2010 ANNUAL WORLD PEACE BLESSING CEREMONY

10am, Sunday 16th May

Buddha Stage, The Square

The World Peace Blessing Ceremony combines the traditional ritual of the “Bathing of the Buddha” and a ceremony for World Peace with a traditional “Welcome to Country” by Aunty Annette Xibberis, Senior Wurundjeri Elder, Traditional Owners of Melbourne.

It’s our welcome to the festival for another year.

The ceremony is conducted by the Abbess Yi Lai of Fo Guang Shan Australiaand the Venerables of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and commences with a colourful welcome by theChinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM) performing a traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance.

It will include a spectacular mass offering with traditional Buddhist chanting by devotees of Fo Guang Shan in vivid cultural dress and messages of well wishes from dignitaries.

Leaders and representatives of Victoria's multifaith and multicultural communities will collectively make a light offering for World Peace, lead by Aunty Annette and Professor Gary Bouma, Chair for the 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions

The World Peace Blessing Ceremony is a unique celebration, highlighting and promoting cooperation, community understanding and harmony amongst all in Victoria's 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.