Visit of Members of HETTANZ to FGS South Island
42 members of the Home Economics and Technology Teachers’ Association of New Zealand (HETTANZ) visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch on 20th May 2022 and were received by members of Buddha’s Light International (BLIA) South Island. The HETTANZ is a lifelong learning educational association that trains members to learn a variety of technical expertise. The visitors on the day were all teachers, with teaching fields covering technology, handicrafts, textiles, etc. The Association was at that time holding a national conference in Christchurch. During the conference, a study tour was arranged, and FGS Christchurch was chosen as one of the stops.
BLIA South Island members guided the entourage and introduced to them the green building concept of the Temple, the engraved C’han painting on the concrete wall in the Courtyard, the light and shadow projection of the Time Corridor, the layout of the Buddha Hall and the life story of the Buddha, and the "Songs For Remembrance Exhibition" in the Art Gallery. The visitors were amazed at the unique design concept of the Temple, especially the simple yet elegant interior furnishings. The visitors commented that every corner of the Temple exuded an air of meaningfulness, and they had indeed learnt a lot from the visit. After touring the Temple building, the visitors adjourned to the Water Drop Café for refreshments. They were full of praises for the delicious dim sum served.
Before their departure, BLIA members, on behalf of the Temple, presented gifts to the visitors, including the publication Way of life that explained the architectural concepts adopted for FGS Temples in New Zealand, the "BLIA New Zealand 2022 Report", bookmarks and commemorative pencils. The visitors were grateful for the dedication and warm hospitality of the BLIA members that made their study tour full of meaning and value.