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. 

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.

The Buddha’s Light International Association recently held its biennale meeting for the Africa region. The event was hosted at Nan Hua Temple and was attended by representatives of each of the seven Chapters.

An early morning fun exercise, which was enjoyed by young and old, was led by Nan Hua Temple Manager, Venerable Master Hui Xing and kick-started the event.

The Buddha Light International Association’s Johannesburg Chapter held its annual meeting on 3 February 2013 at the Mandeville Sports Club in Johannesburg.

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.