Visit of Tim Lai To FGS Temple South Island

During their recent vacation in South Island New Zealand, Mr. Tim Lai and his daughters, Silvia and Joy, paid a special visit to FGS Temple South Island on 16th July 2016.

M. Tim, the Managing Director of Taiwan DSC PV Ltd (Jintex Group), is the son of BLIA Nouth Island Advisor Mr Lai Yeow Sim and the late Madam Chang, former Headmistress of Fo Guang Shan North Island Chung-Hwa School. Coincidently, Mr. Tim is also the cousin brother of Venerable Hui Kuan.

On hand to receive Tim and his daughters were Temple Supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, BLIA South Island Vice President James Low and other committee members. The entourage was given a tour of the newly renovated Temple building including the Buddha Hall, the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery CHCH, the Time Tunnel and the Water Drop Café. The visitors were informed that due to the small Chinese population in Christchurch, local Kiwis form the majority of people who frequent the Art Gallery and Café.

Venerable Jue Xi recalled that the Temple was badly damaged during the Canterbury Earthquake and had to undergo massive repairs and renovations for 4 years during which all temple activities were carried out in another premise. All repair and renovation works were just completed recently.

On his part, Tim recalled his personal experience in the ‘Short Term Monastic Retrieve’ in FGS Temple he took part in his younger days. The Temporary Monastic Retrieve had enabled him to better understand the solemnity and nobility of lives as Buddhist Venerable, thus making him more appreciative of and respectful to the Buddhist Reverends.

Tim was happy to learn about the 15 year journey the Temple has gone through and praised the unique architecture of the Temple Building, fusing Buddhism with Art and Culture.

In his speech, Tim shared the admiration expressed by Venerable Hui Kuan for Venerable Master Hsing Yun whom he accompanied in two meetings with President Xi Jing Ping of People republic of China in which Venerable Master Hsing Yun selflessly and relentlessly canvassed for the advancement of Buddhism in Mainland China.

On a personal note, Tim informed that their two daughters are now back in New Zealand for their education and often accompany their mother doing charity works in FGS Temple North Island. In fact, the eldest daughter now volunteers as assistant Chinese mathematics teacher in Chung-Hwa School, FGS North Island.

In his speech, BLIA South Island Vice President James Low expressed his wish that the Temple, in addition to being a place of worship, should also become the “Second Home” to youths and overseas students. A place they can come for meals and feel the warmth of being part of a big family.