Minister for Ethnic Communities Visits Fo Guang Shan

On 17th December, New Zealand Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-liga visited the temple with his secretary Laura. They were received by Venerable Abbess Manshin, South Island Fo Guang Shan Minister in Charge Venerable Juexi, BLIA North Island Vice-chair Sally Wong and 20 other BLIA members.

Through this short 1 hour visit, the Abbess showed to the guests our cultural corridor, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words, various Shrines and Tiffany Singh’s exhibition at the art gallery, they were also invited to make light offerings in the Main Shrine. Regarding this experience, Minister Sam Lotu-Liga exclaimed: “This place is full of wisdom!”

In the Guest Lounge, Minister Sam Lotu-liga received refreshments and watched a film documenting Fo Guang Shan’s activities including Festival of Culture Sharing, cooperation with the Police and freely distributing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “366 Days with Wisdom”. This allowed him to witness Humanistic Buddhism’s positive contributions to the local community.

MinisterSam Lotu-liga thanked the temple for sharing Humanistic Buddhism’s ideals, culture and values, which are in line with the motto of “Be good neighbours to each other”. He is touched by BLIA volunteers altruistic and selfless giving, hence praised and encouraged everyone to continue sharing these harmonious energies, values and wisdom with everyone, thus continuing N’s peacefully and harmonious spirit of multiculturalism.