New Zealand Defence Force Visits Fo Guang Shan

On 24th June, Colonel Matthew Cross and colleague from the New Zealand Defence Force visited the temple. They were received by Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA North Island President Dolly Tsai and Vice-President Bai Chen Huang.

The Abbess presented the guests with gifts of “BLIA Annual Report”, “The Human World” and “2013 Report for ANZBYC”. She also explained the history of Fo Guang Shan’s Buddhism propagation, education for youth and close co-operation with the police force in New Zealand. Such close working relation ships will encourage cultural exchange and promoting social harmony for society. Young Adult Division Team Leader Ann Jo also shared her volunteering experience in Fo Guang Shan’s head quarter, as well as thanking the temple’s nurturing toward the youth.

Then the Abbess took the visitors to offer incenses to the Buddha inside Main Shrine and introduced the art exhibitions such as “Estuary Art Exhibition” and “Way of Life photographic exhibition”. This was followed by a tour and explanation of the Pagoda’s symbolism of expressing unique humanistic purity and harmony.

Colonel Cross expressed the opportunity for today’s visit is a like a precious treasure. It allowed him to comprehend Fo Guang Shan’s significant influences on society, therefore hopes that the Defence Force can co-operate with the temple in the future to promote peace for society together.