Second Day of “3G4G Festival of Culture Sharing” – Bodhi Seeds taking Root in the Schools

The second day of “3G4G Festival of Culture Sharing” was held on 18th May, participated by over 200 students,parents and teachers from Baverstock Oaks Primary.

The day started with the students lining up into 5 groups outside the Front Shrine and introduced the ideals of 3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving. Then the first group visited the “The Enlightenment of an Indian Prince” exhibition. Everyone were amazed by the meticulously prepared Little Prince Buddha Bathing altars, whom all proceed to bath the Buddha. Then they checked out a model of Prince Siddhartha’s white horse and the 8 appearances that lead to the Prince’s enlightenment. This was followed by volunteer Margaret’s description of the Buddha’s story of enlightenment. The 3G4G babies especially caught the attention of the students, which prompted the students recite and memorise the contents of 3G4G.

Teachers and parents saw the positive effect of 3G4G when one of the student made the wish of “I wish everyone all can do good deeds.”, in front of the wishing bell.

After all groups of subsequently visited the Pagoda, main Shrine, made lotus origami and receive 3G4G temporary tattoos, they gathered to hear a presentation by police representatives Officer Piho Tauiti and Anson Lin. Then student representatives were invited to interact with the officers by explaining the meaning of 3Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving. Finally the day’s event was completed with a meditation session led by Venerable Zhiming.

Due afternoon rain, the second trip was cancelled by the school. Later on a brother and sister with their parents came to visit the temple; they were both students of Baverstock Oaks. Having visited yesterday with the school, the little sister eagerly shared what she learned about 3G4G with her family, which is why her brother was very disappointed that the afternoon trip was cancelled because he hasn’t visited the temple yet. Hence mum especially took them here after school to make up the older brother’s wish to learn about 3G4G.

Principal Mary Wilson of Baverstock Oaks explained that her wish to bring her students here because she witnessed the multicultural and multi-religious blessings during the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration. Hence she wanted her students to learn about multiculturalism, harmony and mutual understanding. She also expressed that the motto of her school also teachers the ideals of do good things, speak words and have good thoughts. This is why she resonate with Fo Guang Shan’s propagation of 3G4G, where planting these tiny seeds of wholesome causes and conditions will indeed bring peace and harmony to the local community.