Auckland Council visits Fo Guang Shan

On the morning of 3rd September 43 members of Auckland Council arrived at Fo Guang Shan temple led by co-ordinator Yun Je Li, where they were welcomed by Venerable Miaoyu, BLIA vice chairperson Linda Daniel and English sub-chapter member Ian Fatherley. The visitors were then introduced and guided through the “Way to Buddhahood” courtyard, Main Shrine and other venues of the temple. Throughout the tour symbolisms such as the “the vows and practices of the 4 Mahasattvas”, the big bell and big drum were explained to the visitors. Then the group also toured Venerable Dou Pu’s comic art exhibition.

Auckland Council organised this tour as a part of their “Cultural orientation”, hoping to experience Buddhist culture, understand its history and build a platform with Fo Guang Shan for public service. Venerable explained to the visitors Fo Guang Shan’s involvement with the local community, such as guided tour and culture activities with local primary schools, colleges, university, learning institutes, Probus clubs and culture groups. Not to mention the temple’s friendship with NZ police, thus attending many of their ceremonies and events of importance. Other work with the community involves facilitating dialogue between different culture and religious groups, sharing in ideas on how to prevent domestic violence, attending round the bay, providing stalls during the Lantern festival, and allowing local art to flourish by providing exhibition space to the Howick Uxbridge art centre. During the annual Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations, many different social and community groups were invited to participate and share in the momentous occasion.

At the end of the tour, Venerable Miaoyu gave gifts of “Way of Life” book on behalf of the temple to the visitors. This harmonious and tranquil tour brought great joy to all the Council staff, whom all expressed that they will certainly co-operate with the temple in the future, thus diligently maintaining a harmonious society.