NZ 366 Team Embarks Motels Gratefully Receive Venerable Master’s Wisdom

Since 2015, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand has initiated the 366 Days with Wisdom book donation project nationwide, receiving enthusiastic responses from people across various regions. After three years into the pandemic, the Abbess of FGS NZ Venerable Manshin, compassionately directed the relaunch of the book donation project, addressing the replenishing needs of motels and introducing the book to new establishments. The New Zealand 366 Team, consisting of BLIA North Island Director Annie Ng, Deputy President Nick Yoong, Reann Chang, Winnie Guan, and HongJie Shi, resumed the book donation efforts on 4th and 6th October 2023. Over a span of two days and a 10-hour drive, they visited 30 motels in South Auckland, distributing a total of 686 books.

Motel owners expressed their gratitude to FGS New Zealand. John, the owner of 540 Motel, appreciated the Temple for gifting 40 books back in 2015. Many guests found the book’s content very meaningful and took copies with them. John was grateful to have kept a copy for himself and still reads it daily.

The Airport Manor Hotel was served as a quarantine facility during the pandemic. Manager Jeffrey shared that the 366 book became crucial spiritual nourishment for many guests, with several taking copies home. Peter, the owner of Bucklands Beach Waterfront Motel, said that the copy of 366 the motel received in 2016 was taken by the previous owner. He expressed gratitude to once again receive the wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Amio, the manager of Botany Palms Motel, gladly accepted 21 copies of the books. She found the content very enriching and looked forward to guests gaining insights from the reading. The new manager of Howick Motor Lodge, Sreyorich, was excited and honored to receive 12 copies of books on her first day. Additionally, Catherine, the manager of Quest Highbrook, shared that she enjoyed the delicious vegetarian food at the Temple's Water Drop Cafe. She happily accepted 127 copies of the book and eagerly began reading to nourish her mind.

Lucia, the manager of the new motel Nesuto Newhaven, thanked the Temple for its community services, such as hosting the Cherry Blossom Festival. She noted that an artist friend even participated in the 2023 Art Salon. Through this approach, she gained a deeper understanding of the book donation project's significance, believing these books will inspire positive energy in guests.

Upholding the spirit of Giving, BLIA members shared the wise words of the Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun throughout New Zealand, spreading warmth and care across the community.