BLIA South Island early Celebration for their Oldest Member’s Birthday

Professor Tang Yu-Hsun, a Chinese calligrapher who moved from Taiwan to Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, also the oldest member of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ, will be 100 years old next month. On 25 May, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ Temple Minister in Charge Venerable Jue Xi led 10 BLIA members to Mr. Tang’s residence to congratulate him.

Venerable Jue Xi led the BLIA members in reciting the Medicine Buddha and Medicine Mantra, wishing Professor Tang good health and happiness. On behalf of the temple, she also presented one of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s one-stroke calligraphy plaque and a series of Master Hsing Yun's calligraphy collection to Professor Tang. Professor and his wife thanked the Venerable and BLIA members.

At the age of 100, Professor Tang, with his vigorous spirit, thick hair and strong body, shared his way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as keeping fit and exercising, eating a balanced diet, writing calligraphy regularly and having positive beliefs. He also showed some of his past calligraphy works and shared his creative backward sentences creative work, while recounting his experiences in doing calligraphy. His wife, Mrs. Chang Hui Ying, also shared anecdotes from his husband’s school days and photos of his old writings, which have great historical value.

Professor Tang graduated from Fudan University and moved to New Zealand in 1995. He has spent his life promoting Chinese culture in Christchurch, with calligraphy and Tai Chi as his specialties. In 2014, he held an exhibition of his calligraphy works at the Canterbury Museum, making history as the first Chinese to hold a solo exhibition at this century-old museum. He has also written the official Chinese names for Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Board and the Chinese names of famous attractions, which has helped to promote Christchurch and Canterbury tourism to the world.