BLIA Member’s Family’s Visit to FGS South Island
Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch Coordinator Vicky Han’s family and friends paid a visit to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island on 6th May 2018. The entourage, consisting of Vicky’s father Han Song, mother Che Yu Ping and 5 other friends, have been touring New Zealand South Island and took the opportunity to visit Vicky at the Temple. The visitors were welcomed by FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, Venerable Zhi Wu, BLIA South Island Vice Presidents James Low and Lih-son Ding, BLIA South Island Directors Cao Qian and Kok Wei, Low and other members of BLIA South Island.
BLIA South Island Director Cao Qian first took the visitors for a tour of the Dean Buchanan ‘Horizons’ Oil Paintings Exhibition at the FGY Art Gallery Christchurch. Cao Qian explained that Dean is a famous New Zealand born Artist who has started his painting career since he was young. Dean expresses his works by rendering on large canvasses, semi abstract forms with thick strokes of colour. He draws his inspirations from New Zealand’s vast natural landscapes. Combining these with his semi-abstract style of painting, Dean manages to produce unique art pieces. Later, the visitors went to the ‘Time Corridor’ to appreciate the ‘Creating a World of Compassion’ Comic Exhibition by Artist Yi Yin Feng. Following this, the visitors were brought by Venerable Jue Xi to the Buddha Hall to pay homage to Buddha.
In her address, Venerable Jue Xi explained to the visitors that basically Humanistic Buddhism comprises of ‘learning about Buddha’s teachings, catering to Human needs, undertaking self-purification, and finally attaining perfection’. All Buddhist teachings that promote human happiness are considered as Humanistic Buddhism. FGS New Zealand holds true to the intents of Humanistic Buddhism and promote the concept of 3G4G in New Zealand. Venerable Jue Xi commended Vicky for her relentless effort in helping FGY Art Gallery Christchurch propagate Humanistic Buddhism through Arts. She also praised Vicky for her contribution as a BLIA member in the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism. In response, Vicky’s mother Che Yu Ping said that she noticed that the few years Vicky spent with FGS South Island have brought positive changes to Vicky. She has now become more matured and steady in her handling of things. Madam Che acknowledged her approval for Vicky to continue her stay with FGS South Island. Vicky’s father Han Song and his friends commented that with this visit, they pleasantly discovered Humanistic Buddhism to be colourful and lively, and found that Humanistic Buddhism has indeed influenced New Zealand society positively.
At the end of their visit, Vicky’s family thanked FGS South Island for their hospitality and expressed their support for Vicky to continue her work in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism via Arts in New Zealand. Before parting, Venerable Jue Xi presented the visitors with ‘FGS NZ 10th Anniversary Report’ and ‘2018 BLIA NZ Activities Report’ and wished them a safe and happy journey ahead.