Welcoming Mount Pleasant on a Cold Winter’s day

With the early morning wintery temperature of -2° of 22 June, BLIA South Island welcomed a group of delightful primary students which brightened the atmosphere at the temple. Eighty pupils from Mt Pleasant School in Christchurch aged between 8-12 years with an interest in Buddhism visited temple with teachers that include teachers Tony Roberts, Louis Wilson and some parents.  They were welcomed by BLIA Deputy President Ding Lihson, Committee Member Tracy Chen, Vicky Han and 6 other members.

Mr Roberts from Mt Pleasant School found out about the “3 Goodness and 4 Giving (3G4G) Festival of Cultural Sharing” held in May this year by BLIA, and the excellent feedback the participating schools gave.  He was keen for Mt Pleasant students to participate next year, and therefore arranged for students to visit the Temple.  This was in part of preparation for next year’s Festival, but more importantly for students to have the opportunity to understand the virtues of Buddhism.

Students lined up to enter the Temple, and were struck by the beautiful and calming environment.  They shared every new discovery and details with one another.  For a more in depth understanding of the Temple and how it was run. They visited the Dean Buchanan Exhibition, Time Tunnel and the Main Shrine.  During the tour, BLIA members continued to plant the seeds of the 3 Goodness and 4 Giving teachings in the pupils to grow in the future.

Pupils watched a short film entitled “Life of Buddha” and learned to meditate.  Having done their homework, they were actively asking questions: “Where was Buddha born?” “When was he born?’ “How did he become enlightened?” Their interest and enthusiasm was evident in their active participation in answering questions and in their interactions with BLIA members.

As a parting gift, the pupils were given a wind chime, before the day’s activities concluded with much happiness and satisfaction.