FGS Oceanic Abbess visits FGS South Island New Zealand

After four years of repair works, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand has finally reopened again on the 2nd of August. To gather everyone together again, an Emperor Liang repentance Dharma service was held on the 10th of September. FGS Oceanic Head Abbess Venerable Manko arrived in Christchurch on the 9th of September to lead the Dharma service, as well as to better understand the post-earthquake repair works and give some much needed motivation to the South Island Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) folks. Abbess Manko was accompanied by Venerable Miao Zhe from Australia’s Nantien temple, and upon arrival, was welcomed by FGS South island supervisor Venerable Jue Xi, BLIA North Island New Zealand Advisor Dolly Tsai, BLIA South Island New Zealand Louisa Kuo, and a few other BLIA South Island New Zealand members.

The group went first to the main shrine, at which Abbess Manko presented the followers with a specially prepared gift basket of “ten offerings”. The gift basket was not only of a creative design, it also has educational attributes for learning purposes. Later on, Venerable Jue Xi took Abbess Manko on a tour to the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery 2 which is currently showcasing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-stroke Calligraphy exhibition, and also pointed out the various functional parts of the temple building. Abbess Manko truly felt that the Art Gallery’s design was well thought out in presenting the wisdom and power of Master Hsing Yun’s artistic calligraphy pieces. Lastly, Abbess Manko remarked that it is not easy hosting an Emperor Liang repentance service at the most Southern FGS temple in the world, so every BLIA member should cherish this opportunistic moment, and selflessly help to maintain the temple and its community.