“Festival of Cultural Sharing” Attracted Over One Thousand Students to the Temple

On 6th June, 700 students from Baverstock Oaks Primary joined the temple’s Festival of Culture Sharing. They came in two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They were joined by Principal Mary Wilson and over 100 teachers, who were welcomed by 20 BLIA volunteers.

The students entered in orderly fashion, with older children taking care of their younger friends, which showcased Baverstock Oaks’ good disciplin. Then under the help of volunteers they were led to watch the animated films “The Buddha” and “Little Monk Sees the World”. The films and the event’s messages of 3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving were very positively received by the students, which then led to the day’s competition. The older students enthusiastically wrote down their understanding about what they’ve learnt with examples experienced on the day. The younger children allowed their imagination to run wild by colouring pictures of little monks. Afterwards many expressed to share these wonderful virtues with their families and friends.

Asian Liaison Officer Justin Zeng and Officer Dee also came to teach the children about keeping fit with humour stories and demonstration, which were much enjoyed by everyone.

On behalf of the school, student representatives thanked the temple for their meticulous arrangement of this tour. This allowed everyone to experience the temple’s pure tranquillity, taste delicious treats as well as the warm hospitality of the volunteers. What’s more valuable are the easily remembered ideals of 3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving. Of course it’s more important to practice these slogans rather than just remembering and reciting them.

The event’s feedback includes:
Principal Mary Wilson:
I have been convinced of Buddhism’s wisdom and insights. This event has deepened my understanding of Humanistic Buddhism. The ideals of “3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving” are very compatible with Baverstock Oaks’s essential values; in fact it’s probably even more lively and refined now. From planning to execution, this event has expressed excellence, which allows one to experience the heart felt power of religion being in touch with society. This is a great gift to all teachers, parents and students. I wish to increase future co-operation with the temple by organising older students to visit and receive the positive influences of Buddhist culture and realise life’s wisdom.

Police Asian Liaison Officer Justin Zeng:
This is Fo Guang Shan’s first ever “Festival of Culture Sharing”, where local students were organised to come and learn about Buddhist culture’s wholesome message. Looking from the perspective of a police officer, this is a very meaningful event. Only by giving children the right guidance at a young age can we ensure that they will grow up to become a responsible and law abiding citizen. NZ Police’s support for this event were unconditional because it continues the good co-operation between Fo Guang Shan North Island’s and the police’s effort to build social harmony. Also, I think this festival’s biggest values are not only the localisation of Humanistic Buddhism into NZ society, but Buddhism’s complete educational values can positively influence children and youth, which actualises Buddhism’s beneficial qualities for everyone.

Baverstock Oaks Student 1:
My favourite are the “3G and 4G” tattoos, their designs are cute, I’m really happy that BLIA volunteers made my wish come true by putting one on both of my left and right hands. After mum and dad saw it, they both thought it looks cool. Then the teacher told us the tattoos are only temporary and will fade over time, but I will always remember what I learnt from 3G4G about being a good person.

Baverstock Oaks Student 2:
This is not my first time at the temple, but it’s the first time I really understood what Humanistic Buddhism is about. Before, I always thought Buddhism is very deep and hard to understand, while it’s still very deep, I was surprised that through what I’ve learnt about “Do good deeds, say good words and have good thoughts” and “Give others confidence, give others joy, give others hope, give others convenience” have condense Buddhism ideals into such easily understandable terms. This made me feel much closer to Buddhism.

Baverstock Oaks student parent:
I am very grateful for this opportunity to visit the temple. All of Fo Guang Shan’s architecture, greenery, people and culture have brought wholesome beauty to us. Here children and adult can both be benefitted. Even mondo grass in the courtyard has touched us. From this we have experienced the meaning of life and felt peace.

Baverstock Oaks Teacher:
Being the temple’s neighbour, all the students were curious about what’s in the temple and what everybody was doing inside. Finally, today our dream come true as we attended the Festival of Culture Sharing. Not only have the students experienced the temple’s dignified etiquettes and culture activities. They’ve also learnt the spirit of “3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving”. After returning to class I would to continue to discuss with the student on how to apply “3G4G” in real life.