Fo Guang Shan South Island Distributing Apple to Public As a Gift of Blessing

On 16 August, a devoted BLIA member, Happy Guo, had offered 140 numbers of apples to Fo Guang Shan, South Island. Due to his kind action, temple had distributed the apples as a blessing to the everyone. Every apples were affixed with the slogan of Peace and Auspicious, wishing everyone whom received the blessing apple to be peaceful, healthy and keep safe through the pandemic.

There was a couple, Sarah and Greg, received the blessing apple and appreciate the strict pandemic measures taken by Fo Guang Shan, South Island such as registering visitor information during entry, providing hand sanitizer, measuring everyone’s body temperature upon entering, staff were equipped with face mask and air freshener were used in every section of the temple. They believed that these strict measures would have taken care of general public health and they were at ease during their visits to Fo Guang Shan. They also mentioned that they would be very much delighted to pay another visits and will definitely spent longer time in the temple.

There is another young couple, Eden and Inga, on their first visit to Fo Guang Shan, expressed that they really enjoyed the tranquility atmosphere at Main Shrine and writing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom phrases. The sutra copying were an interesting experience for them. Their initial intention were only to dine at Waterdrop Café, but unexpectedly they received the blessing apple and Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom phrases which had meant so much to them. They said they would definitely shared this joy with their friends.

Art gallery visitors, Ron Griffiths and his wife, Claudia also received the blessing apple. Ron, who may conversed in chinese, was very interested to explore different culture. Art gallery tour guide, Chun Mui Chang explained to Ron that the Chinese character for the word Apple is written similarly to the word Peace, which the blessing apple represent a blessing of peace to the public by the temple. Ron were surprised and admired the comprehensive Chinese culture.

Visitors that received the blessing apple includes local residents, Chinese immigrant families, Vietnamese immigrant families, Indian immigrant families and etc. Both adults and children received the blessing apples with joy and were touched by the blessing slogan on the apple. All receiver were thankful for the intention of the temple and hopes that everyone may get through this pandemic together.