佛 光 山 南 華 寺
Fo Guang Shan - Nan Hua Temple
December 2024
South Africa Nan Hua Temple NHPAG Holds "Mother Earth" Drum Performance and 2024 Graduation Ceremony at Nan Hua Education Centre
December 16, 2024
On December 14, South Africa’s Nan Hua Temple NHPAG held its 2024 graduation ceremony and Mother Earth drum performance at the Nan Hua Education Centre, attended by 200 students, parents, and community members. The event celebrated students' achievements, including certificates in academics and Microsoft Office, and showcased performances blending drumming, dance, and music to explore themes of nature and growth. Participants shared experiences from international festivals in Japan and Malaysia. Abbot Ven. Hui Fang praised the team’s progress, crediting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision, and urged continued support. The temple manager, Ven. Hui Xing highlighted the girls’ decade-long growth as confident performers and cultural ambassadors. A parent expressed gratitude for the program’s impact, keeping youth engaged in arts. The NHPAG reaffirmed its commitment to cultural exchange and education.
Nan Hua Temple's "Three Acts of Goodness" Youth & Children Camp Nurtures Spiritual and Creative Growth
December 15, 2024
From December 9 to 14, 2024, South Africa's Nan Hua Temple hosted its transformative "Three Acts of Goodness" camp, bringing together 51 youth and 73 children for a week of spiritual and creative development rooted in Humanistic Buddhist principles. The Youth Camp segment (December 9-11) focused on leadership development, with participants actively designing and managing the subsequent Children Camp program. Through hands-on roles in logistics, counselling, and event coordination, youth cultivators strengthened their teamwork abilities while organizing a special welcome ceremony for younger attendees. The Children Camp (December 12-14) offered a dynamic blend of educational and recreational activities. Professional African drum workshops taught valuable lessons in rhythm and cooperation, while lantern-making sessions sparked artistic creativity. Emotional intelligence development took centre stage through the animated film Inside Out, followed by energetic team games and a celebratory water fight that left participants joyfully drenched. Central to the program was the practical application of the Three Acts of Goodness philosophy - encouraging participants to "Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts" in their daily lives. This dual camp initiative not only nurtured leadership qualities and creative expression but also forged stronger community connections through shared learning experiences. As part of its ongoing commitment to youth development, Nan Hua Temple will continue hosting these biannual camps, providing consistent opportunities for young people to grow into compassionate community leaders. The 2024 edition successfully demonstrated how spiritual values can be seamlessly integrated with joyful, hands-on learning experiences.
NHPAG Children's Arts Showcase Highlights Cultural Exchange
December 10, 2024
Fo Guang Shan's NHPAG celebrated its nine-month children's arts program with a vibrant community showcase on December 7 at Zithobeni Hall. Nearly 200 attendees witnessed 120 young performers demonstrate skills in Chinese drumming, African percussion, and dance - a creative fusion embodying the program's mission to strengthen cultural identity through art. Venerable Hui Fang emphasized how the initiative merges Humanistic Buddhism with artistic expression, calling it "education that dances." The event concluded with a symbolic group performance representing South Africa's multicultural harmony.
Fo Guang Youth and Volunteers Bring Joy to local kids care centre in Half-Day Camp Event
December 6, 2024
Fo Guang Shan - Nan Hua Temple extended its educational outreach with half-day camps at two local Kids Care Centres, Rethabiseng and Zithobeni, on December 4-5. Building on their daily after-school tutoring program, volunteers led 120 children through team-building games and talent showcases. The events featured: •Interactive icebreakers and skill-building activities •Emotional performances by children thanking their tutors •Awards ceremony recognizing academic progress •Nourishing community meal to conclude The Kids Care Centre’s manager, Penuel Mahlangu, praised the temple's sustained support. These camps demonstrate how Nan Hua Temple combines education with compassionate care for vulnerable youth.
October 2024
UP and Buddhist community distribute wheelchairs ‘as tools of empowerment’
October 19, 2024
There were smiles all round when 102 wheelchairs were handed over to nine schools, hospitals and community organisations in Gauteng, following a collaborative project between the Oxford (UP) Centre for Religion, Public Life and Security in Africa (O[UP]CRPL) and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA).
