Sunday, 3 June 2018, saw nearly 500 people visit Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Nan Hua Temple’s Parkmore Meditation Centre situated in Sandton, enjoying vegetarian faire abounds.
 
The Vegetarian Festival, now in its fourth year, celebrated vegetarianism by not only providing visitors with a fantastic taste sensation but also a chance to learn how to prepare the delicious food through a number of cooking demonstrations and recipes shared.
 
Family and friends gathered to learn more about vegetarianism, cooking vegetarian food and, of course, to taste the delicious dishes prepared by the volunteers.
 
Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) volunteers assisted alongside the BLIA Young Adults (BLIA YAD) and scouts not only promoting the benefits of vegetarianism but also recycling for a cleaner environment.
 
A quiet moment was spent by visitors enjoying an introduction to meditation and a reading from FGS’ Grand Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book, 365 Days for Travelers, where after each participant received their own copy of this thought-provoking book with inspiring quotes from great Chan (Zen) Masters through 1 000s of years, neatly and compact for everyday use.
 
A vegetarian diet has many benefits that include being kinder to the environment, increasing quality nutritional intake and reducing diseases such as heart disease. In addition, a vegetarian diet allows for compassion, mindfulness and healthier choices that benefit the environment.
 
You can also join the change to a healthier and compassionate lifestyle by pledging your support for vegetarianism, even if it’s for just one day of the week. Visit www.vegdays.org.

    “I want to thank the big brothers and sister who took care of us, led us to play the games, I also want to thank the venerable master for letting us come here to join the camp, the food was delicious and I will come back again!" Were the words of gratitude 13 year old Andile gave at the closing ceremony of Nan Hua children’s camp 2017.
 
    On June 17, nearly 60 children from nearby villages gathered in Nan Hua Temple to participate in the annual children's camp. Due to riots in the villages, the event was canceled last year. This year however, the children had stormed bright and early to register at Nan Hua Temple. Welcoming them were students from the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria and other major University and Technicon around South Africa, who came far and wide with open arms, a bright smile and a warm embrace.

    A total of 30 students came from tertiary institution from across South Africa, ranging from degree prospects to doctoral candidates. These youths arrived few days prior in preparation for the upcoming camp, setting up wonderful classes of painting, arts, crafts, monastery tours, magic shows, scientific experiments and endless hour of active play.

    After the opening ceremony, the wonderful schedule made every child cherish every moment. Placing a thin piece of paper on the glass cup, tilting the cup upside down, and seeing no water pouring out, was truly incredible! The children held their hands up high, taking turns to try out each of these fun experiments. They had endless fun learning principles about vacuums and velocity to outdoor chemical reactions, making mini volcanos out of bicarbonate soda and household vinegar. Experiencing the marvel of science lit many interest within the children, as they showered the volunteer with endless questions.
 
     In addition to classes like these, playing games and the three meal a day were what the children looked forward to the most. Not every child within the group had the joy of experiencing three basic meals a day, sometimes one or even not enough food. Though vegetarian, the children cleaned their plates every meal. Burger in the morning, fried noodles for lunch and their favorite French fries at night, they happily finished all the food and wanted even more! Even at their top speed, the SA YAD still had trouble keeping up the food service to the hunger mouths, but yet they worked tediously to satisfy every mouth and every pair of eager looking eyes.  

     June 18 was the parting day of these all so joyous days. The volunteers led the children early in the morning with exercise, dance, and games, as time flies ever so quickly when you are having fun the time for the closing ceremony was here. During the closing ceremony Venerable Abbot Hui Feng ask whether they would come back the next year, and all the children cheerfully scream “Yes”. From the hands of the Abbot, they receive a fully packed gift backpack and a thick blanket for the upcoming winter. Although the camp only took place over two short days and one night, the children cherish every moment. Being inspired to learn and enrich with knowledge, we wish them a beautiful and wonder holiday.

FGS Nan Hua Temple entered the New Year with heartfelt devotion, praise, gratitude and offerings on 31 January 2014. Temple staff, devotees, volunteers and the community joined the Abbott, monks and nuns in celebrating the arrival of the New Year in true Buddhist fashion.

The auspicious event was led by Abbot Hui Fang and started off with a purification chanting service followed by chants to invite all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and deities to join the ceremony.

This year saw the offering of delicious food to the Universal Buddhas, the 24 Heavenly Kings and their defenders in the Heavenly Feast Ceremony, which formed part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In Buddhism, the Heavenly Kings are known as the protectors of Buddhism, serving the Buddha by protecting sentient beings from disasters and allowing them to learn and practice the Dharma in order to eliminate defilements, accumulate merit and achieve perfect enlightenment. According to the Sutra, we can show our appreciation to the Heavenly Kings for tirelessly protecting the Dharma by making offerings of exquisite food, wholeheartedly prepared by disciples who pay every attention to taste, aroma, temperature and decoration. 

Members of The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) participated in the food offering ceremony, assisting the community and disciples who made offerings in the contemplative procedure paying respect and seeking protection, eliminating their bad Karma and accumulating merit.

The Great Compassionate Sutra, 10 mantras and The Heart Sutra chants followed  after which the event ended at midnight with a huge fireworks display. We thank everybody who attended and assisted with this wonderful ceremony.

Happy New Year! May all enjoy a long and auspicious life.