Blessing the 2022 CHCH “Peace Train Interfaith Bike Ride” at FGS Christchurch
In order to remember the lessons of the 2019 Christchurch Shooting Incident, and to emphasise the importance of racial equality and religious freedom, on 1st May 2022, Cycling Christchurch organised the "Peace Train Interfaith Bike Ride" in the City of Christchurch. The route of the Bike Ride that day started from the Deans Ave Mosque, where the shooting took place. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch was the second stop. The Bike Ride then went on to other locations and finally ended at Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham St North.
On that day, under the leadership of Captain Mike, 70 members of the Cycling Christchurch rode their bicycles along the busy Riccarton Road and made a stop at FGS Temple where they were received by FGS New Zealand Abbess Venarable Manshin, FGS Christchurch Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi and members of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North and South Islands. Venerable Abbess Manshin first recited Master Hsing Yun's "Prayer for World Peace" to pray for peace and blessings for the cyclists as well as people the world over, and to pray for the flourishment of respect and tolerance among people of this Earth, and that the positive interactions so gained would cut through the darkness of the world. The entourage at the scene listened to the prayer with joined palms, and their emotion was beyond words. In her speech afterwards, Abbess Manshin invited the entourage to visit the Temple, and said that Christchurch had experienced earthquakes, shootings and pandemic one after another and needed the injection of a lot of warmth and blessings. FGS Temple hopes that through various activities, the trusting and caring natures of human race will be restored, thus bringing vitality and enthusiasm to the Society.
In his address, Captain Mike said that the cycling entourage was honoured to stop at such a solemn Temple as FGS Christchurch. Here, they would be able to get to know different cultures and meet different friends. Captain Mike hoped to unite the community and promote social peace and harmony through this “Riding Out” activity. Before their departure, FGS Temple presented each member of the entourage with an apple, which symbolised peace and auspiciousness, to bless them and to cheer them on.