Venerable Hui Kai Concludes Inspiring South Africa Dharma Tour
October 8, 2024
On December 6, 2024, Venerable Hui Kai concludes a transformative 10-day Dharma tour in South Africa. The tour's highlight was a pioneering series of lectures on thanatology (death studies) delivered at the University of Pretoria and North-West University - marking the first time such profound Buddhist teachings reached South African academic institutions. Reaching beyond physical venues, Venerable Hui Kai conducted special online sessions that connected with over 100 devotees across Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Lesotho and Newcastle. His accessible teachings on "Sustainable Life Management" and "Understanding Death Correctly" provided practical wisdom, using relatable modern analogies like computer shutdown processes to explain spiritual concepts about the end of life. The tour's impact resonated deeply with participants. Temple staff reported life-changing insights, from new perspectives on rebirth to clarified understanding of physical preparation for death. During a heartfelt farewell tea ceremony on October 6, Abbot Hui Fang praised how Venerable Hui Kai's innovative approach - tailoring each lecture to specific audiences - had established new standards for Dharma propagation in South Africa. Venerable Hui Kai left devotees with an enduring message about spiritual practice: comparing it to the mastery of calligraphy and martial arts, he emphasized that true understanding comes not from breadth alone but from depth of consistent practice. As Bruce Lee famously said about practicing one kick ten thousand times rather than ten thousand kicks once, the path to enlightenment requires dedicated repetition. This landmark tour not only deepened local understanding of life's most profound questions but created lasting academic and spiritual bridges, opening new possibilities for Buddhist education in South Africa. The successful integration of traditional teachings with modern contexts and academic settings promises to inspire future Dharma propagation efforts across the continent.
Venerable Hui Kai Delivers Groundbreaking Lecture on Life and Death in Johannesburg
October 7, 2024
Fo Guang Shan's Venerable Hui Kai captivated 150 attendees at Johannesburg's first ticketed Buddhist lecture, presenting groundbreaking insights on mortality. His talk "A Modern Reflection of Life and Death" reimagined death as a natural transition - "like moving homes" - while challenging afterlife misconceptions by framing Pure Lands as accessible present-moment states. Key revelations included: •Cellular and cosmic perspectives on rebirth easing a cancer patient's end-of-life fears •Warnings against immortality pursuits as ecologically/socially destructive •Meditation and forgiveness practices for healing trauma Attendees reported transformed understandings of consciousness and dying. The event's success prompts Nan Hua Temple to expand English-language Dharma programming.
Venerable Hui Kai Explores Buddhist Perspectives on Existential Therapy at South Africa's North-West University
October 5, 2024
Venerable Hui Kai of Fo Guang Shan concluded his South African academic tour with a pioneering lecture at North-West University, blending Viktor Frankl's logotherapy with Buddhist teachings for 60+ psychology students and faculty across three campuses. The hybrid event: • Bridged Western psychotherapy with Eastern philosophy through comparative analysis of meaning-making systems • Demonstrated practical applications for developmental psychology and end-of-life care • Sparked vibrant Q&A on comparative religion and therapeutic techniques Psychology Department Head Dr. Shanae Theunissen praised the cross-cultural exchange, noting its significance for South Africa's mental health education. The successful event marks growing institutional recognition of Buddhist psychology's relevance to contemporary therapeutic practice.
Buddhist Thanatology and Charity Project Illuminate University of Pretoria's Religion Week
October 2, 2024
Venerable Hui Kai delivered a landmark lecture on Buddhist death studies during the University of Pretoria's Religion Week, attracting 60 scholars and administrators. His address contrasted medical "cure" with spiritual "care," applying the Four Noble Truths to contemporary end-of-life issues like euthanasia and hospice care. The same day saw 114 wheelchairs donated to local institutions through Nan Hua Temple's charity initiative, with Disability Affairs Minister Juan Erwee praising the practical compassion. This dual academic-philanthropic event established new benchmarks for: Scholarly engagement with Buddhist thanatology Integrated spiritual-social service models Interfaith understanding of existential questions Religion Department leaders noted the unique value of combining theoretical dialogue with tangible community impact.
