FGS South Island NZ Winter Walk
On the 17th of June, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand West Chapter held a winter walking activity. Present that day were BLIA South Island NZ President Bernie, Dharma Lecturer Rona Ku, Committee Member Chen Mei-Hwa, West one Subchapter Leader Louisa Kuo, Deputy Leader Heidi Lee, and other BLIA members making up 30 people.
After a delicious lunch at the Water Drop Cafe, the group walked over to Christchurch’s Mona Vale garden for an afternoon stroll. Along the way, the group saw many big and fancy homes along the river, and also had a chance in taking a short break by the Lotus Pond. Exercising in the winter helps to keep the blood flowing and enhances the body’s immune system to fight against cold. The enthusiasm of the BLIA members is boundless, so much that an old duck jumped on shore and walked up to the group, sharing in the excitement of the day.
After the walk, the BLIA members went back to the Water Drop Cafe to enjoy afternoon tea. A few of the BLIA members such as Rona Ku, Jack Liu and Olivia shared their thoughts on this walking trip. Subchapter Leader Louisa Kuo thanked everyone for coming to this walking activity. There will be more activities to be held in the future, and everyone should take part together to get to know each other more. President Bernie commended on West one Chapter Leader Louisa and Deputy Leader Heidi Lee for organizing the exercise. He fully supports and intends to attend as many of these winter events as possible as it manages to bring together so many people in the association for healthy activities.
FGS South Island Minister-in-Charge Venerable Jue Xi asked did everyone felt. As happy devotees they have lived accordance to Buddhist principles and applying the 3 Goodness and 4 Givings in daily life. Venerable Jue Xi also urged everyone to treat the temple as their home for lifelong wisdom. Every BLIA member is a backbone for FGS and BLIA, and it is only with this strong support from the community that allows the temple to continue to give back. The people is that which makes the temple great in both value and function.