Fo Guang Shan Welcomes Summer Camp Students from Ellerslie YMCA – Light and Wisdom from Faith

On 29th January, under the guidance of their counsellor, 51 students from Ellerslie YMCA’s summer camp visited Fo Guang Shan. They were welcomed by Venerable Abbess Manshin, where gifts of pendants and books were made to the visitors. It was hoped that they can experience the charm of Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture through this visit.

The visitors were organised into three groups to tour the temple under the guidance of Venerable Miaoyu and ESC volunteers Ray Hardisty and Edward Chang. During the tour, the symbolism behind the stone lions, big bell, big drum, and 4 Maha-Bodhisattva’s vows and practices were explained. Due to the opportunity afforded by the recent Chinese Lunar New Year, the visitors were able to experience the festivity’s atmosphere and the many traditional Chinese trinkets such as the rattle drum, lanterns, paper dragons and lions.

Later, the students all respectfully made wishes in front of the wishing bell. They also visited the recent “Ch’an Heart, Ch’an Art” exhibition, where Buddhism’s profound wisdom to everyday life were explained through the exhibited Ch’an stories. All listened attentively.

The guidance counsellor thanked the temple for organising this mind purifying cultural activity. Through the trip, all students developed their faith and learnt more about our religion’s light and wisdom.