JENJEROM, Feb 15 (Sin Chew Daily) — About 30,000 people, local and foreigners, witnessed the virtual lighting of lantern festival organized by Dong Zen Temple on February 10, two days before Chinese New Year.

Ven Jue Cheng, the chief abbess at the Dong Zen Temple and Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, said the launching of the annual lantern festival was unique this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 30 organizations in Jenjarom presented close to 50 performances delivering the message of joy, fun and prosperity during the launch.

Founder of Fo Guang Shan Ven Master Hsing Yun gave his online blessings. 

While Chinese would be greeting everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai during Chinese New Year, he said wealth is in everyone's heart.

"Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a year. We should focus on planning for the year, improve on weaknesses and complete pending tasks by making good use of our time this year," he said.

Ven Xin Bao said while efforts are put in to plough the farmland, one should also spend time and effort on the inner farmlands in our hearts.

"Our heart is full of gems – wisdom, compassion, faith and energy. Toiling on one's inner farmland means spending time to improve oneself and reduce worries," he said.

Ven Jue cheng said Fo Guang Shan would be organizing a prayer session at 4pm on March 13 on the COVID-19 pandemic. She urged all religious leaders in Malaysia hold similar prayer sessions for the pandemic to an end soon.

"We should not be fearful of the pandemic but learn to respect nature," she said.

Master Hsing Yun's message on spending time to improve oneself reminded everyone to work harder for a bountiful harvest, said Ven Jue Cheng.