisor for "Fo Guang Shan Hospitality Service Personnel Training" and Education Council and monastics of Waterdrop Tea House Head Office give guidance and assistance to nurture professional of vegetarian and accommodation.