NZP Area Commander & Paralympic Gold Medalist Visited FGS Auckland Inspired by Venerable Master’s Teaching
On 15th December 2023, the Area Commander of Counties Manukau East of New Zealand Police, Inspector Rodney Honan and Sergeant Richard Bracey visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland to discuss the Temple safety and operations. Additionally, 12 School Community Officers (SCO) held the Year End Meeting & Celebration at the Temple on 14th December. New Zealand Paralympic gold medalist in shooting and world record holder Michael Jonson, was invited to the meeting to share his inspiring attitude of resilience and positivity with the police officers. The guests were warmly received by Abbess Manshin, Minister in Charge Venerable Rulian and Promotion & Event Manager Nick Yoong.
The Abbess explained to Insp Honan the Temple's activities planned for 2024, including the Lunar New Year celebrations with traffic and lion dance arrangements, the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration, the 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing educational program in May and the Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference （ANZBYC） in July. Abbess emphasized that the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, teaches his disciples to wholeheartedly serve society, sharing good values to purify one's mind and brighten up society.
Insp Honan visited the area where BLIA members were packing Auspicious Red Packets to be shared with 10,000 visitors during the coming Chinese New Year. The organized and systematic packaging process impressed the guests, who appreciated the quality and dedication of the service.
Insp Honan expressed his gratitude for the various services and activities the FGS consistently provides to society, conveying messages of goodness and purifying people's minds. He was inspired to learn from the Venerable Master’s spirit of Giving Confidence, Joy, Hope and Convenience to others, enriching and broadening lives. Sergeant Bracey joyfully mentioned that Buddhist Temples can calm the mind, feeling the vibrancy and tranquility of the place, which instantly transformed and uplifted his spirit.
Abbess explained that the Temple embodies the Founder's teaching of truly implementing the philosophy of Three Goodness Four Givings, and serving the society with gratitude, compassion and joy. The Abbess presented the police officers with the 2024 Temple calendar, wishing them a life illuminated with peace and wisdom.