Wonderful Visits from Local and Abroad

On the windy day of 30th April came two warm visits to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island NZ where one of them came abroad from Singapore into visiting Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island NZ’s Vice-President, James Low and another group of seven from the Riccarton High School.

The Singaporeans had a temple tour from James and was impressed by the art gallery and artwork that is currently exhibiting Zijian Li’s “Humanity and Love” oil paintings. Even though they have been into other venues to appreciate art and Buddhism learning, they fell that these paintings give a lively sense and warmth to them.

James also introduced them to the Buddha Hall and the visitors have incense offering, paying respect to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The Vice President explains the features of the building of having an art gallery and Water Drop Café, giving a chance for the people of Christchurch to understand more about Humanistic Buddhism. At the end of this temple visit, they have had a delicious vegetarian meal at the Water Drop Café.

Alicia and six of her classmates, which is another group that resides locally and studying at the Riccarton High School also had a scrumptious vegetarian and vegan meal at the Water Drop Café. They were amused by the design and architectural of the building hence decided to visit one floor up to the Buddha’s Hall. At the Buddha’s Hall, Ding LihSon gave them an explanation of Buddha’s story and how the FGS founder, Venerable Master Hsing-Yun propagate Dharma through art, multicultural exchange and education.

The girls then went into the library and browsed some of the Buddhism books to understand more about Buddhism. Feeling delighted, they praised the design of the building and thanked the explanation from the temple tour. They will definitely visit the temple again and will bring more friends. They will also consider in bringing their mothers to have a High Tea Affair on Mother’s Day which has a special flower arrangement art of Ikebana Exhibition, portrait drawing of those attending the celebration by a local artist and a balloon photo booth.