FGS Nan Hua Temple and members of Buddha’s Light International (BLIA), recently celebrated Bodhi Day. The BLIA members, FGS Nan Hua staff, along with volunteers, prepared the traditional porridge and handed it out throughout various Chinese shopping malls situated in Johannesburg and surrounds.

The tradition stems from the history of the Enlightenment of The Buddha and is commemorated by Buddhists around the world.

The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) and FGS Nan Hua Temple recently donated more food to the distraught orphanage in Kanana Park, an informal settlement south of Johannesburg.

Brenda, the pastor and founder of the crèche, contacted BLIA’s Johannesburg chapter and asked for urgent assistance as the orphanage, which cares for between 50 and 60 children, was running out of food. The children vary in age, from about age one to approximately age five.

Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple arranged a ceremony for Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem on the first day of January 2013. Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem means that you officially become a Buddhist and embrace the teachings of the Triple Gem. The Triple Gem encompasses of The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.