Police Superintendent John Tims visits Fo Guang Shan – Seeing the Importance in Youth Education

On the afternoon of 30th January, Manukau Counties Superintendent John Tims visited Fo Guang Shan accompanied by Asian Liaison officer Justin Zeng. They were welcomed by Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juehao, Venerable Rulian and 8 members of Fo Guang Shan.

The Abbess presented the temple’s 2012 activities by show casing the photos displayed on the Cultural Corridor. Images showing Fo Guang Youth’s dedication in supporting the temple left deep impressions with Superintendent Tims, he expressed that youth education requires the co-operation of family, and Fo Guang Shan employs a unique style to foster the young ones. This will allow their lives to have more value and meaning. The police plans to hold more seminars at the temple to share with these youth.

The guests toured Coral Harnett’s oil painting exhibition “Bloom from the Inside Out”, the Way of Life photographic exhibition, and visited the Main Shrine where symbolism of the interior design were briefly introduced to them. They were also shown inside the library to view the Agama Canon, Ch’an Canon, Pure Land Canon edited by Fo Guang Shan, and books by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in both Chinese and English. Superintendent Tims was amazed by Fo Guang Shan’s contributions toward cultural education.

Superintendent Tims has been with the force for over 30 years and has been a senior officer within the Serious Crime Unit. Today is the first time he’s been in such a Pure Land like location where tranquillity and contemplations can be truly experienced. He is awe struck by the Pagoda’s atmosphere where he felt the entire burden lifted from his mind as he reached the base of the structure. The Superintendent thus thanked the temple for contributing this indescribable boon to society.

At the end of the visit, the Abbess gifted “2012 BLIA Activities Report”, “NZ Superbrands” and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Cloud and Water” to the guests. The Abbess expressed that Fo Guang Shan values the nurturing and development of the youth, and that Fo Guang people will continue to propagate culture and education to the wider community.