2021 Nan Tien Virtual Taking Ceremony

1. Objective In order to fulfill wishes of the public to become Buddhist followers of the right faith, the 2021 Virtual Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony will be held on Days.

2. Eligibility Anyone who is willing to be a Buddhist for life.

3. Organiser: Institution-in-charge: BLIA Co-organisers: and branch in

4. Date/Time/Means of Participation Date Sydney Time Method of Participation March 31 12:00pm Zoom Meeting/Onsite Participation July 28 7:00pm Zoom Meeting

5. To Participate: 1) Zoom Meeting: Nan Tien Temple and branch temples in Sydney will provide one week before the ceremony the Zoom ID, password, and virtual background to refuge taking registrants. Online testing: On the day before the ceremony, refuge taking registrants are required to go online testing at the same of the actual ceremony.

2) Onsite Participation: A certain number of registrants (subject to the square metre rule of the premises) will be able to physically attend the ceremony at Nan Tien Temple or branch temples in Sydney, which will be synchronised with the ceremony livestreamed from Fo Guang Shan Headquarter.

*Observers can log onto Youtube BLIA World Headquarters for the ceremony (subscriptions welcome)

6. Registration 1) Zoom Meeting At one hour before the ceremony, refuge taking registrants are to log onto Zoom meeting and key in your name according to your branch temple’s instructions for the temple to take attendance.

2) Onsite Participant • 11:00am, 31st March 2021, outside the Main Shrine Nan Tien Temple (or branch temple in Sydney)

7. FEE: Free (Donations are appreciated)

8. APPLICATION 1) Application starts now until the maximum number of attendees is reached. 2) Submit the application form to at any of the Fo Guang Shan Temple branches listed in section 11. 3) Online Application available (scan the QRcode below) 4) A confirmation notice will be sent to all registrants before the ceremony (by email).

9. NOTICE 1) Please do NOT bring valuables (e.g. jewelry, iPad, etc.) if attending the ceremony on site. 2) All participants must wear • a Chanting Robe (a black chanting robe can be purchased at the temples or a grey chanting robe which can be borrowed at the cost of $20 for onsite participants). • socks and flat-soled shoes ( shoes preferred) if attending the ceremony on site.

10. COVID SAFETY Nan Tien Temple abides by up-to-date government regulations. 1)Please note that you will need to download Service NSW APP before visiting the temple, scan the Qrcode provided upon arriving, sanitise your hands and have your temperature taken before entering. Masks must be properly worn at all times when in Temple grounds and buildings. 2) The organiser reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event should unforeseen circumstances occur in order to comply with the latest government Covid regulations and advice. Updates can be found at the Nan Tien Temple’s website.

11. APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE LODGED AT: • Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW 2506 Tel: 02-4272 0600 • IBAA Parramatta, 22 Cowper St, Parramatta NSW 2150 Australia Tel: 02-9893 9390 • IBAA Chatswood, 4 Spring St, Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia Tel: 02-9410 0387 • IBAA Kogarah, 247 , Kogarah NSW 2217 Australia Tel: 02-9553 6533

12. CONTACT INFORMATION Attn: Virtual Refuge Taking Ceremony, Nan Tien Temple PO Box 1336, Unanderra NSW 2526 Australia

Tel: 61-2-4272 0600 Website: www.nantien.org.au E-mail: [email protected]