September 2024
Nan Hua Temple Celebrates 2024 Light and Peace Festival
September 29, 2024
On South Africa's national Heritage Day, Fo Guang Shan's Nan Hua Temple welcomed 300 participants to its annual Light and Peace Festival, offering a contemplative celebration of inner harmony amidst the country's vibrant cultural diversity. The event provided a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual respite from modern life's pressures. Venerable Jue Kai opened the program with grounding practices, guiding attendees through standing meditation and the flowing movements of Tai Chi 18 Forms. As twilight descended, the hall transformed into a sea of flickering candlelight during the solemn chanting of Avalokitesvara's Six-Syllable Mantra, with participants offering these lights before the Buddha as symbols of wisdom amidst life's chaos. Abbot Hui Fang deepened the meditative experience through breath-awareness practice, leading the assembly in Venerable Master Hsing Yun's poignant Prayer for World Peace. His teachings illuminated practical applications of the Heart Sutra's wisdom for contemporary anxieties, emphasizing how Buddhist practice cultivates resilience in turbulent times. The event's impact resonated personally with attendees like doctors Sid and Teresa, who discovered valuable stress-management techniques applicable to their medical practice. Longtime practitioners Wesley and Anthony gained fresh insights into core Buddhist teachings through the Abbot's commentary. Following the contemplative program, the community shared a vegetarian feast while enjoying fundraising performances by the Fo Guang Youth Corps. The vibrant cultural presentations, met with enthusiastic applause, demonstrated how spiritual cultivation and joyful celebration can harmoniously coexist. This innovative fusion of South Africa's Heritage Day with Buddhist practice created a template for meaningful cultural-spiritual integration. As Abbot Hui Fang observed, "Today we proved that national celebrations can nourish both cultural pride and inner peace." The temple plans to expand next year's event, building on this successful model of contemplative celebration.
South Africa Buddhist Lecture – Venerable Hui Kai Discusses Sustainable Living"
September 9, 2024
Venerable Hui Kai, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, visited South Africa and delivered five Buddhist lectures over ten days. The first talk, held at Nan Hua Temple on September 29, focused on Humanistic Buddhism’s view of life, death, and sustainable living, drawing over 150 attendees. He explained that death is a natural part of life, using biology and Buddhist teachings to show that accepting death aligns with the laws of nature. Drawing on Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy, he emphasized that life continues through our inner nature, and facing death peacefully is key to spiritual growth. Hui-Kai offered three key practices to approach life and death with peace: Maintain physical and mental strength for end-of-life readiness. Accept natural death calmly. Live meaningfully while seeking spiritual liberation. He also shared personal experiences and encouraged preparing for life and death through daily practice and compassion. In a Q&A, he advised using stories and scientific examples to gently introduce concepts like reincarnation to skeptics. The lecture concluded with a verse encouraging balanced cultivation of wisdom and virtue to achieve freedom in life and death.
“Go Veg, Love the Earth” Youth Event at Nan Hua Temple
September 9, 2024
On September 7–8, Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple held a two-day, one-night youth event titled “Go Veg, Love the Earth – Buddhist Youth, Let’s Run!” in support of the “VegRun” movement and to promote the “Vege Plan A” initiative. Nearly 40 Fo Guang Youth members from Johannesburg and Pretoria participated to experience a healthy, plant-based lifestyle through fun and fitness. Organized by guiding Venerable Jue Kai, Youth Group President Irene, and core member Rebecca, the event included team-building games, educational talks on the health and environmental benefits of vegetarianism, and promotion of “Meatless Mondays.” Youths worked together to prepare vegetarian BBQ ingredients for the next day’s activities, showcasing teamwork and enthusiasm. On the morning of September 8, participants kicked off with warm-up exercises followed by a fun run around the temple grounds. Along the route, they stopped at checkpoints to complete fitness challenges like push-ups, jump squats, and group yoga. Many were impressed by the beauty and scale of Nan Hua Temple, which they discovered more deeply through the run. The vegetarian BBQ was a major highlight, where youths grilled and shared delicious plant-based dishes, exchanged cooking tips, and strengthened their bonds. This event not only deepened the youth’s understanding of the benefits of vegetarianism for health and the environment, but also enhanced their fitness and teamwork skills. Participants expressed their commitment to continue a vegetarian lifestyle and inspire others to join in supporting sustainability for the planet.
July 2024
Nan Hua Academy Hosts Winter Camp, Earning Strong Praise from Parents
July 7, 2024
From July 3 to 5, Nan Hua Academy held a 3-day winter camp for 31 children aged 7 to 12 from Bronkhorstspruit. The camp featured a mix of activities including dance, games, basic Chinese greetings, and computer lessons, offering a balance of movement and focus to enrich the children’s experiences. On the final day, the temple provided a special hamburger lunch for the campers. Parents joined for a temple tour led by Venerable Yong Xun, who introduced the Main Shrine Hall and the Three Jewels of Buddhism, encouraging children to practice the “Three Acts of Goodness” and bring positive values into their homes. The camp concluded successfully thanks to the joint efforts of children, parents, volunteers, and teachers. Parents expressed appreciation for the care and quality education provided, noting that initial concerns—such as language or religious elements—were replaced with joy and acceptance by the end. Their positive feedback continues to inspire the Learning Center to serve the local community’s youth.
