The 2015 Oceania BLIA Conference was held at Nan Tien Temple on 28th February. This even was personally attended by BLIA Honourary Life Time President Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Audiences also included over 400 BLIA members from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. After the arrival of the Venerable Master, everyone respectfully sang “Ode to the Triple Gem” and read out the tenets of BLIA. 

 

In front of the 5 magnificent Buddhas, the Venerable Master Hsing Yun exclaimed that: “Buddha’s light comprehensively illuminates and I see everyone here is a Buddha.” This touched everyone’s heart and brought thunderous applause. 

 

The Venerable Master expressed that Nan Tien temple was established from the sweat and blood of the devotees. Everyone grew up here and nurtured their merits and virtues here. Everyone’s attendance to this meeting today signified the elevation of Buddhism. He further emphasised that he simply a guest through life whether on stage or off stage, so there is there nothing that is considered life time or forever, “I am like everybody else, a member of BLIA.” 

 

BLIA Oceania Association Commissioner Xu Li Zhu Wun expressed that this meeting is not just a get together but also for celebrating the opening of Nan Hua Institute on 1st March. This is momentous occasion in Australian educational history, which will have the Australian Prime Minister on the day. This signifies the Australian government has noticed the accomplishment of everyone’s propagation of the Dharma all these years. To this BLIA members should be proud. She also encouraged everyone to support Nan Hua Institute for the future development in education for a hundred years. 

 

The MC introduced representatives from Singapore, New Zealand, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney and Western Australia. All chapters waved their flags an representative colours and cheered loudly. 

 

Then certificates were presented to all Oceania advisors, Nan Hua Institute advisors, Education foundations directors and Honouary Commissioners. 

 

Australian Chinese artist Tao Hu gifted an ink painting to Nan Tien Temple, which included the image of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Nan Hua Institute. The accompanying slogan included: “Southern sky over looks the prefecture, dragon lies over fertile land while sun and the moon was renewed, compassionate and wise vows to liberate all beings through the Trichiliocosm, Great endeavors through many seasons to uncover able people” This was accepted on behalf of the Temple by Previous first term Abbess Venerable Ci Yong. 

 

Finally Venerable Ci Young completed the ceremony by leading everyone to recite Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Prayers and Wishes for BLIA”.