Visit of University of Otago Basketball Team to FGS South Island
Nine players of the Basketball Team of University of Otago, New Zealand, visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island on 3rd July 2019. From the 12th July 2019, these players will represent New Zealand and go to Taiwan to participate in the 2019 BLIA CUP University Basketball Tournament organised by Fo Guang Shan Sports Association. The visitors were welcomed by FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, Venerable Hui Chen, and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President Lih-Son Ding.
Ding first took the visitors for a tour of the Temple including the Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch, the Time corridor, and the Library. The visitors were full of praises for the art works on exhibition at the Art Gallery and were awe-inspired by the solemn design of the Temple.
Afterwards, the visitors were led to the Buddha Hall to perform light offering to Buddha. While in the Buddha Hall, Venerable Jue Xi took the opportunity to wish the visitors a smooth journey to the basketball tournament and explained to them Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of Humanistic Buddhism. After this, Venerable Hui Chen followed by pointing out that Master Hsing Yun places a lot of importance and emphasis on sports as he believes that sports can, not only build up a strong and healthy body, but also train the brain to be alert and sharp. This is especially true with the game of basketball which in itself can teach us the right qualities to lead our lives, qualities such as: showing respects for the opponents, admitting ones’ own faults, cultivating competitive spirits, and placing importance on team spirit and team honour. Venerable Hui Chen ended the conversation by expressing her hope that the players will treasure the opportunity to participate in the basketball tournament in Taiwan, and, in the process, gain new life’s experience.
Before departing, the players thanked FGS New Zealand for the opportunity to go to FGS Headquarters in Taiwan to participate in the 2019 BLIA CUP University Basketball Tournament, hoping, in the process, to better understand Buddhism, and the ideals and spirits of Master Hsing Yun. They promised to do their best in the Tournament so as not to disappoint the confidence and trust placed on them by FGS New Zealand. Finally, Venerable Jue Xi presented to each player a prayer beads and wished them wisdom, good luck and an auspicious future.