Hagley College Students Explore Buddhism

Christchurch’s Hagley Community College teacher Ms Alice Fleet brought eight year 12 students to FGS South Island for a guided Temple tour on 12th August. Three of her year 12 students were mature-aged people who had returned to study from the workforce.
The eight visitors were sociology and world religion students who in order to broaden their understanding about the various religions decided to come to FGS South Island; the place where they believed they could venture into the profound philosophy and ideals of Buddhism.

FGS South Island English Social Education Group’s Shenghan Lim took the group on a guided Temple tour which began at the Temple Façade, and there the significance of the practitioners’ four postures were introduced.
The tour continued into the FGY Art Gallery, where teacher and students appreciated Yao Hong Ying’s Embroidery Exhibition while they intently listened to the tour guide’s commentary. The group discovered that the various embroidery techniques used by Yao respectively produces works with their own unique characteristics.

The Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s eight-stage chronological biography was introduced as the tour continued through the Time Tunnel, and at the Buddha Hall, Shenghan introduced the formalities of the “heart of the Buddhist Temple”. After a briefing and demonstration by the tour guide of how to make a wish at the wishing bell, the students by turn prostrated and knelt sincerely in front of the bell as they communicated their deep-hearted wishes to the Buddha.

Question and answer time at the Temple library concluded the interesting Temple tour, and there, students raised many questions to the tune of: “what are the differences in viewpoints between Buddhism and other religions?” and “what does Buddhist philosophy and thought teach us?”.

Temple Superintendent Venerable Juexi gave everyone souvenirs, and invited everyone to come back to the Temple whenever they can. The students thanked the Temple for allowing them to learn about Buddhism as well as experience the unique characteristics of a modern Buddhist Temple.