Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ Temple Tour ~ The story of the first grade horse

On 1 November, Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ volunteer Sister Jane Leong and her husband, Brother Lee Kim Hong, Lee’s sister and brother- in-law from Malaysia, visited the temple and were hosted by Abbess Manshin. Abbess Manshin explained the significance of the building’s architecture, the development of Humanistic Buddhism in New Zealand, the design of the landscaping and so forth. The guests also had a chance to enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the Cherry blossoms and gained knowledge of the variety of the cherry trees and their life cycles.
Sister Jane Leong is a devoted volunteer since 2003and had witnessed the growth of the temple and praised the effort of all members. The temple has soared from strength to strength due to the hardwork and effort from all volunteers and members. Abbess shared that every success comes from good planning, vision, attention to details and space for the conditions to fall into places. She quoted a parable from the Buddhist story about 4 grades of horses; the first grade horse galloped when it saw the shadow of the cane knowing the master’s mind; the second grade horse galloped when the cane touched its tail; the third grade horse galloped when the cane beat its’ body and the fourth grade horse galloped after it felt the pain of the wound. Abbess encouraged everyone to cultivate wisdom and compassion and learn to be the first grade horse.