Nan Hua Temple Hosts Youth and Children’s Talent Camp – Fostering Skills, Teamwork, and the Three Acts of Goodness
July 8, 2024
From June 30 to July 7, Nan Hua Temple held an 8-day talent camp with 140 youth and children from across South Africa. The camp featured Taiwanese folk dance and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) classes, promoting coordination, teamwork, and cultural learning. The first 4 days were for youth participants, who then became volunteers for the children's camp in the final 4 days. Children learned self-care, teamwork, and Buddhist values like the Three Acts of Goodness (do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts). The camp ended with a performance showcase attended by around 60 parents, receiving enthusiastic support. Campers and youth leaders shared reflections on their growth, teamwork, and gratitude, making the camp a meaningful and memorable experience.
May 2024
African BLIA Members Celebrate Buddha Day and Participate in Global Sutra Transcription Practice
May 17, 2024
On May 16, BLIA members across Africa participated in the global Sutra transcribing event to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan’s founding. More than 300 attendees from South Africa, Lesotho, and Congo, representing six temples, joined the event. At Nan Hua Temple, the ceremony was led by Venerable Hui-Fang, with 26 students from the computer learning center also participating. The event brought together devotees from various centers, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Lesotho, where participants shared their experiences of how the act of copying Sutras helped them find peace, clarity, and spiritual focus. For many, this event was a reminder of the importance of spiritual practice in daily life and the support of the monastic community and Buddha’s teachings. It was also a moment for personal reflection, with participants finding peace amidst the simple yet profound act of transcribing Sutras.
Siddhartha Musical in South Africa: A Global Journey Comes Full Circle
May 14, 2024
To celebrate Buddha's birthday, Nan Hua Temple in South Africa hosted the Philippine Siddhartha musical, The Buddha's Story - Prince Siddhartha, on May 11 and 12 at the Johannesburg Theatre. The musical, based on the teachings of Fo Guang Shan's founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, tells the story of Siddhartha’s journey to enlightenment. It has been performed in over 15 countries and for over 17 years, reaching audiences across five continents. In addition to the two public performances, there were seven interactive campus performances at universities and schools, benefiting nearly 5,000 people. The play was well received by the audience, including attendees like Sigrid Bauer, who, despite health challenges, found the performance profoundly moving. Others, like Cameron, a computer engineer, found the play helped them understand the Buddha’s teachings in a deeper way. The musical’s lead actors, such as Francis Isidro and Ivy Gallur, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience South African culture and nature, and interact with the community. Mrs. Angie Motshekga, South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, attended and praised the musical for its inspiring message, particularly the teachings of the "Three Acts of Goodness," which she intends to promote in schools. The event was held during Buddha’s birthday celebrations, with a special Buddha bathing area set up at the theater, allowing many attendees to take part in the tradition after the show.
Good Seeds Blossom Everywhere: The Power of Education"
May 6, 2024
On May 5, 2024, Fo Guang Shan South Africa’s Nan Hua Temple hosted a lecture on Humanistic Buddhism by Venerable Yong Guang, the head abbess of FGS Philippines, focusing on "The Teaching and Actions of Master Hsing Yun - Transforming Life Through Education." Ven. Yong Guang highlighted how education has the power to transform lives and shared examples from Fo Guang Shan’s global educational initiatives, including the Philippines' Siddhartha Musical Theater and schools in India, Brazil, Taiwan, and Africa. He emphasized the role of education in guiding individuals to find purpose and contribute to society. The lecture inspired nearly 100 attendees, including South African youth, and underscored the positive impact of education in fostering spiritual growth and community building.
Buddhist Art Enters University of Pretoria in South Africa: First Campus Interactive Performance of the Siddhartha Musical
May 4, 2024
On May 3, 2024, the *Siddhartha Musical* premiered its interactive campus version at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, with nearly 200 attendees, including notable religious and academic figures. Before the performance, a simple ordination ceremony was held for the seven performers, emphasizing the importance of embodying the Buddha's compassion and wisdom in daily life. After the show, the audience engaged with the performers, asking insightful questions about the characters and the meaning of the play. The religious leader praised the students for their thoughtfulness and invited them to visit a Buddhist temple in the Philippines. The Vice Chancellor of the university expressed appreciation for the musical's professionalism, while students from various departments found the performance moving and insightful. The event was celebrated as a meaningful cultural and educational exchange.
