Fo Guang Shan (North Island)’s Spirit touches the Heart of Taiwan Senior Advisor to the President

On 23 July, Taiwan Senior Advisor to the President, Madam Po-Ya Chang, accompanied by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand Representative Charles Tsai, Director General Carl Yang and 7 others visited Fo Guang Shan (North Island). They were hosted by Abbess Manshin, Venerable Manwang and 30 BLIA members.
Madam Po-Ya Chang was totally amazed by the temple’s landscape and its serenity which differs from other Buddhist temples she has visited. Abbess Manshin explained that she hopes everyone who visits the temple is able to receive the message conveyed through each and every corner of the temple, and wishes that these messages can even serve as a turning point in one’s life.
Madam Po-Ya Chang and guests expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Abbess Manshin and the BLIA members for their hospitality in organising such a fruitful temple tour and shared so much of their life experiences. She cordially invited everyone to witness the greatest gift from Master Hsing Yun to Taiwan next year during her 100 years Anniversary - the gift of a forty hectare Buddha Memorial Centre.
During the visit, she revealed a story that is unknown to many people. She said that although she often meets with Master Hsing Yun, she did not realise that her first encounter with Master was 53 years ago when she was attending High School.At that time, she did not even know Master’s name. However, she can still remember vividly what Master has told her: “Reciting Buddha’s name is not necessarily done in the Temple.” She also took a photograph with Master who was then 31 years old.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand Representative Charles Tsai who facilitated this visit, praised Fo Guang Shan (North Island) for its’ high efficiency and for being a successful model for the propagation of Dharma and Chinese culture through Arts and Culture.