Re-opening of FGS Temple South Island NZ

After a four year period of extensive repairs, and with the completion all the renovation works, Fo Guang shan (FGS) Temple South Island New Zealand was finally reopen to the public on 2nd August 2016.

Early in the morning, the Temple was inundated with constant streams of visitors (totalling over 108), among whom were Dr AA of Beijing Tong Zin Tang, friends of FGS Art Gallery, old customers of Water Drop Café, and ardent supporters and sponsors of the Temple.

In the Water Drop Café, customers were treated to delicious cakes and vegetarian dishes reminiscent them of the good old times prior to the Earthquake. The Art Gallery was well adorn with one-stroke calligraphy writings by Master Rev Shin Yun. Visitors were impressed with the setup and arrangement of the Temple building where the feeling of Cha’n could be felt in every corners. Many expressed their joy of returning to a place filled with tranquillity, artistic and cultural atmosphere.

Water Drop Café’s number one fan, Christchurch Police Traffic Department Manager, Al Stewart, came with his daughter for their meal. He congratulated the Temple for the re-opening and promised to attend the Exhibition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Writings to be held on 6th August 2016.

The day prior to the re-opening, at the Buddha Hall, Temple Supervisor Venerable Jue Xi led a group of Temple staff and members BLIA South Island in their prayer and candle lighting ceremony, seeking for a smooth re-opening. In her deliberation, Venerable Jue Xi encouraged those present to serve the Public with a joyful heart. She stressed that though the Temple had undergone difficult times in the four years repair period, the well wishes from the Public had given hope and aspiration to the Temple to take up the challenges. With the Re- opening, FGS Temple would conduct more Dharma Sessions and through them propagate Humanistic Buddhism in Christchurch.