New Zealand Artist Celebrates Birthday - Gifted With True Meaning of Buddhism
New Zealand artist Keith Morant and his wife Tricia visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ on 14 April, specifically to see the Cities of the World exhibition on display at the art gallery.
Keith and Tricia have exhibited their works at Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Auckland and Christchurch, and have since become close friends of the art gallery. They have often been invited to FGY Art Gallery Christchurch as main guest for the opening ceremony of new exhibitions. The couple have also invited members of the art gallery to visit their art studio and share their joy in creating new works. They enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the museum and the delicious vegetarian food at Water Drop Teahouse, and often come together to dine at the temple whilst enjoying the art exhibitions. Keith celebrated his 77th birthday on 14 April and the couple chose the Water Drop Teahouse as their celebration venue.
Venerable Abbess Manshin presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book The True Meaning of Buddhism as a birthday gift for Keith, and the couple was very delighted. Venerable Abbess said that April is the Buddha’s birth month which symbolises good fortune, prosperity, wisdom and joy, so people born in April are very lucky. Keith expressed his joy and gratitude in being able to celebrate his birthday during a difficult time in a pandemic-stricken world. He was extremely grateful to be in a safe country like New Zealand and to be in good health and so he wanted to do more for society and live a meaningful life.
The many art exhibitions at FGY Art Gallery Christchurch have led to several visits from local artists, many who have taking the opportunity to form lasting interactions with each other. They often come to the Water Drop Teahouse for meals, and visit the art exhibition right next to it. Sometimes, they also participate in activities at the temple and bring their families and friends to visit, becoming Friends of the FGY art gallery. This is a special place that transcends the barriers of religion and nationality, bringing people together in contact with the Buddha’s teachings.