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Cloud

World Peace Blessing Ceremony
An Interfaith Ceremony for World Peace
The Ch'an of Tea, Music and Flower - The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge
Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne - Youth Forum
Annual Baby Blessing Ceremony
Harmony Hall - Traditional Arts, Crafts & Activities for all
The Bodhi Tree - Field of Enlightenment
The Traditional Chinese Art Hall
Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian
The Buddha's Day Knowledge Centre - Books @ Fed Square, Atrium
Share Tea with Me - Ch'an Tea Ceremony for Children
Tai Chi for the Whole Family
Sacred Songs - The Multifaith Concert

General Festival Program

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
Buddha Stage, Federation Square

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 Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge, Federation Square

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

12pm-12.45pm

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Talk - Why suffer? Be Happy, presented by Venerable Jue Yao of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne

1pm-1.45pm

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Talk - "The Path to Liberation: Part One, presented by Venerable Miao You of Fo Guang Shan

2pm-2.45pm

The Art of Flower, presented by Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter 29 Inc

3pm-3.45pm

The Art of the Tea Ceremony (Tea Meditation accompanied by Gu Zheng, Ms Lei Hong), presented by Miss Jin, Tea Master

4pm-4.45pm

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Talk – "The Path to Liberation: Part Two, presented by Venerable Ru Yi of Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Series

Venerable Jue Yao

Venerable Jue Yao was a Business graduate from a Hong Kong University before attending Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Buddhist College in Taiwan.

Since graduating from FGS Buddhist College, she has been practising in Chung Tian Temple in Brisbane. The Venerable has taught Buddhism and Meditation at Griffith University and University of Queensland.

Currently, Venerable Jue Yao teaches Meditation at Victoria University and International Buddhist College of Victoria (also known as Fo Guang Shan Melbourne) in Yarraville.

Venerable Jue Yao presents the first Fo Guang Shan dharma talk, Why suffer? Be happy.

Why Suffer? Be Happy

Why do we suffer?
How can we liberate ourselves from suffering?
What is the path to be happy?

We can follow the path of the Four Noble Truth to liberate ourselves from suffering and find happiness.
  1. The Truth of Suffering
  2. The Cause of Suffering
  3. The Cessation of Suffering
  4. The Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering

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.

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Series

Venerable Miao You

Venerable Miao You is one of the resident teachers at Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong, NSW. She is a disciple of the world renowned Dharma Master, the very Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Venerable Miao You has resided in Nan Tien Temple for the past 4 years after spending two years in Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan where she received her training from the Meditation College.

Besides being an experienced teacher in Mahayana Buddhism, she also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the Macquarie University. Venerable Miao You presents the first of the two part Fo Guang Shan dharma session, The Path to Liberation: Part One.

 

The Path to Liberation: Part One

What are the social pressures facing us today?
Why do we feel these pressures?
How can we liberate ourselves from such feelings?

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.

The Art of Flower

Ikebana with Ikebana International Chapter 29 Inc

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.

The Art of Tea Ceremony

Ch'an Tea Ceremony

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.

Fo Guang Shan Dharma Series

Venerable Ru Yi

Venerable Ru Yi was born in Taiwan. She graduated from Fo Guan Shan Buddhist College in 1998.

Venerable Ru Yi is the former Chief Executive Officer of Nan Tian Chinese School.  She has been the guiding Venerable of BLIA Sydney Young Adults Division (YAD) groups for several years and assists the youths in organising annual Youth Conferences and Camps for Children.

Since 2007, Venerable Ru Yi has been conducting scripture classes in primary schools in the Wollongong region. She is also the resident teacher of the Nan Tien Buddhist College in Wollongong.

Venerable Ru Yi presents the second of the two part Fo Guang Shan dharma session, The Path to Liberation: Part Two .

The Path to Liberation: Part Two

What are the social pressures facing us today?
Why do we feel these pressures?
How can we liberate ourselves from such feelings?

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.

 

 

forum

 

Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne - Youth Forum

10am-12pm Saturday 17th 2008
The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge, Federation Square

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

Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian

12pm-5pm Saturday 17th & 12.30pm-5pm Sunday 18th May 2008
River Terrace, Federation Square

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
St Paul's Court, Federation Square

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.

 

 

books

The Traditional Chinese Art Hall

Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
Swanston Street Forecourt, Federation Square

Venerable Master Hsing Yun Calligraphy

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.

 

 

 

books

Buddha's Day Knowledge Centre - Books @ Fed Square

Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
The Atrium, Federation Square

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

Harmony Hall - Traditional Arts, Crafts & Activities for Kids

Saturday 17th of May 2008 & Sunday 18th May 2008
River Terrace, Federation Square

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
ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr

ArtPlay

Mark Mayes

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
ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr

ArtPlay

Share Tea with Me

 

Presented in conjunction with ArtPlay, Share Tea with Me is returning in 2008 due to popular demand. A very special and memorable program for children and their families.

