A Visit from NZ TECO

On 29 April, a visit from New Zealand (NZ) Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office’s (TECO) new representative Mr. Wen-Chieh Jieh accompanied by a member of the Christchurch Chinese Overseas Affairs Committee – Dr. Alex Fu, TECO Secretary – Mr. Lu and President for the Taiwan Hwa-Hsin Society of NZ – Joseph Tseng and Consultant – David Chen came to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ in giving concern for the people of Christchurch. FGS South Island NZ Temple Supervisor – Venerable Juexi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ Vice President – James Low, Committee – Tracy Chen and members Ding LihSon, Mei-Er Tsai and Vicky Han welcomed them warmly.

Firstly, Venerable Juexi led the guests to the Buddha Hall in offering incense and introduced FGS South Island NZ and the practice of Humanistic Buddhism. The venerable then explained the architecture of the building with the reasons behind the design. The introduction of Paul Deans exhibition and his family as one of the families that first settled in NZ was also given where his artwork amused the visitors.

Vicky then gave a tour of another exhibition from Zijian Li entitled “Humanity and Love” oil paintings in the art gallery which brings warmth and love from humanism. Vicky also told them the story of the love and caring from Zijian in concerning the children of Wenchuan county after the earthquake and how he does charity with his artwork. James then apprised that FGS NZ “366 Adventurous Team” distributed over 20,000 books of “366 Days with Wisdoms” by FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing-Yun to hotels and motels all over NZ bringing visitors from all over the world positivity.

Venerable Juexi then passed greetings from Venerable Abbess Manshin and representative Mr. Wen said that he had been to FGS North Island which given him good affinities with the abbess. His visit today to FGS South Island also gave him a sense of tranquility, joy and liberation.

Mr. Wen thanked the warm hospitality and expressed to have more cooperation and activities together with FGS together in the future serving the community better. Venerable Juexi then presented a few books authored by Venerable Master Hsing-Yun like the “Hear Me Out, Messages from a Humble Monk” and more to give gratitude in their visit.