Visit of Seniors of Harakeke Club to FGS Christchurch
The Manager of the Harakeke Club, which is located adjacent to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch, often arranges social workers to lead the Club’s elderlies to visit various places in order to encourage the senior to participate more actively in social interaction activities. On 4th May 2022, led by social worker Jacqui, 7 senior from the Club paid a visit to FGS Temple Christchurch. On arrival, the visitors were received by Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch staff Juin-Mei Chang.
Juin-Mei first introduced to the visitors the Songs for Remembrance Painting Exhibition – a Memorial to Keith Morant and the Life Prose Poetry Comic Exhibition by Mr Zi Kai Feng and Ms Yi Ying Feng. The colourful paintings in the Keith Morant Commemorative Exhibition caused the elderlies to feel the strong vitality of the Artist. They especially liked Keith’s MOMA (Museum of Miniature Art) on display and the small and exquisite miniature art pieces really filled them with joy. Visiting the Life Prose Poetry Comic Exhibition made the visitors realise the value of harmonious coexistence between people and Nature.
Afterwards, the elderlies visited the Buddha Hall and the Garden Courtyard. The visitors were very impressed by the solemnity inside the Buddha Hall, and at the Courtyard, the visitors sought happiness by striking the Bell of Happiness.
FGS Christchurch Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi presented each visitor with an apple, wishing them peace and auspiciousness. On behalf of the visitors, Jacqui thanked the Temple for its hospitality and said that the visit had not only brought happiness to the senior but also new knowledge to them. Understanding the cultures of different religions had widened their horizons. This would be of great help to the development of their bodies and minds. Additionally, the friendly reception they had received from Gallery staff would help them build inter-personal trusts and relationships.