Visit of Venerables from Thai Temples to FGS South Island
On 24th March 2018, Venerables from Wat Buddha Samakhee Christchurch, Invercargill and Venerable from Bangkok Thailand together with one other follower, visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple South Island. On hand to welcome the visitors were Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President James Low and BLIA member Kok-Wei Low. Venerable Samahito of Wat Buddha Samakhee Christchurch stated that the intention of the trip was to allow the Venerable from Invercargill and Bangkok to visit FGS South Island, and at the same time for them to gain some insight into the directions adopted by FGS in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism.
Kok-Wei first led the entourage to the Buddha Hall to perform prayers. After this, Kok-Wei introduced them to Humanistic Buddhism which has been promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of FGS. The establishment of FGS in New Zealand has enabled the people of New Zealand the opportunity to learn about and practice Humanistic Buddhism, and at the same time, the FGS Temples are also venues for FGS members to serve the public. The entourage then proceeded to Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch to attend the ‘Wood-Firing Ceramics’ Exhibition by artist Da-An Huang, the ‘Creating A World Of Compassion’ Comic Exhibition by artist Yi Yin Feng, and ‘Walking The Smoke’ Oil Painting Exhibition by artist Gail Batchelor. They also toured the Time Tunnel and the Library. Kok-Wei pointed out that FGS South Island has been holding many art exhibitions and hope to propagate Humanistic Buddhism through them. Art has no racial or language barrier, and attracts people from all walks of life.
Before parting, on behalf of FGS, Kok-Wei presented the visitors with copies of NZ FGS 10th Anniversary Report] and 2018 calendars, and invited them for the 14th April 2018 Buddha Birthday Celebration. Thai Venerable thanked FGS South Island for their hospitality and professed that they have learnt much from the visit.