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World Peace Blessing Ceremony 2008 Official Festival Program Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival Little Monk Pilgrimage Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival Pocket Program
World Peace Blessing Ceremony 10am Sunday 18th of May 2008
The annual World Peace Blessing Ceremony marks the official proceedings of the annual two day Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival in Federation Square . It is a unique ceremony conducted by the Abbess Yi Lai of Nan Tien Temple and the Venerables of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne which combines the traditional rituals of the “Bathing of the Buddha” and a ceremony for World Peace and features a traditional 'Welcome to Country' by Aunty Doreen Garvey Wandin, Senior Wurundjeri Elder, Traditional Owners of Melbourne. The ceremony will commence with a colourful welcome by the Chinese Lion, performing a traditional Lion Dance by the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM). It will include a mass offering ceremony by devotees of Fo Guang Shan in traditional dress; traditional Buddhist chanting and messages of well wishes from dignitaries. Abbess Yi Lai, Head of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne; Nan Tien Temple Sydney and Chung Tian Temple, Queensland delivers her annual message to attendees. The World Peace Blessing Ceremony it is a special celebration, highlighting and promoting cooperation, community understanding and harmony amongst all in our diverse multi-faith and multicultural society. Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria hopes you will join us for this unique ceremony for World Peace for all.
The Ch'an of Tea, Flower and Music 12pm-5pm Saturday 17th of May 2008 & 12pm-5pm Sunday 18th May 2008 The Ch’an of Tea, Flower and Music is a special program of demonstrations and participative sessions in The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge which revolve around the meditative practices of Ikebana; Tea Ceremony accompanied by the music of the Gu-Zheng – Chinese Zither; Ch’an Meditation and a series of Fo Guang Shan dharma discussions – “Why suffer? Be Happy” and the daily two part session, "The Path to Liberation". These traditional ‘arts’ require the dedication, study and years of training to perfect. Many masters would say decades. Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2008 - The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge
Why Suffer? Be Happy Why do we suffer? We can follow the path of the Four Noble Truth to liberate ourselves from suffering and find happiness.
Where or how are we supposed to find happiness? Want to learn more, come and hear and experience for yourself the teachings of Venerable Jue Yao.
The Path to Liberation: Part One What are the social pressures facing us today? Part One explores the understanding of the Nature of Life and understanding our own Minds. Where or how are we supposed to find liberation? Want to know more, come and hear and experience for yourself the teachings of Venerable Miao You.
As part of The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge, The Ch'an of Tea, Flower and Music, Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter 29 Inc presents The Art of Flower. Ikebana International does not teach any single type of Ikebana. Rather, it is an interest group made up of people of many nationalities who enjoy Ikebana and other arts of Japan. Many of the members have studied Ikebana, some have not. For the Art of Flower, members of Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter 29 Inc will present a demonstrative survey of five different schools of Ikebana currently practiced in Melbourne. Display arrangements of the Shogetsudokoryu, Sogetsu, Ohara, Ikenobo and Ichiyo Schools in the Lobby of BMW Edge are proudly presented by Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter.
As part of The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge, The Ch'an of Tea, Flower and Music, Gu Zheng Master, Ms Lei Hong and Tea Master, Ms Lei Hong present The Art of Tea Ceremony In the Art of Tea Ceremony, Tea Master Miss Jin explores the symbolism of Ch’an Tea Ceremony, Flower and Music, accompanied by Ms Lei Hong on the traditional Gu Zheng (Chinese Zither), In Buddhism, the offering of tea, flower and music is one of the ten offerings depicted in the “Emperor Liang’s Great Repentance” Sutra. The Art of Tea Ceremony demonstrates the tradition of offering the aroma and ceremony of tea making, the fragrance of flowers and the gentle music of the Gu Zheng to the Buddha.
The Path to Liberation: Part Two What are the social pressures facing us today? Part Two explores changing our attitudes and achieving calmness (Samadhi) and insight (Vipassana) from meditation. Once we have begun the journey to understand the nature of life and our own minds, how do we effect change within ourselves and achieve calmness and insight? Want to know more, come and hear and experience for yourself the teachings of Venerable Ru Yi. Learn how to abandon the hindrances of the day – the things that have bothered you, and cultivate the good. Transform yourself in this very simple exercise of letting go.
Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne - Youth Forum 10am-12pm Saturday 17th 2008 Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne – is an inaugural youth forum focusing on the sharing of faith and the celebration of faith and culture amongst Melbourne’s young. Speakers from different religions and cultures will share their thoughts and experiences to provide an insight into their own religion and culture. The forum, which will also include a special performance by Project R.A.C.E Ensemble and a workshop facilitated by the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues; hopes to provide a venue for youths to discuss issues surrounding faith and culture and promote understanding and tolerance. Organised by Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria and supported by the Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network (MMYN), an initiative of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and the Office for Youth (OFY) and the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI). For further details contact: Frank Mach or Linda Huang, BLIA YAD & MMYN Members Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne Speakers Application Form
Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian 12pm-5pm Saturday 17th & 12.30pm-5pm Sunday 18th May 2008 Some Buddhists are vegetarian as they believe that all sentient beings should be treated equal including animals and that one should not directly harm life. They are also vegetarian to cultivate compassion. Being vegetarian isn’t all about tofu burgers, slads and mung beans. Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria is proud present the inaugural Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian, vegetarian cooking demonstrations with chefs and cooks from some of Melbourne’s finest establishments and renowned vegetarian eateries. Guest presenters include: Fifteen Melbourne & Fifteen Foundation in conjunction with the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation;Tony Tan; Vue de Monde; Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden - Elwood Primary School; Lentil as Anything, Vegie Mum and the ladies of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition (VIRWC). Proudly supported by Miele Australia
The Bodhi Tree - Field of Enlightenment Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2008
The Bodhi Tree – Ficus religiosa, is a sacred tree to the Buddhists. The Buddha sat under its branches in meditation and achieved enlightenment. It is the oldest tree depicted in Indian art and literature and is said to be the mythical “World Tree” or the “Tree of Life”. The tree itself has become an international symbol of the Buddha’s presence and an object of worship. The Bodhi tree plays a very important role for Buddhists of all traditions, being a reminder and an inspiration, a symbol of peace, of Buddha’s’ enlightenment and of the ultimate potential that lies within us all. The Bodhi Tree – Field of Enlightenment is a special participative project/installation which encompasses the attributes of the Bodhi tree and depicts the spread of the Dharma throughout the world. Each leaf is designed to allow participants to write a special message/wish – their own hopes of enlightenment. The leaf is then attached to a special weighted wire base and placed in the centre of St Paul’s Court. As more people contribute their special messages, the field of leaves grows. At the end of the project, the leaves will be collated and taken to the Fo Guang Shan Melbourne main temple for blessings. The Bodhi Tree – Field of Enlightenment has be realized in conjunction with Australian industrial designer, Nick Rennie of Happy Finish Designs.
The Traditional Chinese Art Hall Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
One of the most significant developments in Chinese Art was the establishment in the 7th century of Ch'an Tsung, a form of Chinese Buddhism. It's empahsis was on sudden enlightenment, which is obtained through meditation. This kind of enlightenment, or inspiration, is quite beyond explaination, it cannot be put into words as the comprehension rests in one's heart. Mastering chinese calligraphy and chinese brush work requires a certain stillness of the heart and soul, in the Traditional Chinese Art Hall Master Ho and his students will guide you in Buddhist teachings via traditional chinese ink and brush techniques. The Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of Fo Guang Shan is renown for his calligraphic works. Begin your journey to wisdom and the true meaning of life through sutra scribing practice in the peaceful setting of the Traditional Chinese Art Hall.
Buddha's Day Knowledge Centre - Books @ Fed Square Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008 Books @ Fed Square is Melbourne's premier weekly Book Market. Featuring fifteen storeholders with over 200 years of collective experience and a selection of over 5000 new and pre-loved titles, specialising in the fields of literature, gardening, history, photography and art. For the first time, Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival brings the Buddha's Day Knowledge Centre. Interested in learning more about Buddhism? The Buddha's Day Knowledge centre will have books by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of Fo Guang Shan and titles published by Buddha's Light Publishing in conjunction with the Fo Guang Shan Translation Centre Other titles will include Buddhist history, the daily life as a Buddhist, meditation teachings and Vegetarian Cooking books. Books available in both English and Chinese. Location: The Atrium, Federation Square
Harmony Hall - Traditional Arts, Crafts & Activities for Kids Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008 Come enjoy the massive fun-filled Harmony Hall with a mix of traditional arts and craft activities learn how to fold a lotus flower; make a lantern or traditional abacus; master traditional Chinese knotting and beading techniques; create a red packet fish or a Chinese opera mask; try your hand at origami or the intricate art of paper cutting; grab a brush and learn the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy and add a crane to the ''Paper Crane World Peace Blessing Tree". If that's not enough make your own sand-bottle; have your face painted; have a go at the lucky dip or pop-pop game. All that and many more fun activities for young and old, all in the Harmony Hall.
