Fo Guang Shan Filmed and Interviewed for Te Reo Channel’s Show MATAORA

On 11th March, Director Rangi Rangitukunoa, Presenter Robyn Leigh Emery and 2 members of the crew arrived at Fo Guang Shan to film footage and conduct interviews for Te Reo Channel’s show MATAORA (The Living Face). They were accompanied by BLIA Member Sally Wang and received by Venerable Miaoyu.

Footage filmed included sceneries of the Ch’an garden, Temple architectures, big bell, big drum, the courtyard, Pagoda and the art gallery. These scenes showed how the Temple is using culture and art to propagate and localise Buddhism in New Zealand. Details about Venerable Master Hsing Yun, construction of this temple, organised activities as well as ideals of Humanistic Buddhism were also explained. Presence of the outdoor art exhibition also emphasised the temple’s good relationship with the local community.

Furthermore, Venerable Miaoyu provided brief expositions regarding the characterstics of Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism and their relationships. She also encouraged and welcomed members of Tangata Whenua to come and join the weekly Saturday English Buddhism and meditation classes, which introduces everyone to the practice of meditation and Buddhist philosophy that will help one learn to understand oneself; to obtain inner peace; enrich one’s life and increase positive state of being.