Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Vancouver hosted its 2023 Annual General Meeting on December 16th. Abbess Venerable Chueh Chu, Richmond City Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Richmond City Councillors Bill McNulty, Chak Au, and Laura Gillanders, lawyers Edmond Luke and Sabrina Chang, temple project manager Kevin Chen, and nearly two hundred BLIA members attended the event.
Abbess Venerable Chueh Chu expressed gratitude for the steadfast support from guests and BLIA members in propagating Humanistic Buddhism for the benefit of communities across Metro Vancouver. The Abbess reiterated the importance of the theme of this year’s World Headquarters General Conference, “Coexistence and Coprosperity.” Humanity shares a causal relationship with one another, with matter, and with everything on earth. It is crucial for us to respect, be inclusive, and make peace with each other so as to coexist and coprosper within the communities.
In his address to BLIA members, Vancouver Chapter President Johnny Ng spoke of the passing of Most Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, earlier this year. The Chapter organized several memorial events reflecting on the early tribulations Most Venerable Master faced in founding Fo Guang Shan, extending through to the present day, where its positive influence on society reaches far and wide, inspiring members to renew their vows to propagate Humanistic Buddhism.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, in addition to commemorating Most Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s contributions, expressed excitement and anticipation for the progress of the new Vancouver Fo Guang Shan Temple. He noted that the new temple, situated in the city center, would offer residents an accessible and Pure Land environment in which to practice Buddhism.
Participating in the AGM for the first time, new member Chen Zhou expressed amazement and admiration at the array of activities featured in the Vancouver Chapter’s Annual Report. From cultural engagements to charitable initiatives, the shared kindness of BLIA members left a heartwarming impression. The attendance of the mayor and city councilors at the AGM shows that they closely follow the development of Vancouver Fo Guang Shan and is another gesture of their appreciation for the contributions made by BLIA members to the community.
Source &photo:BLIA
