Lecture XieRui Visits FGS South Island NZ

The Dean of Northwest University’s Xuan Zang Research Institute, and Buddhist Research Institute Professor Li LiAn’s wife, Lecturer XieRui, and his student lecturer YongBing Li arrived at Christchurch, New Zealand on the 13th of February. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island temple Minister in charge Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island President See Shen Lee, Vice President Louisa Kuo, and others. The three visitors were taken to the main shrine after their flight landed, and briefed on some of the architectural elements and functions of the various parts of the South Island temple.

BLIA members, including the President, Vice President, commitee members, up to about ten people, gathered that night at 7pm for a session on sharing the dharma. Lecturer XieRui first gave an introduction on how she was exposed to Buddhism, and how she came to know Master Hsing Yun via Humanistic Buddhism, identifying highly with the 3 Good Deeds, 4 Givings (3G4G) philosophy advocated by Venerable Master. Having been touring around various temples in Australia, she also said experienced the extent to which this 3G4G concept has assimilated into the region. Lecture YongBing Li also gave an introduction himself, on how he encountered Humanistic Buddhism at the Da Jue temple in China. He found out about the reason why Venerable Master Hsing Yun was so supportive of the temple, which was so that more people can have the chance to be acquainted and learn about Buddhism. After hearing from Venerable Master Hsing Yun himself, he felt a surge in his positive energy and understood more about Humanistic Buddhism’s never-ending push to serve others for good, which led him to trust Humanistic Buddhism fully.

The BLIA staff also gave an account of some of the Dharma propagating events they have done over the past few years in Christchurch. The Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch was one particular highlight. Through Vicky, she used a video film to showcase how the art gallery was a centre of attraction to the artistic people of Christchurch. The FGY Art Gallery CHCH is one such window to propagate Humanistic Buddhism through art and culture, and is a space where fellow local artists can stage their artwork and performances.

BLIA’s Director Cao Qian told of the difficulties over the past 4 years, where the FGS office had to be relocated to the Cloud Water cottage, and large events such as Seminars, musicals and dharma functions held at hired venues. Although it was hard, the temple never skipped a beat in continuing it’s purpose of propagating Buddhism. The period has actually saw the temple become more acquainted with other local groups, making Buddhism more localised to the needs of the people. Director Benny Wong mentioned that last year in 2016, the Siddhartha the Musical held in Christchurch managed to attract 1500 public members and students, and it was a first for many to witness the Buddha’s teachings via a stage musical performance. Kok Wei Low shared some of the experiences in delivering the 366 books to motels all over the country, with a total of 15000 copies sent out over a year. He thanked the temple for giving him a chance to grow and upgrade himself through never-ending services to others, and is especially happy to see so many people being accepting of the donated 366 books. Vice President Louisa Kuo also shared one of the longstanding activities the temple has committed to since joining the Red Cross ‘Meal on Wheels’ Service in 1997. Every Tuesday, there will be a group sent out to deliver lunches to single old folks, and over this 20 years, after 24,000 plus packed lunches, it is hoped that the practice will continue, so that Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism mindset will be brought to as many homes as possible. Vice President James Low gave a briefing about upcoming activities, and how more and more members are now confident to take part in engaging the Christchurch public, bringing with them Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism spirit, of more warmth and affection.

The two visiting teachers remarked on how it seemed like a miracle, that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is but situated on Taiwan, and yet is able to have such a profound influence the whole world, spreading both Buddhism and Chinese culture to the five great continents. They saw the Venerables in Australia and New Zealand being good temple stewards, and applauded them for their great sense of responsibility in propagating the dharma. The same goes to the BLIA for their synchronised movement alongside Fo Guang Shan, hand in hand making each other better. Venerable Jue Xi thanked the two Lecturers for their visit, and said that the most important thing in life is to have found the right belief and teacher. Having the right belief and teacher will bring about the true meaning of life in us, and allow us to find a purpose in life. She continued by stating how Humanistic Buddhism is something with warmth, an expression, laden with sweat and tears. It is the close relationship between people and people, as it is only when things rub closely, that brilliant sparks will ignite. Hopefully everyone will have much to learn, and will continue to strive towards Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism target, bringing more peace and joy into this world.