Prestigious Avenues Magazine Reviews Water Drop Café

This year’s December issue of the local Christchurch Avenues magazine reports on the coffee culture of the four major religions of the city. Reporter Colleen Simpson includes Fo Guang Shan South Island within this section, touching on the building, Water Drop Café as well as the Art Gallery.

She noted that when you walk into the peaceful Fo Guang Shan South Island, may it be inside the building or in the courtyard; it is hard to believe that it is situated on one of the busiest streets of Christchurch. Credit must be given to the contractor “Warren and Mahoney” who has a history of producing award winning architectures.

Fo Guang Shan South Island’s Water Drop Café houses the best vegetarian dishes of Christchurch and also coffee. Even more breathtaking is the elegant Art Gallery which is integrated into the grand temple.

Ms. Simpson learnt from President Cheng: we propagate Buddhism through food and culture as they are mediums which are free from language barriers; there is a common point in which the Temple and the local people can converge and foster mutual understanding.

She noted that the Water Drop Café is a place for everyone to enjoy great food and socialise while enjoying the aroma of Chinese dishes which capture much of the patrons’ attention. A statement from FGY Art Gallery Christchurch’s Public Relations Officer was included in the report as well: the embroidery exhibition that closed four months ago attracted a total exceeding 12,000 visitors. During her visit, Ms. Simpson also enjoyed the Helena Egg Art exhibition by the Korean artist.

The reporter stated in the article that the main reason in which people return frequently to FGS South Island is because of their experiences of peace and harmony during their visit. At the same time, many of them have come to practice Humanistic Buddhism; the way of life which follows the central concepts of social integration, support, benefiting society and applying wisdom to one’s daily life.

President Cheng and many others of Fo Guang Shan expressed that the Temple is a place where they can bond and form good affinities with the New Zealand nation and share Dharma joy, and because of this, there are many people who volunteer their own time towards the undertakings of Fo Guang Shan South Island New Zealand.