Visit of The Chronicle Merivales Elderlies to FGS South Island
On 20th April 2021, 25 elderlies from The Chronicle Merivales, Christchurch, under the leadership of their group leader Frankie, visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island and were welcomed by Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch staff Juin Mei. Frankie had visited FGS South Island several times before and had been impressed by the Temple’s tranquillity. During this trip, special arrangements were made for the elderly visitors to visit the Temple and its Art Gallery and to dine at the Water Drop Café.
Juin Mei first led the elderlies to visit the Cities of the World Quilt Exhibition at the Art Gallery. This was the first time the elderlies had come to the Temple and they felt peaceful and comfortable with its artistic atmosphere. At the Quilt Exhibition, the elderlies were full of praises for the colourful and exquisite quilt works on display. After learning that the Magnificence of Embroidery Exhibition, which was very popular with the residents of Christchurch ten years ago, will be held once again at the Art Gallery next month, the elderlies were delighted and were filled with keenness, promising to come and visit the Embroidery Exhibition.
Later at the Buddha Hall, the elderlies learned the basic knowledge of Buddhism, such as the life of the Buddha, the meaning of flower, lamp and incense offering, the use of ritual instruments and the basic Buddhist etiquette. From the solemnity of the Buddha Hall, the elderlies felt a peace of mind, and some even offered incense to express their respect to the Buddha. When visiting the Buddha statue at the courtyard afterwards, the elderlies made sincere wishes in front of the Buddha and struck the Bell of Happiness. The loud sounds of the Bell surprised and delighted everyone.
After their Temple tour, the elderlies adjourned to the Water Drop Café for their meals. They praised the delicious vegetarian food and dim sum served in the Cafe, and said that they would recommend the Cafe to their families and friends and invite them to have meals there. The elderlies were very satisfied with the day’s visit and thanked the Temple and the staff for their diligence and hospitality. Frankie said that The Chronicle Merivales Group has about 300 members. He will, in future, arrange for other seniors to come to meet up at FGS South Island.
The members of The Chronicle Merivales Group are retired elderlies. The Group’s Centre often organises various activities for the members to participate in. It also publishes newsletters for the members to obtain information so that they can better utilise their life energy to make their lives more meaningful.