NZ Police Commissioner Peter Marshall and Wife Visits Fo Guang Shan

On 16th August, accompanied by his wife Pam and Personal Staff Officer Bruce Sinclair, Police Commissioner Peter Marshall visited Fo Guang Shan North Island. They were welcomed by Abbess Manshin, other Venerables, North Island BLIA president Dolly Tsai, South Island BLIA president See Xian Lee, and 20 other committee members.

Commissioner especially organised this visit in order to express his appreciation after receiving a gift of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy work on 17th July. He expressed that all members of the NZ police has close relationship with Fo Guang Shan. Hence, as the organisation leader, it’s important for him to be familiarised with the temple’s unique qualities.

Through the three hours visit, Abbess Manshin and fellow Fo Guang members led the visitors through the Front Shrine, Pagoda, library, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, Main Shrine and Meditation Hall. The Abbess also took the opportunity to explain the ‘3 good and 4 giving’ movement promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, as well as educational materials including Fo Guang ‘Chinese Buddhist Cannons’. She also talked the recent election of a new Abbot and transmission of Dharma ceremonies, thus explaining the process and historical relevance of passing down the Dharma lineage to the Commissioner. Most importantly, a film about Buddhist Memorial Centre’s grand accomplishments was shown to the Commissioner.

President Dolly invited the Commissioner to come and visit the head quarters at Taiwan. Since Commissioner Marshall’s contract will be finished in 8 month time, he is very happy to have received such a precious invitation; however, he insisted that his wondrous opportunity is best left to the next Commissioner, enabling the continuation of this wonderful relationship between the police and temple.

Commissioner Marshall is very grateful for Fo Guang people’s hospitality as well as receiving gifts of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s English editions of “366 days with wisdom”, “Being good”, “Passing down the Light” and “Rabbit’s Horn”.