Visit of Christchurch Walking and Garden Groups to FGS South Island
In order to foster a better understanding of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island, members of Lincoln Walking Group and Litter River Garden Group paid a visit to FGS Temple Christchurch on 14th August 2018. They were welcomed on arrival by Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island members Low Kok-wei, Craig and Harold. The visitors were first introduced by Low to the view of the Temple from the outside with its simple rustic external wall made of concrete slabs imported from India, and incorporated with four Bodhisattvas in the four recesses, all these being inspired by the ‘Longman Grottoes’. The presence of the Bodhisattvas in the busy street has indeed fused the building with the local environment. At the inner courtyard, the visitors asked about the significance of the “卍” sign found on the Buddha statue. They were told that the “卍” sign is an auspicious sign and it represents ‘good fortune’.
Following this, Craig led the visitors to the Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch where the Sarah Deans “Flower Portraits” Oil Paintings Exhibition and the Dean Buchanan “Horizon” Oil Paintings Exhibition were being held. Afterwards, the visitors visited the solemn Buddha Hall and the abstruse Time Tunnel. They were awed by, and full of praises for, the special designs of these parts of the Building. Craig then briefed the visitors on the community services/ activities carried out by BLIA members, such as: the Red Cross “Meals on Wheels” project which has been going on for more than 20 years; and the much acclaimed 3 Goodness and 4 Givings (3G4G) Festival of Cultural Sharing held here in May this year. Craig pointed out that these activities not only provide services to the community, but also serve as platforms of communication and inter action between FGS and the local community.
Members of the entourage expressed their gratitude to FGY Art Gallery Christchurch for assisting the local artists in the promotion of their artworks. Normally, the artists are too absolved in their works and neglect to spend time on the promotion of their works. Through FGY Art Gallery, they have a chance to exhibit the fruits of their hard work, and in the process, an opportunity to interact with the public and to promote themselves as well.
After their tour of the Temple, members of the two groups stayed back in the Water Drop Café for their meals. They thanked BLIA members for providing a wonderful guided tour of the Temple. Before this, they were unaware that FGS Temple is open to the public. After this visit, they will introduce more people to visit the Temple. They also promise to purchase the ‘Water Drop Café’ vouchers and treat their relatives to vegetarian meals here. Before bidding farewell, the visitors were presented with copies of the “2018 BLIA South Island NZ Annual Report”. This will allow them to have a better glimpse of BLIA South Island and their many contributions and services to the local community.