First Trip to the Temple by Mission Heights College for Festival of Culture Sharing

On 21st May, over 237 10-12 year old college students were led to the temple by their teacher Sachida Naidu and 8 others for Festival of Culture Sharing. They were escorted by local police officers.

Volunteer Annie Ng explained to the visitors about the garden, structure, why the gong is sounded in the morning and drum sounded at night, symbolism of various plants including the Mondo grass. The student bent down to touch the grass experiencing their aura of peace. Then they were taught how to say “Ji Xiang”, which meant auspiciousness in China to greet other people.

Inside the Main Shrine Venerable Zhiming explained the meaning of “3 good deeds and 4 kinds of giving” with a song and beat clapped by everyone. Chorus after chorus this allowed the spirit of 3G4G to be deeply planted within every young mind. Then the kids visited the estuary art exhibition, rang the wishing bell and got temporary tattoos of 3G4G little monks.

Then everyone watched short films “the Buddha” and “old man do good deeds”. This was followed some kids enthusiastically answering questions about 3G4G. One student bravely stepped on stage to thank the Venerables and volunteers for allowing everyone to understand 3G4G and treating everyone with tasty cakes. Everyone were very happy to share the lotus origami they just made with their family back home and everything they’ve learnt today.