Visit of Students of Christchurch Literacy Aotearoa to FGS South Island
Led by their tutor Marianne Nimmo, 5 students of Christchurch Literacy Aotearoa Learning Centre visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island on 25th October 2019. Marianne expressed the view that the twin objectives for the visit to FGS were, firstly, to make the learning programme more lively and interesting, and, secondly, to allow the students to have a deeper understanding of the various cultures of Christchurch.
On arrival, the visitors were welcomed by Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery CHCH’s staff Juin Mei Chang who brought them to view the external of the Temple building. Juin Mei told the entourage that the design of the external frontal wall was inspired by the Longman Grottoes, with the four Bodhisattva statues representing the four postures of a Ch’an Practitioner, namely, walking, standing, sitting and lying down. Afterwards, the visitors were taken to Art Gallery where the concept of Humanistic Buddhism was introduced to them. Juin Mei further explained that the idea of propagating Buddhism via Arts is to allow more people to come into contact and understand Buddhism. Later at the Buddha Hall, Juin Mei narrated the life story of Buddha and explained the significance of incense offering, lighted candle offering, and fruit offering. She also highlighted the design of the Buddha Hall which allows for a full view of the far-away hill.
After the tour, Marianne commented that the visit has allowed the students to better understand Buddhism and to feel Buddha’s Compassion. The joy and positivity emanated by members of FGS has definitely spread to each of the visitor. On their part, the students said that they were greatly impressed by the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the Buddha Hall, which has transmitted a feeling of inner peace to them. They hoped to return to the Temple again to experience the feelings of joy and tranquillity one more time.