Students from Wing 301 of the NZ Royal Police Academy Visits the Temple as a part of their Religious and Culture Orientation

Led by Auckland Liaisons Officer Justin, 16 students from Wing 301 of the NZ Royal Police Academy visited the temple on 17th January as a part of their religious and culture orientation. They were warmly received at the tea house by Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerables, and BLIA Directors. To this the visitors exclaimed “Wow! So good!”

They were led on a tour by Director Annie, who explained to them the unique qualities, cultural and educational functions of various Shrines. She also showed them through “Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition” and “Way of Life Photographic Exhibition” at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery 1. Then she shared with them value life’s lessons from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book “366 Days with Wisdom”, allowing the visitors to understand Fo Guang Shan’s contribution to society.

Next on the program is a Tai Chi lesson from the Abbess and explanation of the functions of the temple. Through a humorous Q & A session, the Abbess shared her experience of counselling past students from Wing 261 and how the temple worked with the police during many cultural and educational endeavours in the past. Some questions raised by the students included:
1. What can they do for the temple?
2. Why do the monks have different coloured outfits?
3. Why do the monks have to shave their heads?

To the first question the Abbess reminded everyone to often think about others, serve others and take more responsibilities. One should also be willing to accept challenges and hardship, such as be courageous enough to face people and issues we don’t like. As long as one does not forget their initial aspirations then whatever happens can become good nutrition for their growth for the future. The Abbess explained the differences in monk’s outfit from the perspective of differences occurring when Buddhism historically split from northern and southern transmissions. She also explained that shave one’s head is a kind affirmation of one’s determination, it also represent cutting off of attachment to material things and afflictions from the mundane world. Finally the Abbess reminded everyone that they are always welcome to come back and recharge their spirit anytime they like.