Hagley College Students' Ultimate Experience!
On 6th August, teacher Ms. Alice Flett from Hagley Community College took nine of her students to FGS South Island for a visit. Ms. Flett said that she has visited the Temple on previous occasions, and has also had the privileged of witnessing Yao Hong Ying’s Embroidery Exhibition at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island.
Ms. Flett commended the Temple building, stating that it is a spiritual building that has integrated its art gallery into its religious area. As a teacher of world religion at the College, she hopes that her students may gain more knowledge and insight into Buddhism through their visit to FGS South Island.
Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by FGY Art Gallery South Island Assistant Curator See Shen Lee, who introduced them to the concepts behind the four bodhisattvas on the Temple façade. She explained the significance of the four postures, namely sitting, reclining, standing and meditating in a practitioner’s life, suggesting that Buddhist practitioners are able to perfect themselves through cultivation while they are going about their daily routine.
Following the introduction to the Temple façade, the students visited the Way of Life Photography Exhibition in the Art Gallery. The visitors were attentive during the tour of the exhibition, listening intently to the commentary by See Shen. Everyone was amazed by the skill and presentation of the photographers’ artworks. The photographic artworks convey the message of Humanistic Buddhism and the design concepts behind the Temple buildings.
Following on, Temple staff member Shenghan Lim introduced to Ms. Flett and her students the Time Tunnel, where he shared with everyone the story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s 80 years propagating Buddhism, briefly describing how Venerable Master founded Fo Guang Shan and how he revitalized Humanistic Buddhism.
At the Buddha Hall, Shenghan explained to everyone the significance of the interior design of the Hall as he gave a commentary on the symbolic meanings embodied in the many Buddha statues and lights around. It was all hand on with the wishing bell; after Shenghan demonstrated the procedures of making a wish at the Bell, everyone eagerly took turns making a wish. Everyone left the Buddha Hall with Dharma Words, which would definitely provide them guidance and encouragement in their lives.
At the end of the tour, the Temple presented everyone with a postcard of Yao Hong Ying’s embroidery exhibition. Ms. Flett and her students expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome by the Venerables and volunteers, and the opportunity for them to experience a different religion in such a magnificent Buddhist Temple.