There were simultaneous Bathing the Buddha’s Dharma Functions from 21-23 May 2010 at different China Malls in Johannesburg and at Nan Hua Main Temple . Here, the ceremony began in the early morning of 21 May 2010 and carried on for three days over the weekend. It gave ample opportunity for visitors and devotees to offer incense before the statue of the baby Buddha, submit silent prayers and extend good wishes, all under the supervision and explanation from the officiating monastics.
Also at this time, BLIA Johannesburg and Pretoria together with the assistance from different China Malls collectively celebrated Buddha’s birthday. The three China malls were the Africa China Mall, Eastern Mall and China Town. The services were presided over by the Abbot Venerable Hui Fang, the Temple Manager Venerable Hui Xing and Ven. Yi Chuen respectively. More than 1200 people bathed the Buddha.

‘Happy Buddha’s Birthday! Best Wishes to all Monastics’!
On 16 May 2010 early in the morning devotees and members of Cape TownMeditation Center began the annual ceremony of Bathing the Buddha. The well decorated pavilion for bathing the Buddha, the spotless environment, long noodles symbolizing longevity, offerings and a vegetarian lunch were all prepared by members of Cape Town BLIA’s Chapter. Nan Hua Temple Abbot, Venerable Hui Fang, was asked to lead the service which more than ninety people attended. Among them were the Taipei Liaison Office Cape Town branch Director Du Shen Guan, elder Shuai Su Zu and secretary Zhang, who were together with the congregation. 

On 15 May 2010, the Buddha’s birthday celebration was held for the first time inLesotho. It was organized by Ms Zhen MiaoJue.  There were roughly five hundred people who attended and so this was a very special event.
The event was held at the Maseru Club. Before the event began, Nan Hua Temple Manager, Venerable Hui Xing was asked to give a sermon on the meaning of the Buddhist ‘Three Exercises, Four Harmonies and the Four  Types of Giving’. He also spoke about merits and virtues of bathing the Buddha. Then the chanting and the Buddha’s birthday celebrations started. The Altar where this took place was well decorated and dignified with fresh flowers. There were thirty young people who led the people to bathe the Buddha and make a vow in front of the statue of the small prince. After bathing the Buddha, everyone was given a Chinese pastry, inside of which was a note with the Three Exercises – these being to keep good heart, say good words and do good things, additionally one should also purify the mind and so create an harmonious society.
Although the advance notice for this event was short, it attracted many people who came to bath the Buddha. All participants were very happy and moved to take part in such a special ceremony.

On 7 May 2010, Nan Hua Temple conducted the 21st computer training graduation ceremony which was presided over by the Abbot, Venerable Hui Fang. There were eighty people who attended, including the students. Nan Hua Temple provides computer training skills for impoverished communities thus fulfilling the purpose of developing talent through education. The temple has set up computer classes at three schools in two communities, where a two-month computer training course is conducted. The course includes the Word operating system, trial balance and an introduction to databases.

Before the ceremony started, every student stood up to say a few words of appreciation. They were grateful to the Temple for arranging these computer classes and also for their facilitators’ teachings and patience. They used singing to express their gratitude. Some cheered when others were speaking, whereas others shed tears thinking of the devotion of their teachers.

In his address, Venerable Hui Fang made four suggestions to them, “in your lifetime do not stop learning, encourage others to learn, share your experience with others and when you face setbacks, face them bravely.” He also added, “Do not keep past unpleasant issues in your mind. Just see the door that opens in front of your eyes, as this will be the gateway to your path.”