Visit of Reverend Prince & Reverend Andrew to FGS

On 8th January 2017, Canterbury Interfaith Society Committee Member, Reverend Andrew Donaldson from Methodist Church Christchurch, paid a visit to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple South Island. He was accompanied by Reverend Prince Devanandan from Methodist Church Auckland. On hand to welcome the visitors were FGS South Island Temple Supervisor Venerable Jue Xi and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President James Low.

In their meeting, Reverend Andrew introduced Reverend Prince as the President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand and mentioned that they were on their way to the airport and decided to pay FGS Temple South Island a visit. BLIA South Island Vice President James Low then briefed the visitors on the Temple setup and later the visitors were taken for a tour of the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch where an exhibition of “Chan” Chinese Ink Paintings by Artist Xu Tong Tian is being held.

Afterwards Reverend Andrew and Reverend Prince paid their homage to Buddha by offering lighted candles in the Buddha Hall. Meanwhile, Vice President James Low took the opportunity to deliberate to the visitors “Humanistic Buddhism” as expounded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. At the time of their visit, members of BLIA South Island were holding their monthly Tea Meditation. James explained to the visitors the meaning and intricacy behind the Tea Meditation.

Prior to their departure, Venerable Jue Xi presented to Reverend Andrew and Reverend Prince each with the publication “366 Days With Wisdom” authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and hoped that they would be able to share the wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun enshrined in the book. She also informed the visitors that FGS New Zealand has distributed free copies of the book to motels and hotels throughout New Zealand for travellers to enjoy and share in its wisdom.

Reverend Andrew and Reverend Prince bade farewell by thanking Venerable Jue Xi and James for their hospitality which enabled them to feel the cordiality among the interfaith communities in Canterbury. Reverend Andrew also expressed his wish to take part in the Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony in April 2017.