FGS NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin meets with NZ Refugee Council President
Efforts are being made to unite the community in light of the various natural and man-made disasters that have struck Christchurch in recent years, that which has affected the wellbeing of so many Christchurch residents. FGS NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin met with NZ Refugee Council President Dr. Arif Saied and Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre chairman Ahmed Tani on 18th April at the FGS South Island NZ temple to discuss how the community can be better served during this troubling times. All parties brought up issues in regard to national security and public sentiment in New Zealand, and how best to combine the strength of local community and multi-faith religious groups so as to calm the hearts and minds of people.
Dr. Arif Saied, who is based in Wellington, has recently travelled to Christchurch to deal with the aftermath of the shooting incident. It is his first time visiting FGS South Island NZ, and he was impressed by the tranquil atmosphere of the temple. Ahmed Tani had visited the temple previously, and fondly remembers the temple’s delicious vegetarian food.
Venerable Abbess guided the two guests around the temple grounds, showing them the main shrine, art gallery, courtyard, etc. She explained to them the story behind the Maori greenstone gifted by some Maori chiefs years ago. Many of the police officers and religious leaders who attended the precious Maori Green Stone ten years ago have developed well in their respective fields, and have maintained good relationships with the temple. The two guests were full of praise for the temple’s contribution and dedication to the community over its ten years of existence.
The final agenda that day was to share ideas on how to promote social harmony and world peace. With the cooperation of various religious and local community groups, they hope that New Zealand will once again live up to its reputation as a pure land. Lastly, Venerable Abbess gifted copies of “FGS NZ Annual Report” and Master Hsing Yun’s “366 Days with Wisdom” book to the two guests.