Jamie the Pianist hoping to promote Humanistic Buddhism through Music

Pianist Jamie McDermott and his wife, Ann are regular guest that come to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island Temple. Waterdrop tea house are one of their favourite place to enjoy good vegetarian meals. They always enjoyed viewing various artworks in Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch as well as taking a moment of solemnity at Buddha Hall. On 19 November, they came and sincerely invited Abbess, Venerable and temple staffs to his home for either a morning tea session or pre-Christmas gathering.

During the visit, Jamie proposed to organise a small concert at the temple in March 2021, hoping to convene more than hundred people to attend. He will invite four or five musicians to perform on the stage, allowing the public to enjoy the beautiful melody in the temple. Jamie suggested a light refreshments before the concert and all tickets that had been sold will be donated to temple.

Recently, Jamie was invited by FGS New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin to compose a song based on Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "Three Goods and Four Gives (3G4G)" verse. Jamie hopes that through organising this concert, it will promote the public's preference toward music. Jamie hopes by introducing Western music genre into Master Hsing Yun's concept of Humanistic  Buddhism, the public will have a profound understanding toward Buddhism and also serve as a bridge between two different cultures.