CEO of Freedom in the Air Flight School Visits the Temple – Nourishing the Mind

Having travelled especially from England to join Mother Teresa’s commemoration service, CEO and Founder of Freedom in the Air Flight School, Gautam Lewis, also visited the temple on 4th December, while accompanied by Wenceslaus Anthony, and Chairperson of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee and his wife. They were received by Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Rulian, Chongyi Liang, BLIA North Island Advisor, Committee Member Xuting Huang and other volunteers.

The visitors were full of curiosity for the temple so they attentively listen to the Abbess’s explanation of the functions of the temple’s buildings and shrines, and experiences of propagating the Dharma, localisation of Buddhism and providing services to the community. After learning about the symbolism and growing process of the courtyard’s mondo grass, they knelt down to the touch the grass and learn about it’s unique qualities for themselves.

Then they visited the “Venerable Master Hsing Yun One Stroke Calligraphy exhibition”. After browsing the displayed pieces and watching a short film documenting the calligraphy writing process, the visitors praised the Venerable Master’s awe inspiring compassion and wisdom. Mr Lewis especially exclaimed that “The Venerable Master’s calligraphy has already surpassed art.” Despite not able to read Chinese, he has felt and understood the power of the pieces. He also felt he has gained a lot from this visit and receive much positive energy, which is a perfectly conclusion to his New Zealand trip. Mr and Mrs Anthony thanked the Abbess, Venerables and BLIA members for their hospitality. They also admire Fo Guang Shan’s efforts toward localisation and wishes to continue a relationship with the temple, so they can work together to facilitate more interfaith exchange and harmonisation.