April 2024
Siddhartha Prince Musical May South Africa Tour: Art Transmitting Boundless Buddhist Teachings
April 27, 2024
On April 26, Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple held a press conference for the upcoming performance of Siddhartha the Musical on May 11-12 in Johannesburg. The event was attended by various prominent guests, including the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, local media representatives, and members of the Nan Hua Temple community. Abbot Ven. Hui Fang expressed gratitude to the supporters who made the event possible and noted that the performance was delayed for four years due to the pandemic. He highlighted that the musical, which has been performed in over 20 countries, is now completing its global mission to be showcased across five continents. The musical's director, Junrui, shared that it has been running for 17 years and aims to serve communities, with performances planned in South Africa, including school shows. Abbess Ven. Yong Guang explained that the musical’s message is rooted in "love," helping audiences understand Buddha's teachings, and fostering kindness. The event also included performances and discussions on the core values of Buddhism, with Abbot Ven. Hui Fang emphasizing the universal appeal of Humanistic Buddhism and its resonance with South African audiences, as evidenced by the quick sale of 2,000 tickets.
Africa Fellowship Conference Concludes Successfully – African Fo Guang Members Recharge and Set Off Again
April 1, 2024
The 2-day 2024 Fo Guang Shan Africa Fellowship Conference concluded successfully on March 31 at Nan Hua Temple in South Africa, with around 200 participants. Venerable Jue Chun taught on the topic of “Fo Guang Faith,” emphasizing that true faith expects no return, and that participating in Fo Guang events stems from belief, which brings joy and purpose. Lecturer Jiang Fengping introduced the structure and operations of the Fo Guang Association and encouraged leaders to care more for their members. A report on local development efforts, exemplified by the Tianlong Youth Team’s curriculum and performances, was well-received. A tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, was held with six teams from various associations performing songs in his honor. Attendees received bodhi leaf bookmarks from monastics, symbolizing the enduring Dharma. Venerable Jue Pei, Secretary-General of the BLIA World Headquarters, sent a video message encouraging members to view the conference as shared cultivation and a school for bodhisattva learning, urging everyone to set personal goals and broaden their global compassion. To promote the upcoming Prince Siddhartha the Musical tour in South Africa this May, association leaders were appointed as ambassadors to help increase awareness and audience engagement. Venerable Hui Fang expressed gratitude for the success of the event and encouraged everyone to carry the joy of Dharma home. The Durban association was announced as the next host for the conference in two years.
March 2024
Fo Guang Shan Africa Fellowship Conference Opens at Nan Hua Temple
March 31, 2024
The 2024 BLIA Africa Fellowship Conference was held from March 30–31 at Nan Hua Temple after a 4-year break due to the pandemic. Over 200 participants from 7 associations in South Africa and Lesotho attended. The opening ceremony featured speeches by Buddhist leaders, including recorded messages from BLIA world leaders, encouraging members to deepen their practice and strengthen unity. Key sessions included: A forum on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings, highlighting his compassion, humanistic values, and emphasis on everyday practice. Speaker training, focusing on Dharma sharing as a form of giving. A creativity workshop, teaching how to organize events effectively through teamwork and innovation. The event emphasized Buddhist education, teamwork, and spreading Humanistic Buddhism across Africa.
February 2024
Nan Hua Temple Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Joyful Crowds of Over 20,000 as the Annual Chinese New Year Cultural Festival
February 12, 2024
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple in South Africa hosted a vibrant Chinese New Year Cultural Festival on February 11, drawing over 25,000 attendees. Themed “Flowing Freely Like Clouds and Water – Joyful Peace Welcoming the New Year,” the event was filled with festive art installations, traditional blessings, and cultural showcases. The celebration began with New Year greetings and symbolic meanings of the dragon shared by temple abbot Venerable Hui Fang, followed by well-wishes from local diplomats and Fo Guang Shan leaders. A grand opening ceremony featured lion and dragon dances, accompanied by drums and firecrackers, energizing the crowd. The carnival featured four main themes: Cultural Promotion, Prayer & Blessings, Zen Joy, and Vegetarian Food, offering activities like DIY opera masks, lantern painting, tea ceremonies, and Taiwanese snacks. Cultural performances included Chinese martial arts, African instruments, Spanish and Scottish dances, and traditional New Year celebrations, captivating the audience. Visitors expressed appreciation for the immersive cultural experience, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting mutual respect, cultural exchange, and festive joy.
