Floral Exhibition Catches Attention of Counsul’s Wife

On 17th of December, Mrs. Kawai, wife of Japanese Counsular Office resident correspondent in Christchurch, under the accompaniment of Ikebana International Christchurch Chapter 202 President Ray King, Vice President Yumiko, Secretary Wendy Johnson came to appreciate the exhibition “Nature and Life – Floral Week” on display in Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island. They were personally welcomed to Fo Guang Shan South Island by Abbess Venerable Manshin and given a tour of FGS South Island by the Abbess.

Japanese Counsul resident correspondent Mr. Kawai was reassigned to Christchurch from Pakistan only this September. After arriving in Christchurch with her husband, this was the first time Mrs. Kawai

This was the first time that Mrs. Kawai has visited Fo Guang Shan South Island and Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island after arriving in Christchurch with her husband. During the visit, Abbess combined the floral display with the architecture and formed the concept of ‘using extremely simple and flowing in design without projection or addition to present the richness and depth of life”. This concept helped lead us to interpret the dialogue between contemporary Buddhist architecture and beautiful floral display.

Mrs. Kawai, President and Vice President of Ikebana International Christchurch Chapter 202, aided by Abbess Venerable Manshin’s detailed explanation, came to understand more about architecture and Buddhism. Inspired, they now have more ideas about next year’s floral exhibition and plan to extend the exhibition outdoors. In doing so, the exhibition will be more spacious, more comfortable and more lively. To conclude this wonderful visit, Abbess Venerable Manshin presented our special guests with Grand Master Hsing Yun’s book and our own activity publications.