The Role of FGS South Island in the Community

On 15th and 24th January, Hong Wang, a student of Sociology and Anthropology at Canterbury University came to conduct interviews with members of FGS South Island for her study and subsequent conference in Dunedin.

Her studies address how community groups can aid Asian immigrants settle into the community after arriving in New Zealand. At the Temple, she interviewed Venerable Abbess Manshin, members of Buddha’s Light International Association South Island Young Adults Division, BLIA committee member Louisa Kuo, English chapter president Jeannie Millar and Temple staff member See Shen Lee.

Knowing the active role of FGS South Island and BLIA South Island in the Christchurch community, Hong Wang came in hope to add more content and examples to her study. During the interview with Venerable Abbess Manshin, Abbess especially introduced the spirit and concepts of Humanistic Buddhism and using concrete examples, explained how the Temple propagates Buddhism through educating people’s minds and cleansing their souls. Being able to learn more about FGS South Island, BLIA and the concepts of the architecture of FGS South Island touched Hong Wang deeply.

During her interview with members of BLIA-YADSNZ on 24th January, she learnt of the many colourful experiences of the members and again, realized the importance of the Temple towards their personal development and education. Through the two interviews, Hong Wang deeply increased her knowledge towards Humanistic Buddhism and will publish her studies at the conference at the end of the month.

Account by Sheng-Han Lim