Representative Tsai Makes Surprise Visit

On the 15th of December, Mr. and Mrs. Tsai, representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, together with Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee Member, Secretary, Advisor and Hwa Hsin Society Secretary-General made a surprise visit to Fo Guang Shan South Island New Zealand.

Abbess Venerable Manshin together with Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand President Mr. and Mrs. Cheng, Advisor Mr. and Mrs. Lai, Advisor Liao and association members welcomed them to FGS South Island New Zealand. Abbess Venerable Manshin personally took them for a tour around the building, introducing its functions and the many cultural and art events that are hosted here such as “Draw with Heart”, “Nature and Life – Floral Week” and “Heart of a Child”. BLIA members and our special guests became engaged with profound discussions involving topics such as “Modern” and “Contemporary” Buddhist architecture, culture and art.

Representative Tsai said that for him, this was a trip about learning, not only of the concepts behind Buddhist buildings but also Buddhism philosophies in much more depth. He also commended the quality of culture and art presented in FGS South Island New Zealand. On behalf of Fo Guang Shan, Abbess Venerable Manshin presented Representative Tsai with gifts such as “Fo Guang Shan New Zealand Grand Opening Special Issue 2007”, “ANZBYC 2008 Special Report” and “Way of Life”.