Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple situated in Bronkhorstspruit celebrated Chinese New Year on Sunday, 10 February 2019, welcoming the New Lunar Year, the Year of the Pig, in true Eastern style.
 
Festivities started with the traditional candle lighting ceremony at 9h30 in the morning followed by the official opening. The mentor of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Yi Chun, provided some insight into what we can expect from the Year of the Pig. She also mentioned that us humans, use pigs for multiple reasons and that we should rather become vegetarian and live a pure life. “The founder of Nan Hua Temple and the founding Chairman of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), Grand Master Ysing Yun, age 94 this year, instructed me to wish you a year always well-rounded and be auspicious. May everything go well with you in the Year of the Pig. The pig represents courage, loyalty, blessing, appreciation and wealth. When we were young, we were given piggy banks where we can save our pocket money. When it filled up, we were overjoyed with the little fortune we accumulated. I sincerely hope that in this new year, we can all learn to grow and manage our wealth properly. Learn to express gratitude to others and to cherish what we already have in life. ” said Venerable Yi Chun.
 
Vicki Jacob visited this year and reported, “This was my fourth visit to the Nan Hua Temple to celebrate the Chinese New Year and each year it gets better and better.  I loved seeing so many different cultures interacting with one another in harmony.  I joined the introduction to meditation class for the first time and found it immensely relaxing.  Best of all was the amazing variety of food stalls, all vegetarian, which was excellent for me.”
 
VIPs present included the Abbot of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Fang, who led the proceedings; the representative of the Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa, Mr Matthew W Chou and Mrs Grace Chou; Sino South Africa Chamber of Commerce president, Mr Robin Xu and Mrs Susan Sun; director of the BLIA World Headquarters, Mrs Sherry Chen;  The Whole Africa Overseas Chinese Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association president, Mr Xin-Tsu Lee and Mrs Wenxin Xu; Senior Commissioner of Overseas Chinese Affair Commission, Mr Vincent Lin; First Secretary Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa,  Mr Chia-Lun Wang; South Africa-China Shenzhen general chamber of commerce president, Mr Chan Wan Sang and Mrs Meilian Chan;  Southern African Taiwanese Ha-Ga Association, Mr Nick Lo; Chairlady of Global Federation of Chinese Businesses Women Southern Africa Chapter, Mrs Pamela Yang; The African Federation of Chinese Women in Commerce and Industry, Mrs Char-Main Chung; Gauteng Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Honourable Chairperson Mr John Chung; Buddhist Companion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation regional director of Johannesburg Chapter , Mr Fu-Lai Huang; Chinese Women Association in South Africa, Mrs Oscar Liao; Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation senior volunteer, Ming Hui Chang; Pretoria Culture and Education Foundation, Mr Peter Chen and Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation senior volunteer, Mr Jake Shih.
 
An array of cultural festivities took place during the celebrations including the traditional Dragon and Lion dances, Spanish and Scottish dancing, Nan Hua Temple Performing Arts Group Drumming, martial arts and various other musical performances to the delight of young and old.
 
A myriad of cultural food and craft stalls offered not only sustenance but a unique taste sensation with sumptuous vegetarian faire for sale.
 
There were several other inspiring events for all to enjoy including a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and meditation.
 
Children’s entertainment included a super slide, peddle car racing and loads of entertainment for including lantern and face painting and balloon art.
 
We wish you a very successful Year of the Pig and hope to see you at the 2020 Chinese New Festival!

Dear All
 
Below is the 2019 retreat almanac.
Please take note of our booking policy and dress code.
All bookings are done on a ‘first come first serve’ basis subject to availability.
Contact Sipho at Tel: 013 931 0009 (only available from 5th January) or email: info@nanhua.co.za to confirm availability before paying your deposit.
Your booking is only secured upon payment of your deposit.
Confirmation of bookings will be done via email after the receipt of your deposit.
An admin fee will be charged on all cancellations or date changes.
Changes in booking dates will only be accepted after 1 March 2019.
See terms and conditions for full disclosure.
 
NOTE
The value of Meditation Retreat is priceless. Thus, Nan Hua Temple does not charge fees for any Meditation Class. However, fees will be charged for Accommodation and Meals.
The retreat is practice for Buddhism. It is practiced to enlighten and teach our participants about Buddhism in forms of meditation, dharma practices and such. We do not charge anything for the retreat. All costs included are for accommodation only.
 
Cost of accommodation for level 1 and level 2:
1. R400 per person (double room – sharing with someone of the same gender in a chalet)
2. R500 per person (single room – own en-suite bedroom and bathroom or bedroom with adjoining shower, same gender in a chalet)
3. R800 per person (private chalet, one person only)
 
Dress code
This is a practicing monastery. Please do not wear sleeveless tops, shorts or sundresses. Please make sure your shoulders, upper arms, midriff and knees are covered. Socks must be worn in the meditation hall.

