Visit from Nanping Dunhuang Performers
Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Nanping’s Dunhuang performers and a tea meditation leader made their way from Taiwan to New Zealand (NZ) for the FGS North Island New Zealand Buddha’s Birthday celebration. The 17 people group delivered an extraordinary display of Dunhuang dance and an elegant demonstration of tea meditation. After the Buddha’s Birthday event, the group took a trip down to Christchurch on the 13th of April, led by Venerable RuYue and group leader YaQi Huang. They were warmly greeted upon their arrival by FGS New Zealand Venerable Abbess Manshin, FGS South Island Temple Supervisor Venerable Juexi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President Louisa Kuo and BLIA members.
The visiting troupe first made their way to the main shrine as a formality to announce their arrival. Venerable Abbess Manshin then provided the visitors a tour of the South Island temple’s various architectural elements. The temple design itself was thought out from a minimalistic ascetic mentality, simple and yet nothing short of grandiose. This includes the Buddha Hall which is well positioned where one can see the hills right outside the glass windows, and the Longmen Grottoes - inspired design of the inner and outer walls. With sculptures of the four great bodhisattvas placed within cut out caves on the front entrance and the striped lights casting along the ‘time corridor’ from the sun, there is no lack of artful designs for the visitors to have a lasting impression of.
Under the BLIA South Island’s arrangements, these visitors from Nanping also had a chance to go on a trip around Christchurch. Besides learning about some of the local customs, they also had the opportunity to appreciate some of the pure and beautiful natural scenery in the vicinity. The places visited include Taylors Mistake Beach, Castle Hill and Lake Lyndon. The breathtaking landscape and fresh air no doubt touched upon the visitors’ hearts and gave them plenty of good photo taking opportunities.
In the evening, Venerable Abbess and the Nanping group had a relaxed conversation. The Dunhuang performers’ teacher Miss Xu YuZhen said that when she was given the reins to teach the Dunhuang dance troupe, she had only expected to teach them for a week. But the troupe’s strong will and dedication made her decide to stay on to this very day, and she thanked the temple for continuing to give her the opportunity to work with the group presenting some very exciting Dunhuang dance performances. The youngest in the troupe – Cao LianYu wanted to thank her aunt for bringing her to the FGS Nanping branch to practice Dunhuang dances and giving them this special opportunity to visit NZ at this Buddha’s Birthday celebration.
Group leader Huang YaQi was especially impressed by one of the photos displayed along the time corridor, one which depicts an ascetic practitioner in sitting meditation. It ingeniously extends the visuals of the corridor to be more than just still objects, which speaks highly of the Venerable Master’s wisdom and knack for creative art. Several of the troupe members also shared their experiences during the three day two nights stay in Christchurch – both what was especially memorable to them. They have come to realize the difficulty and challenge of Dharma propagation overseas, and this led them to appreciate even more benefits coming from so many good and willing people in Taiwan.
Lastly, Venerable Abbess gave the visitors some positive energy and encouragement to recharge spiritually. She hopes that this trip has broadened their mind and heart, opening them up to many new experiences. At the same time, remember their initial heart and intention in learning Buddhism, so that they may continue to bring happiness to people with their wonderful dance performances and tea meditation.