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Messages of Support 2008
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Venerable Abbess Yi Lai of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne
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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our distinguished guests, members of BLIA, Volunteers, Dharma friends and all those who have participated and helped to make this year’s Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Day a success.
It is getting better and bigger each year. We thank you and are grateful for your continuing support and we look forward to future years of working in collaboration with you.
More and more people have an interest in Buddhist teachings, Buddhism is the fastest growing religion in Australia and the world. This is only possible because of your acceptance of the many different cultures and traditions which form part of the colourful and multicultural strand of Australia. Multiculturalism and multifaiths arewidely accepted and integrated in our daily lives as seen by the number of different cultures and religions in Melbourne alone.
The spirit of multiculturalism is derived from tolerance and compassion in which Buddhism shares the same spirit. The Buddhist philosophy and way of life of living in harmony and embracing differences through understanding and education is the key to unlock any prejudices and biasnesses.
The Buddha once said “Ehipassiko” meaning come and see and experience for yourself. May you all experience Dharma joy and loving kindness in your association with Buddhism.
Blessings from the Buddha and wishing you all best wishes for the forthcoming year. |
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Message from Dominique Yu - President of BLIA VIC
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On behalf of the Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the
2008 Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival.
In commemorating the Buddha's Birthday, we celebrate the significance of harmony, respect, peace and cultural awareness
in our society and the importance of sharing joy and happiness with all.
The widespread acceptance and continued growth of the festival is a testament to the Melbourne's nurturing community; it is a true
honour to share our traditions and culture.
I would like to thank the City of Melbourne; Federation Square, its management and staff; and the Victorian Multicultural
Commission (VMC) for their generous support.
Special thanks to all our volunteers for their enthusiasm and tireless efforts.
We hope you enjoy celebrating the Buddha's Birthday! |
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Lord Mayor John So - City of Melbourne
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On behalf of the City of Melbourne, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 13th
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, the 7th at Federation Square.
Melbourne has a welcoming and inclusive community which shares the traditions and
customs of people from many different faiths, backgrounds and cultures. Our diverse
community is united by vitality and passion for life.
The celebration of Buddha’s Day at Federation Square is a fantastic example of the
unique cultural events enjoyed in Melbourne. It has grown to be one of our most
popular.
The festival brings Buddhist people from across Victoria together in celebration and
shares the beauty and teachings of the Buddhist tradition with the people of greater
Melbourne.
I would like to thank the Buddhist community for sharing this peaceful celebration. The
Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria and the Fo Guang Shan Melbourne provide a valuable service to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists in
our city.
The City of Melbourne is delighted this festival is being held in the centre of the city, at
Federation Square. Enjoy Buddha’s Day in Melbourne!
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Message from Kate Brennan - CEO, Federation Square
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On behalf of Fed Square, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2008 Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival.
The Festival has a longstanding relationship with Federation Square, not only because it has been onsite for seven, wonderful years but because it was one of the first festivals held at the Square in 2002, in what was then a partially completed site.
Federation Square, as Melbourne’s inspirational public Square and civic heart, has supported the Festival’s growth into the largest Buddhist Festival in Victoria, attracting 75,000 attendees in 2007.
The multicultural events program here features twenty festivals annually, and celebrates Melbourne’s cultural diversity. Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival is a great example of these events, promoting an inclusive, peaceful and harmonious society.
We are delighted that Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival has found its home at Federation Square.
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George Lekakis - Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
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Once again the Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival in Federation Square celebrates Victoria’s core values of mutual respect and community harmony, as well as the Dharma that lies at the heart of Buddhism.
Victorians are indeed fortunate to live in one of the most stimulating, stable and multicultural societies in the world. In a population of five million, more than one million Victorians were born overseas, representing over 200 nations, speaking over 150 languages and dialects and following over 115 religious faiths.
We are also one of the most peaceful and harmonious societies in the world, thanks to an appreciation of our past, the shared endeavors of our present and the involvement of Victoria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, including distinctive representative bodies such as Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria.
And so, I extend my thanks and congratulations for organising this year’s Festival, for continuing to provide services to your followers, and for supporting Victoria’s multicultural way of life.
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