Chinese New Year Festival 2019
10 February 2019

Join us for Chinese New Year celebrations on 10 February 2019.

During Chinese New Year, Nan Hua Temple will host a series of traditional events that can be enjoyed by all South Africans.

We extend an open invitation to everyone to join us in celebrating the Chinese New Year and to be part of a series of memorable events.

Wishing you a prosperous new year and may your ventures and journeys ahead be filled with endless and wondrous possibilities!

Event schedule for Sunday,10 February 2019
9h30  Light Offering Dharma Ceremony
10h00  Opening Ceremony for Chinese Cultural Festival
10h00 ~ 15h30  Chinese Cultural Festival
11h30 ~ 14h30  Multicultural Performances

Drum and dance by Nan Hua Performing Arts Group
 
Nan Hua Performing Arts Group Introduction
Under the encouragement of Grand Master Hsing Yun, 2013 marks the birth of the Nan Hua Performing Arts Group. The group is aimed at providing guidance and learning opportunities to girls who live in underdeveloped and rural areas. Their daily lives are now filled with classes that range from a variety of arts to livelihood skills. These classes include computer skills, Mandarin language classes, traditional Chinese drumming, traditional African dancing, African Marimba Xylophone, modern dance, Chinese martial arts and dance. A group of girls from small villages and homes now perform on global stages and connects with the world through the performance of multicultural song and dance.
 
In March 2018, the team was cordially invited to participate at the UN Women’s Commission on the Status of Women Conference held in the USA. On stage, each member showed their self-confidence, skill and talent, characteristics that was cultivated through their education, arts and culture. Their song and dance performance lit not only the stage but the hearts of all those who watched. They told simple yet elegant stories of their lives, stories that contained a spectrum of emotions, which brought tears to many in the audience. A feat of Grandmaster Hsing Yun’s humanistic Buddhism, a beginning to a light that will spread continuously throughout Africa.
 
This year's programme combines the beauty of dance with the power of drums. Through the passion of African culture, it demonstrates the aesthetic beauty within the fusion of tradition and modernity. Like the freedom expressed by a waving flag, ordinary voices in song can resonate in both heart and spirit of the people. Like the spirit and dedication of the team, may we always strive for higher peaks and aim for achievements that are extraordinary.  
 
Dawning Beats from Africa
Drum and dance by Nan Hua Performing Arts Group
 
Johannesburg
Date: 22 September 2018
Time: 19h00
Venue: Marcellus Theatre, Emperors Palace, JHB
 
Durban
Date: 26 September 2018
Time: 19h00
Venue: Izulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, Durban
 
Free entrance
For tickets (limited seating):
Please contact info@nanhua.co.za and show your confirmation with reference number at the door to obtain the ticket.

 On June 24th, began the annual Youth Talented Camp of Nan Hua Temple. A near total of 70 young adults attended with youthful vitality and spirit to learn. The activities of four days and three nights melted away the winter chills as their voices and warmth filled the temple halls. Though lessons, games, and other daily activities, they successfully broke ice, made new friends, and left precious friendship with each other.

 Arts and sports were taught by two Taiwanese teacher selected by the Taiwan Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, Ms. Pan Huiling of traditional arts and Mr Rong Peichen who took the reins in the sport field  The camp team courses are divided into two groups: boys and girls. Under the leadership of Mr. Pan Huiling, the young people realized the profoundness of Chinese traditional paintings. A few simple strokes painted the breeze of bamboo, and a few more painted the emptiness of mountains and clouds, all defined by simple shades of black and white. Out of the artistic conception of Chinese painting, the art of making a shadow play is time-consuming and mentally beautiful. From the selection of characters to the use of a few chopsticks, a lively performance can be a created effortlessly, yet beautiful. Mr Rong Peichen once won the Asian Cup International Diabolo Tournament Championship. His jaw-dropping techniques kept the youth determined and inspired their enthusiasm for learning. Everyone dared to try various moves, whether success or failure, they all worked extremely hard and gave 110% to mimicking the teacher's designated actions.

 In addition to the two main courses of folk art and folk sports, the camp also arranged classes for the study of Buddhist rules, discussions of the spirit of youthful bodhisattva, inspiring words from grand master Hsing Yun, and a magnitude of mentally challenging games. On the last night, everyone offered a pray for their family and friends in the shrine of Samantabhadra. A pray written by grand master Hsing Yun wishing for their family’s happiness, safety and health.

 On the last day of the camp on the 27th, during the camping ceremony, young people displayed the Chinese paintings and weaving techniques that they had learned over the past two days. The results of the Diabolo that they had practiced in the few days also won many applause. Mr Pei-Chen Chen also performed a world class act, juggling four Diabolo at same time! His exquisite skills were truly amazing and world class. After announcing the rankings of the groups, the young people reluctantly bid farewell and look forward to the next gathering.

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.