Senior Group visit Fo Guang Shan Auckland Enjoy the Warmness Morning Tea
On 30th July 2021, approximately 30 seniors from Beach Haven Garden group visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland, New Zealand for the first time. They were led by Barbara. On the way to the temple, two accidents involving two occurred. The buses were replaced twice before arriving at Fo Guang Auckland. The Temple specially prepared freshly baked lemon yogurt and blueberry muffins to welcome the group.
The group was slightly tired due to the tough journey. Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan New Zealand, personally came to the Water Drop Café to serve the group, and introduced the morning tea specially prepared for them. The warm coffee and fresh muffins made the group very happy and inspired.
Temple staffs, Nick led the seniors to a tour around the Temple and introduce the shrines and art galleries to them. The group came to the Treasure of Nature Enlighten You Photography Exhibition by Toney Su which was exhibited from August 1. The seniors were the first visitors to see this exhibition. Toney’s works mainly focuses the mother nature of Aotearoa New Zealand, the majestic buildings and beautiful gardens of Fo Guang Shan in Auckland and Christchurch. The flower arrangement created by the Abbess made the seniors feel at ease and happy. They said that they would bring their families to visit after the official launch. The seniors were also very interested in the morning bell and the evening drum. They asked "What material is the big bell and drum made of?" "What kind of sound does it make?" "When does the Temple usually ring bells and drums?" Nick was more than happy to answer all their questions.
Before leaving, Nick told them that in November, the cherry blossoms in the Temple are very beautiful. He also told them the wonderful activities such as the cherry blossom festivals and art salons held by the Temple during that period. The seniors were amazed and said that they will come back to the Temple again, especially in November to enjoy the different scenery. They were all very excited and made plans to come back to the Temple for the Cherry Blossom Festival.