BLIA Chunghwa Youth Volunteer in South Africa: Onane School Charity Run
February 9, 2024
On February 5, the "Only You – South Africa Volunteers" team from Fo Guang Shan held a “Vegerun Campus Charity Run” at Onane Primary School. Over 1,000 students from grades 4 to 7 participated, each completing a 1.2 km run and receiving cornmeal, cookies, and juice as rewards. Fo Guang Youth, dressed in fun vegetable costumes, led the energetic run. Students ran at their own pace, filling the playground with excitement and joy. The school principal expressed gratitude to Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple for organizing such a meaningful event that encouraged healthy eating and exercise. A student named Makgotso shared how inspired she was to see Chinese people in real life, like in the movies, and felt motivated to stay active for good health.
BLIA Chunghwa Youth Volunteer in South Africa: Guiding Children to Learn Through Play
February 6, 2024
From January 29 to February 2, seven BLIA Chunghwa youth members traveled to Rethabiseng and Zithobeni Kids Centre to provide after-school tutoring in English and Math. They integrated "learning" into "play," enhancing the children's motivation to learn and helping over 200 children enjoy their educational experience. The program, arranged by Nan Hua Temple, aimed to introduce different teaching methods to children's centers where after-school tutoring is a long-standing practice, and also allowed the children to meet people of various ethnicities and nationalities. The youth accompanied the children in solving practice problems. Despite language barriers, they continuously simplified their English expressions to facilitate communication and learning. The classroom was filled with excitement as children were praised for answering correctly, boosting their confidence and speed in problem-solving. Children eagerly participated, with many shouting "Pick me! Pick me!" and engaging in activities like passing games, body movements, and number challenges. These games allowed them to learn through sensory experiences, direct involvement, and imitation, deepening their understanding of math and English. Youth member Wang Yusheng noted that managing the children's tasks was initially overwhelming, but after discussing with his teammates, they were able to handle it smoothly on subsequent days. Lin Xin, another youth member, shared that the children's curious and sincere expressions increased her confidence in leading them.
January 2024
BLIA South African Members Spread Warmth at Year's End, Distribute Laba Congee for Blessings
January 18, 2024
On January 13th, 2023, the BLIA community in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted its annual Laba Congee event to celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment. Organized by Fo Guang Shan South Africa's Nan Hua Temple and the BLIA Johannesburg Chapter, the event distributed over 3,000 servings of Laba congee to the public, along with a new addition—corn soup, catering to local tastes. The event involved more than 30 members and 23 youth volunteers who worked together to prepare the food and distribute it to local Chinese shopkeepers. The event also featured the display of large English posters about the Buddha’s life, promoting Buddhist teachings to the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, by integrating Buddhism into local culture and planting seeds of enlightenment in Africa. The event successfully combined charity, community engagement, and cultural exchange.
"Fo Guang Youth New Year Service: Enthusiastically Welcoming 2024"
January 3, 2024
During the year-end holidays, 60 BLIA South African Youth volunteers gathered at Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple to assist in various ceremonies. They helped with offerings, meal preparation, seating, and dishwashing. On December 31, they performed prostrations and prayers for the well-being of loved ones. They also participated in the recording of a New Year's blessing video. After a busy day, the youth joined the New Year countdown and made wishes for 2024. On January 1, they assisted with the Baby Blessing Ceremony, helped organize the venue, and prepared 1,000 boxed meals for attendees. The event deepened their understanding of Buddhism and strengthened their friendships. Afterward, they celebrated together with a gift exchange and karaoke.
Fo Guang Blessing for Babies – 2024 Nan Hua Temple Blessing Ceremony
January 3, 2024
On January 1, 2024, Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple held the "Baby Blessing Ceremony," led by Abbot Venerable Hui Fang. The ceremony welcomed 50 children with their parents, offering blessings for their health and safety. Participants chanted prayers and mantras, including the "Heart Sutra" and "Manjushri Heart Mantra," to invoke positive energy and wisdom for the children's growth. The event highlighted the temple's role in fostering cultural diversity and religious harmony, attracting local Chinese families and individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Notably, the Sooka family from India and Quinn with his father Johan, who had previously participated, expressed their joy in being part of the ceremony. The event underscored the significance of community, faith, and the nurturing of children’s spiritual and personal development, emphasizing the teachings of Master Hsing Yun’s humanistic Buddhism.