The Successful Completion of 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing Education Program at FGS NZ Spreading Kind Values in New Zealand

The 2021 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing education program was successfully completed at FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland and Christchurch on 1st June. Throughout the 38 sessions, there were 25 schools with over 7730 students, teachers and parents who participated in the festival. The New Zealand Police fully supported the education program and worked closely with the Temple. This education program has enabled primary and secondary school students, aged 5 to 18 from different cultural backgrounds to learn about the kind value of truth, virtue, and beauty.

Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by BLIA members and volunteers in front of the Front Shrine. Firstly, the students learnt to greet each other by  joining palms and the meaning of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G). At the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition, the students watched the animation video The Life of Buddha where they learned about the good attributes of the Buddha such as compassion, humility, and equality. The Temple prepared various activities for the students to learn about the 3G4G such as Lights offering, making origami lotus flowers, striking the wishing bell, pasting 3G4G Tattoo and a mindfulness meditation.

The students enjoyed the Laba Congee refreshment prepared by the Temple. Cyroe, a student from Finlayson Park School had 13 bowls of congee and was deeply grateful for the food that was prepared by the Temple. The New Zealand Police supported 38 sessions in both Auckland and Christchurch Temple. They interacted with the students with fun and engaging role playing sessions to encourage the students to make the right decisions in life.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun once says: A Temple is a petrol station in life, a department store for the soul and a school for the community. Under the guidance of Abbess Manshin, the Temple strives to deliver high quality service to the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, BLIA members of the North and South Island fully cooperated with the government to control the spreading of the COVID-19 and spared no effort to send preventive materials such as sanitisers to the school and get through this pandemic together.

There are 20,755 students, parents and teachers from 44 schools which participated in the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing in the past 7 years. This education program has gained a good reputation and feedback from the community. Since 2014, Ormiston Primary School participated in the festival every year. The learning leader, Mr Heath McNeil shared that This program provides a way for the students to connect with the Temple. When they have difficulties in life they know where to ask for help; They can also serve the community when they have the abilities. A school bus driver also mentioned that she was fortunate to visit the Temple with the students and was inspired by the wise words of 366 Days with Wisdom,  a book written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Senior Sergeant Anson Lin mentioned that he attended the first session of the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing in 2014. He was delighted to witness the festival, which started with a few hundred students from three schools and has developed to the current scale. He hopes to continue providing their greatest support to work collaboratively with the Temple, share the good values of 3G4G to more people and build a harmonious community together.

The Temple has received many warm and beautiful feedbacks from the students. Ashyla from Finlayson Park School made a beautiful card for the Temple, she wrote that she learnt about stories of Buddha and will use the 3G4G values to help others and be a better self. A Grade 9 students from Rutherford College, Em White, shared her feedback in the school’s website. She mentioned that the Temple is a beautiful, spectacular place and is a great place to learn more about different cultures as well as a great out of the class learning experience. Em also commented that the Laba Congee was one of the most lovely rice dishes she has had.

Through the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, the students were able to learn about different cultures and embrace diversity.  Many teachers and students are looking forward to participating in the festival next year. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand strives to construct a harmonious society and share the values of the 3G4G to the community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7hlMFWLHMg&ab_channel=%E4%BD%9B%E5%85%89%E5%B1%B1%E4%BA%BA%E9%96%93%E8%A1%9B%E8%A6%96