Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ - BNZ Closed for Good Day

BNZ started its ‘Closed For Good’ community service in 2010 to encourage its employees to participate in community services such as in schools and reserves, to volunteer in painting of the buildings, environment clean-up and so forth.

Fo Guang Shan (North Island) NZ is one of the organisations that participated in this project as a way to propagate Humanistic Buddhism. On 9 March, 14 BNZ staff arrived at the temple early in the morning and were hosted by Venerable Manwang, Venerable Ru-lian, Venerable Jue Guan and BLIA (North Island) NZ President, Dolly Tsai. On behalf of the temple, they thanked the staff for helping in this meaningful event.

They were then divided into 2 groups and helped in the trimming of the carpark’s trees and plants and weeding of the courtyard for the preparation of the upcoming Temple day which will be held on 12 March.These staff are of multi-nationalities coming from New Zealand, China, Fiji, Hong Kong and Malaysia and were from different branches all over Auckland.

Although some of them live near the temple , this was the first time they visited the temple
and felt comfortable and rejuvenated with the serene and peaceful atmosphere within the temple grounds.A guided tour was conducted for them after lunch.They also visited the ‘Yao Hong Yin Embroidery’ and ‘Way of life’ exhibitions.

The volunteer explained that the meticulous nature and close observation of the surrounding by the artist made up the intricate works. Each piece of work represents the inner world of the artists and their thoughts. The fusion of Arts and Buddhism symbolised Buddhism as a way of life, which is practical and realistic.The significance of offerings such light, fruits and flowers in Buddhism and the architecture of the temple were also explained.

Under the guidance of Venerable Rulian, the 14 staff made a light offering to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake, hoping to alleviate the fear of the deceased, and guiding them to be reborn into good familes. Thereafter, they visited the Zen garden and were told of the design, concept and significance.They were amazed how much effort was required to maintain the temple grounds and realised how meaningful today’s activity was.They continued to help in the gardening with much appreciation after the tour, hoping to be part of the team that contributed to the beauty of the temple for the enjoyment of the visitors.

The staff were touched by the friendliness of the volunteers and the peaceful ambience of the temple which led some of them to offer their time in the coming Buddha’s Day on 17 April. At the end of the day, each of them was presented with the book ‘Way of life’ as a momento.

The activity ended at 4pm after a very fruitful day.