Tai Chi for Whole the Family Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
This very special workshop for the whole family is led by Mark Mayes, Senior Instructor of Tai Chi/Qi Gong and founder of Elixir Field. Mark is a nationally accredited coach of Martial Arts and a 3rd Dan in Tai Chi. His sessions will teach children and their parents or guardians, the ancient art of Tai Chi, generating and circulating the Chi (Vital Energy). You and the kids will learn a series of basic Tai Chi movements which will emphasises relaxation, balance and flexibility leading to a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit. Location: ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr Prior bookings essential, limited places - please call ArtPlay for more information
Share Tea with Me - Ch'an Tea Ceremony for Children Saturday 17th 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
Location: ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr Prior bookings essential, limited places - please call ArtPlay for more information
Sacred Songs - The Multifaith Concert 6.30pm Saturday 17th of May 2008 Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria and Fo Guang Shan Melbourne are proud to announce, Sacred Songs – The Multifaith Concert. This inaugural choral and instrumental concert will feature singers and musicians of diverse faiths and cultures, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Choir; the Anglican Choir of Christ Church Brunswick; the Colour of Unity - Qawwali Choir; the Tamil Christian Congregation of Victoria; Andrew Travis, Didgeridoo; Cath Connelly, Celtic Harp and Radhey Shyam Gupta, Traditional Hindu Sitar. Entry via gold coin donation Location: BMW Edge, Federation Square
An Interfaith Ceremony for World Peace 1pm Saturday 17th of May 2008 Presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Temple in partnership with The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne. Victoria’s multicultural society comprises people from more than 100 faiths. While our religions and spiritualities differ, human values are found at the ethical core of each faith. The value of Peace, both Inner and Outer Peace, is a shared value of the world’s religious and spiritual traditions. In this Ceremony, prayers for world peace will be offered by representatives of several religions. Together, participants will make a Light Offering for understanding and respect between the peoples of the world’s religious and spiritual traditions. Introduction: Rev. Helen Summers, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne Buddhist Prayer: Venerable Miao Yuan, Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Baha'i Prayer: Kylie Payman, Australian Baha'i Community Hindu Prayer: Brahmacharini Nivedita Chaitanya, Chinmaya Mission Islamic Prayer: Toltu Tufa, Salam Cafe - SBS Sufi Prayer: Shaikha Nuria Daly, The Sufi Movement in Australia Date & Time: Saturday 17th May 2008 at 1pm Venue: Buddha's Stage, Federation Square
Baby Blessing Ceremony Saturday 17th of May 2008 A newborn is a gift of hope and a promise to ourselves and to the world at large; a continuation of the power of life expressed in the new little face you hold before you. Babies enter the world surrounded by the hopes, dreams, joys and most importantly love of their parents, family and friends. Every parent has hopes and aspirations that their child grows in good health physically and mentally; that they live a meaningful and fulfilling life; that they develop a kind and loving heart and that they become wise and are blessed with good fortune. Fo Guang Shan Melbourne is pleased to announce the 2008 Buddha's Day Baby Blessing Ceremony, where children under the age of five will be blessed by the Venerables of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne, so that they may live a happy and fulfilled life under the protection and guidance of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The ceremony will be held as part of the annual Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival held in Federation Square 17th and 18th of May 2008. Eligibility: Open to children under 5 years of age Date & Time: Saturday 17 th of May 2008 at 2pm ; Venue : Buddha's Stage, Federation Square How to register: Forms are to be completed and returned to Fo Guang Shan Melbourne or affiliated branches. Registration forms are to be received no later than the 14th May 2008 . Registration fees of $20.00 includes a special memento of your child's blessing; full payment is to accompany the completed form. Click here to download a registration form or here for more information Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery and Tea House Fo Guang Yuan Box Hill
Official Program The 2008 Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival is a two day festival, commencing 10am Saturday 17th and concluding at 5pm on Sunday 18th of May in the heart of Melbourne, Federation Square. Program for Buddha's Day Festival 2008 Daily Events 10am-5pm (both days)
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