Visit of Ambassador Bill Chen to FGS South Island
On 30th June 2018, Ambassador Bill Chen of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New Zealand visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island. He was accompanied by Taiwan Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee member Alex Fu, President of Taiwan Hwa Hsin Society of New Zealand Mr. Joseph Tseng, China Airlines New Zealand Branch Anderson Lin. The Ambassador and his entourage were warmly welcomed by FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Deputy President Ding Lihson, Advisor John Lai, Dharma Lecturer Rona Ku and 10 other members of BLIA South Island.
In her briefing on the architecture of the Temple Building, Venerable Jue Xi related to the visitors how by using the most original and simplistic art forms the designer was able to incorporate into the building the beauty of Buddhism; and how the Time Tunnel was able to produce special visual effects by making use of the rays and shadows cast by the summer Sun. Afterwards, Ambassador Chen and his entourage were introduced to the [Horizons] Oil Painting Exhibition by New Zealand Artist Dean Buchanan in the Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch. Following this, the entourage adjourned to the Buddha Hall where they performed prayers by offering lighted candles.
In their briefing to the Ambassador and his entourage, members of BLIA South Island reported on activities of BLIA South Island via a video presentation, highlighting the many activities and services they carried out in Christchurch, including the distribution of the book “366 Days with Wisdom” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to the restaurants and motels in New Zealand. To date, more than 800 restaurants and motels have accepted a total of 20,000 copies of the book. On top of this, in May 2018, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island had, for the first time, hosted the [3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing]. About 400 students from three Christchurch schools participated in this activity. FGS hopes that the students will incorporate the 3G4G values learnt into their daily lives, and in so doing, bring positivity to the Society. At the same time, by holding various Arts Exhibitions, FGS South Island has facilitated the marriage of Western culture and Buddhist culture. It has also contributed to the development of local New Zealand Arts.
In his speech, Ambassador Chen praised FGS South Island for their relentless effort in propagating Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism in Christchurch, specially the hosting of [3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing] which has the effect of planting the seeds of Humanistic Buddhism in the young hearts. Ambassador Chen also thanked FGS for the concern and caring extended to the Taiwanese community in Christchurch all these years, and for helping the Government of Republic of China looking after the Taiwanese tourists here.
Later at the tea reception, Venerable Jue Xi extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Chen and described the Ambassador’s visit as a trip back to his own family. She commented that FGS Temple Christchurch has always served as a place for the people from all walks of life to meet and share their knowledge and experiences. The original intent of Master Hsing Yun in setting up the Temple was to present it as a gift to the people of Christchurch. Venerable Jue Xi also took the opportunity to thank Joseph and the Taiwanese community in Christchurch for their support, making it possible for more people to participate in the activities of the Temple. Finally, Venerable Jue Xi presented Ambassador Chen with the books “366 Days with Wisdom” and “The Wisdom of Venerable Master”, wishing that Ambassador Chen would bring home with him the Wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.