Visit of Human Rights Commission Race Relations Commissioner to FGS South Island
On 10th December 2019, Chairman of New Zealand Human Rights Commission (HRC) Race Relations Commssioner Meng Foon visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island. He was warmly welcomed by FGS New Zealand Abbess Venerable Manshin, FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President James Low, BLIA South Island 2nd subchapter President Cao Qian and other BLIA members.
Venerable Abbess Manshin introduced to the visitor the Temple building which was inspired by the ‘Longman Grottoes’ and pointed out that the other important element incorporated in the design was the minimalistic approach of the Buddhist Practitioner. Venerable Abbess explained that FGS was able to accommodate Religion, Arts and Cuisine in the 2000 square meters Temple building. Afterwards, the visitor was guided to the Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch to tour the Art Exhibition there. Here, he was able to experience firsthand the artistic ambience. He then toured the Time Tunnel to view the beautiful sight created by the natural blending of the sun rays and shadows. The visitor later visited the Buddha Hall where he was captivated by the open view design adopted. While touring the building, Commissioner Meng Foon also took the opportunity to ask about the origin of Buddhism and its various traditions. To these, Venerable Abbess gave a simple and insightful introduction on the difference between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions.
In his address, Commissioner Meng Foon said that, since childhood, he loves to serve others, and he had been the Mayor of Gisborne for 18 long years. Now, his number one priority as Commissioner of the HRC Race Relations is to eradicate bullying in schools through education and proper guidance, with the aim of providing the students with a conducive environment for harmonious coexistence. In her briefing, Venerable Abbess told Commissioner Meng Foon that FGS New Zealand has, for the past 6 years, hosted the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing’ which has attracted more than 6000 participating students each year. At the same time, FGS New Zealand has teamed up with the New Zealand Police to plant the seeds of kindness in the hearts of the students so as to cultivate positive outlook in them. Meanwhile, FGS is involved with the distribution of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book 366 Days with Wisdom to enable the travelers to share Master’s wisdom.
Before parting, Venerable Abbess presenting to Commissioner the following books: FGS NZ 10th Anniversary Report, 366 Days with Wisdom, and Treasure of Nature Enlighten You by photographer Toney Su. Commissioner thanked Abbess for her effort in making him understand the development of Humanistic Buddhism in New Zealand. He was most impressed and moved by the spirit and determination of BLIA members in bringing joy and positivity to New Zealand, regardless of the hardship they may have to go through.