The spiritual harmony of the 2013 Ceremony of Light and Peace was celebrated by attendees at the Nan Hua Temple on Sunday. Ordinary daily thoughts were elevated to the profound. Peace instead of war, harmony instead of hatred, admiration instead of jealousy, generosity instead of greed, tolerance instead of intolerance and wisdom instead of ignorance.  It was a celebration of prayer and blessing for mankind’s compassion in all things.

The extremely moving mantric chants of the ‘Prayer for Blessing’ started the ceremony with drum and melodic voices filling the vast cathedral space of the Main Shrine. Thereafter people moved forward to offer their candles of light and received a gift of the small and beautiful Mother-of-Pearl plant. The former representative of light in the world (wisdom) over darkness in the world (ignorance) and the latter representative of man’s generosity of spirit. This was followed by the moving voice of vocalist, Tshegofatso Makhafola and evocative sounds of Eustace Wilken’s saxophone and trumpet.

The Abbot Hui Fang, then led the 500 strong audience of adults and children in a 45 minute session of contemplative meditation. The absorbing atmosphere of reflective silence was made up of a three part sequence of relaxation, breathing and contemplation. The Abbot’s voice, which accompanied the meditation, filled one’s heart with a deep resonant peace that seems to quiet the soul and lift the spirit.

Devotee, Ellen Steadman, commented that it was not often possible to lead a small inexperienced group in short silent meditation, let alone a group of 500 adults and children for such a long period! “It’s a formidable human experience and keeps bringing people back year after year”, she said, “irrespective of individual religious beliefs.”

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow devotee, Joy Thom, who said “the bringing together of the tapestry of cultures in such a positive environment made one aware of the collective energy that can be generated for good.” “The amazing grace experienced at these moments leaves one sound in the knowledge that all things are possible.”

New comer, Di Nemo, said what impressed her most was the way she was made to feel so welcome. “Despite everyone’s busy schedule, they took the time and trouble to show me around and explain the meaning of everything as I was really concerned about inadvertently overstepping a boundary in such a venerated environment,” she said.

Devotee, Du Mann Ying, Chairlady of BLIA (Buddhist Light International Association), said it always felt so good to come together at least once a year in mediation and prayer for personal inner wisdom and peace in the world. “As life rushes faster towards individual pursuits, that can lead to such anger, ugliness and conflict, it’s very important to come together to seek knowledge and understanding.”

A hearty vegetarian lunch completed the celebrations with entertainment provided by the BLIA Youth Group. 

There  are few days in our lifetime, where we have to gather to celebrate our academic  achievement. But what we gain from such days has the superb ability to reshape  our lives and realize our dreams.

The smiling, gorgeous, handsome and  “dressed to kill” individuals, the graduates and their teachers, family and  friends, filled the Nan Hua  Academy assembly hall to the capacity. Students who just finished learning  Basic Computers, Ms Office & Pastel Accounting Courses at Nan  Hua  Academy and Basic computer  courses graduates from Mamelodi gathered here to receive their hard-earned certification. 

The speeches from graduate representatives were mostly  expressing the appreciation to the temple for providing such an opportunity for  them to gain some valuable computer skills, to kick-start their lives and get  rid of poverty. The graduates thanked the staff at the academy for all the hard  work and patience they put into ensuring success in acquiring the knowledge.  They wished them a very successful life, and to continue helping other students  in the future.
 
The graduations also was also attended by some of the Nanahua  Academy sponsors, some of whom got an opportunity to deliver a speech, for  example Mrs Du Man Yin and Mr. Phillip Chen. In their speech they encouraged the  graduates to be brave, and to face all life difficulties with strong heart and  determination, to be aware of the opportunities that present themselves, and  also to get up every morning with a new hope of success in whatever they dream  off.
 
The Keynote address was delivered by Venerable Hui Xing,  the Manager of Nan Hua Temple, who made the graduates aware of two  important things in life, knowledge and attitude. He stressed that none of these  important items in life can stand on its own. A successful life for any person  is not a subject of luck, but rather the combining of knowledge and positive  mental attitude towards whatever the person has decided to do.

 He wished the  graduates best of health and opportunities and invited the graduates to come and  visit the temple in the future, to bring successful stories of their lives, so
that others can learn and be inspired by them.

The annual Light and Peace ceremony will once again
be held at the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit on 29 September 2013, 10h30 to
12h00, celebrating and promoting peace and
harmony.



This
year’s event will focus on spiritual awareness through relaxation, music and
compassion meditation. The positive feedback from last year encouraged Nan Hua
Temple to offer visitors a chance of discovering freedom of mind and offering
them the opportunity to relax, emptying the dialogue of the mind and having a
chance to connect to their inner being. It also offers the opportunity for
engaging with like-minded, multi-cultural people, and benefiting from a
collective energy.
 
According
to Venerable Jue Kai, the change from a frenetic festival theme to a tranquil,
engaging event has been very well received. The celebration will be more
meditative, serene and peaceful. Guests will have the opportunity to experience
difference forms of meditation, listen to a traditional Eastern and Western
musical performance and give light offerings for peace and goodwill around the
world.
 
Visitors
will receive a small Mexican Ghost succulent (Graptopetalum
  paraguayense), a species of succulent plant in the jade plant
  family, which is an easy-to-grow, drought resistant succulent and depicts
  environmental sustainability and spiritual preservation, celebrating internal
  growth as well as harmony with the natural world around us.
 
Entrance
and lunch is free and families and children are welcome. Guest will be
entertained during lunch by a Youth Talent Show.