Share tea with me – is a three hour workshop introducing the rituals and symbolism of the Ch’an Tea Ceremony and the significance of reflection and sharing.

In the first session children will paint teacups for their loved ones and themselves; then have the opportunity to explore the Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival and watch international Tea Master, Miss Jin conduct a Tea Demonstration in BMW Edge.

In the afternoon, children from the Buddha’s Light Youth Group will share the art of the Ch’an Tea Ceremony using the personalised tea cups. Kids can then perform their own tea ceremony – inviting others to share tea.

Location: ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr

Prior bookings essential, limited places - please call ArtPlay for more information

 

 

songs

Sacred Songs - The Multifaith Concert

6.30pm Saturday 17th of May 2008
The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge, Federation Square

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
Buddha Stage, Federation Square

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

Christian Prayer:
Rev. Helen Summers, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne

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
Buddha Stage, Federation Square

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 ;

Registration at 1.30pm

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
89 Somerville Road , YARRAVILLE VIC 3013 ph 03 9314 5147

Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery and Tea House
141 Queens Street , MELBOURNE VIC 3000 ph 03 9642 2388

Fo Guang Yuan Box Hill
24A Rutland Road , BOX HILL VIC 3128 ph 03 9890 8188

 

 

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)

  • Exhibition: Buddha's Light in Victoria
  • Exhibition: Cloud and Water - Commemorative 50yr Anniversary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun - Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Atrium
  • Bathing of the Buddha (except when daily ceremonies are conducted)
  • Harmony Under One Sky - Multicultural Performance Stage
  • Wishing Bell
  • Children's Activities
  • Tastes of Asia - Vegetarian Food Fair, River Terrace
  • Arts & Crafts Demonstrations
  • Traditional Chinese Painting Demonstrations
  • Community Service organizations information booths featuring the Metropolitan Fire Brigade SmokeBUSter Bus, The City West Water Education Unit, The 'Go for Your Life' Team, Children First Foundation, Chinese Cancer Society of Melbourne (CCSV), The Asthma Foundation of Victoria, Chinese Traditional Medicine Consultations and the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition (VIRWC)
  • Buddhist Treasures Market
  • Vegi-licious: the Karma of Being Vegetarian, Vegetarian Cooking Demonstrations
  • Saturday 17th Highlights
    11am-11.30am Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Purification Ceremony, Buddha's Stage
    10am-12pm Living in Multicultural Multifaith Melbourne - Interfaith Youth Forum, The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge
    1pm-1.30pm An Interfaith Prayer Ceremony: The Sharing of Wisdom, Buddha’s Stage – presented in conjunction with the Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
    2pm-2.30pm Baby Blessing Ceremony, Buddha’s Stage – presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne
    3.30pm-4pm Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Buddha’s Day Dharma Service, Buddha’s Stage
    12pm-5pm The Ch’an of Tea, Flower and Music, BMW Edge
    12pm-5pm Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian, Vegetarian Cooking Demonstrations
    12pm-1.30pm & 3pm-4.30pm ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr: Share Tea with Me – Children’s Ch’an Tea Meditation Program
    11am-11.30am & 2pm-2.30pm Tai Chi for the Whole Family, ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr
    10am-5pm Birth of the Sakyamuni Buddha – Garden landscape display depicting the legend of the birth of the Sakyamuni Buddha
    10am-5pm The Bodhi Tree – Field of Enlightenment – participative Art installation in conjunction with Nick Rennie, Happy Finish Designs
    6pm-7.30pm Sacred Songs - an Interfaith Concert, The Wisdom Hall - BMW Edge
    Sunday 18th Highlights
    10am-12pm World Peace Blessing Ceremony – annual Official ceremony for the Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
    3.30pm-4pm Fo Guang Shan Melbourne Buddha's Day Dharma Service, Buddha's Stage
    12pm-5pm The Ch'an of Tea, Flower and Music, BMW Edge
    11am-11.30am & 2pm-2.30pm Tai Chi for the Whole Family, ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr
    12pm-1.30pm & 3pm-4.30pm ArtPlay: Share Tea with Me - Children's Ch'an Tea Meditation Program
    12.30pm-5pm Vegi-licious: The Karma of Being Vegetarian, Vegetarian Cooking Demonstrations
    10am-5pm The Bodhi Tree – Field of Enlightenment – participative Art installation in conjunction with Nick Rennie, Happy Finish Designs


    All Rights Reserved by BLIA Victoria and Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (2008)