29 September 2019 at 10h00am

This year, the ceremony will include Calligraphy, an austere exercise to practice mindfulness. The ancient art of Calligraphy is practiced through slow, deliberate stroke and enhances mindfulness resulting in calming the mind.
 
By engaging our minds through such absorbing activities as calligraphy, meditation and simply being, we can bring calmness not only to our own life but also to the world, creating an environment of peace.

ENTRANCE IS FREE!  ALL WELCOME!

The ceremony will start at 10h00 in the Main Shrine (orange roof building).
Seats are limited so please ensure being 20 minutes early to reserve your seat.

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