Chinese New year celebrated at Nan Hua Temple

On the eve of 30 January 2014, local Chinese gathered at Nan Hua Temple to enter the new lunar year in traditional Chinese style.

Chinese New Year is an important traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival, the literal translation of the modern Chinese name, Nian festival. The New Year is celebrated on the first new moon of the New Year. This year is the Year of the Horse according to Chinese customs.

The Abbot of Nan Hua Temple, Venerable Hui Fang, opened the doors at 23h30 and the celebrations started with a service that included paying homage to a thousand Buddhas. The traditional incense offering led to the chanting of the Heart Sutra after which the chant of the prayer to all Buddhas took place followed by the attendees taking Refuge in the Triple Gem and the Transference of Merit.

Venerable Hui Fang led the proceedings and read the prayer for the New Year written by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Yi Chun shared a very inspiring message for the upcoming year and also recalled some past memories.

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.

FGS Nan Hua Temple celebrated New Year 2013 with a special Dragon Light offering event that synergised Buddhism and spirituality in a very extraordinary and heart-felt experience for all those who attended.

The light and peace celebration held at the Nan Hua Temple on Sunday 30th September 2012, was a wonderful and heartening ceremony in which families, friends and devotees were able to light a candle and express goodwill and peace for mankind.