Interview by RadioNZ

Fo Guang Shan South Island New Zealand has ever since been propagating the Dharma here unconditionally to the local community, giving everyone a place to come and replenish their spiritual mind. A recent project undertook by Sonia Yee of Radio New Zealand regarding religion in the local community saw her travelling down to Christchurch from Wellington to interview members of the Temple on 23rd December. Through this story, her aim was to let the whole of New Zealand understand the value and purpose of Buddhism in the community.

Ms. Yee was first given a tour of the Temple including the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery 2 of the stone teapot exhibition as well as the works of local artist Dale Gallagher on display, followed by the Hallway of Time and History, Buddha Hall and the library, allowing her to understand the facilities on offer by FGS South Island. President and Vice President of the English Chapter along with the venerables were all interviewed by Ms. Yee later that day where she covered topics including the journey of a Sangha member, how one face the technological era full of information and how FGS interacts and integrates within the local community.

Members of the English Chapter responded to questions including how they chose Buddhism at FGS as their faith and reasons for participating in Temple events and activities. At the conclusion of the interviews, Ms. Yee expressed that she hopes to meet the Abbess of FGS New Zealand eventually, and also mentioned that the airing of her special programme at around New Year’s time.

By the end of her visit, she was presented with a book written by Grand Master Hsing-Yun by the Venerable, and Ms. Yee expressed her thanks to the staff members for their hospitality and how she was touched by the efforts of the Grand Master to propagate Humanistic Buddhism, giving everyone more confidence, more positive approach to life, and hoped that Buddhism will localise furthermore touching more people.