“Festival of Cultural Sharing” Officially Started

The first session of “Festival of Cultural Sharing” officially started on 27th May. The day was attended by 120 5-6 year old students with their teachers from Stonefield primary, who were warmly welcomed by Venerable Abbess Manshin, other Venerables and 16 BLIA volunteers.

BLIA North Island Vice-President Linda Daniel showed the visitors through the Front Shrine, the Courtyard and the Main Shrine. This was followed by sharing of the positive ideals of Humanistic Buddhism. The children were then given temporary tattoos showing the “3 Good Deed and 4 Kinds of Giving” . Then the students were organised to watch two animated films titled “The Buddha” and “Little Monk Sees the World”, which gave inspiration for the following colouring in competition. The children had to use their own experience and imagination to demonstrate the lively virtues of Humanistic Buddhism.

This festival was again supported by New Zealand police, where Asian Liaison Officer Justin Zeng came to speak to the children about being cautious around strangers, keeping fit and how to say hello in Mandarin.

Finally Venerable Zhiming tested the children’s comprehension of 3G and 4G with a quiz, which generated enthusiasm by the young participants. Then a student representative came up to thank the Temple for organising this tour of Buddhist culture sharing.

After completion all the volunteers gathered with the Abbess and Venerables to debrief the day’s experience. This involved mutual sharing, recounting of experiences and discussions on areas that can be improved. It is hoped that all aspects of the event can be improved to its best possible outcome. The Abbess emphasised the Fo Guang Shan objectives of “propagate Buddhist teachings through cultural activities and foster talent through education”. By passing down teachings of 3G and 4G to the next generation it will allow the children to nurture their compassion through education and enrich their minds through culture. This will go into the pages of history for culture and education.