FGS Temple South Island - A Source of Positivity
Unlike other solemn-looking traditional Chinese Temples, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple South Island stands out in the City of Christchurch as a modern building with an artistic intonation. It is now a landmark building well frequented by the local people. Every corner of the Temple, from the Water Drop Café, to the Art Gallery, and to the Buddha Hall, has been built to reflect the sanctity of Buddhism, effectively creating a conducive environment for the learning of the Religion.
Kiwi resident Katie Wenborn and family came to Water Drop Café for their meals on 20th September 2020. After their meals, they paid a visit to the Buddha Hall. They were full of praises for the solemn Buddha statue and the setup in the Hall, especially the beautiful flowers at the altar. Jack Liu, a volunteer from Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island, afterwards explained to the visitors that, in Buddhism, flower offering plays the role of awakening people to the Law of Karma and to the truth of Cause and Effect, serving to remind them that a flower will finally end up as fruit, and good deeds will produce good karmic effects. This part of Buddhist teachings has been greatly amplified by Master Hsing Yun who has advocated the 3 Good Deeds, 4 Givings concept. Master Hsing Yun asks the people to have good thoughts at all times, as this will lead to the accumulation of positive karmic effects later on. In the Buddha Hall, the visitors’ interests were aroused when Jack briefed them on the dual usage of sitting cushion for praying and meditation. They were amazed at the many wonders of Buddhism and its practice.
Before moving to Dunedin, Katie was a resident of Christchurch and used to visit FGS Temple South Island frequently with her family. Nowadays, whenever they are back in Christchurch, Katie will bring along her family to the Temple to rejuvenate themselves. Other than patronising the Water Drop Café, they will visit the Art Gallery and the Buddha Hall to harness the positive energies there to propel themselves forward.