Jiangsu Province Buddhist Association from China Visited FGS Auckland NZ

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand March 28, 2024 On 16 March 2024, a delegation from the Jiangsu Province Buddhist Association, including Abbot of Nanjing’s Qixia Temple Venerable LongXiang, Abbot of Xuzhou’s Xinghua Chan Temple Venerable GuoGuang, Abbess of Rugao’s Fahua Temple Venerable ZhaoKong and the Academic Affairs Head of Jiangsu Buddhist College Venerable ZongZe, visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland. They were warmly received by Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan in New Zealand. Abbess led the visitors to pay homage at the Main Shrine and to pay tribute to the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with a flower offering. Abbess Manshin guided the guests through the facilities, explaining the community projects carried out in local society, based on the teaching of Venerable Master. Abbot LongXiang expressed gratitude to the Venerable Master for sharing kindness worldwide and benefiting the global citizens. He noted the significance of Buddhism serving the public and commended the BLIA members for their united and strong mission of bringing a joyful and positive attitude to the community. Abbot encouraged the members, acknowledging their fortune in continuing the spirit of Venerable Master’s teachings Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in New Zealand. He appreciated the Team for their efforts, emphasising the need for increased cooperation and unity. Gifts were exchanged, including calligraphy, Pu’er tea and incense burners. FGS Auckland presented a book 366 Days with Wisdom written by the Founding Master in return.

MORE

Year of the Dragon Celebration at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand February 20, 2024 From 9th to 11th February 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch held a series of celebrations to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Almost 2,000 attendees gathered at the Temple to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Venerables led the congregation in paying homage to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on the eve and the first day of the Chinese New Year. A Prayer for the New Year, written by the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, was recited. Everyone wishes Happy Chinese New Year to the Head Abbot of FGS Buddhist Order Most Venerable HsinBau, the FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, and all present. Videos of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Head Abbot Most Venerable Hsin Bao bestowing blessings for 2024 were watched by the attendees. They were also presented with the traditional auspicious red packets and calligraphy with good wishes for a blessed and prosperous new year. Family members of all ages visited the Temple to make offerings and prayers with incense, light and flower offerings to express their hopes for the coming year. The crowd struck the bell of happiness, engaged in sutra transcription, took the Wise Words of the Venerable Master, and enjoyed the auspicious porridge meal. There was a full house at the Water Drop Teahouse, with everyone joyfully participating in the events. They are grateful for the meticulous arrangements made by the temple staff and for the joyful contributions of the volunteers. The Chinese New Year festivities included vibrant and traditional lion dance performances, which attracted many visitors. Residents came from all over the community to witness the festival, immersing themselves in the pleasant festive cultural atmosphere. Moreover, the God of Wealth also appeared, distributing candies which symbolized spiritual and financial prosperity to everyone. Venerable Juexi, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch shared the importance of seizing opportunities to serve others and cultivating spiritual merits and wealth in the new year, in addition to earning money and accumulating wealth. Venerable stated that one should continue to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships, understand the causes and effects in the world, and deal joyfully with people and situations.  Spiritual merits are treasures greater than wealth.

MORE

Nan Tien Institute Participates in the "Attention Ecology" International Conference to Promote World Peace

Francis Wong February 23, 2024 Venerable Jue Wei, Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Center at Nan Tien Institute of Fo Guang Shan, attended the online workshop "Toward a systemic concept of attention for the attention economy, using Buddhist and Western ethics" on 7 February, at the invitation of the Eindhoven Centre for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence in the Netherlands. She delivered a keynote speech and explored the theme of "Ethics & Attention," along with other renowned experts, scholars, and institutional leaders. The workshop covered topics such as "Artificial Intelligence and Attention," "Economics, Business, and Attention," and "Law and Attention." Each presenter was given 15 minutes for their keynote speech, followed by an hour of online and offline open discussion. Venerable Jue Wei, drawing on Mahayana Buddhist principles, discussed how to transform the "Attention Economy" into an "Attention Ecology." She advocated for using "Attention Ecology" to enhance the concentration of the universe, removing the "Five Hindrances" that obstruct humanity's understanding of reality. He also explained the concept of "MettaVerses" to illustrate compassion and generosity across all realms, utilizing technology to benefit the public and foster the Bodhi mind. Venerable Jue Wei emphasized that Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes understanding of dependent origination, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self as fundamental insights into the nature of reality. The "Five Hindrances" of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt hinder the recognition of interdependence, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self, distorting perception of reality, clouding mental clarity, and reducing the ability to cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and concentration, which are psychological factors or "energies" within the attention economy's emotional landscape. Focusing on the Bodhi mind in Mahayana Buddhism, Venerable Jue Wei underscored the cultivation of compassion and love, directing attention to the suffering of others, feeling compassion, and translating it into action. She proposed the concept of "MettaVerses," defining compassion as "selflessly serving and assisting with wisdom" and "giving charity unconditionally, without expecting anything in return," as shared by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with the public. During the Q&A session, participants demonstrated great interest in "MettaVerses" and Buddhist concepts, discussing mindfulness, "maintaining equanimity is the way," various Buddhist practices related to concentration, going with the flow, gradual enlightenment, and sudden enlightenment. Venerable Jue Wei believes that the current problems and crises in the world require collaboration across various fields, including religion, economics, law, ethics, and technology, to collectively create and transform crises, improve society, and promote world peace. She felt honoured to attend this presentation alongside some elite scholars and noted that Nan Tien Institute's curriculum references and cites these scholars' books as course materials, inspiring deeper and broader learning. Venerable Jue Wei recalls the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun that the venerables of Fo Guang Shan should "step out to the world" and stand on the international stage to advocate for Buddhism, using Buddhism to change society and promote world peace. Conference Video to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNnjP8zk9A

MORE

BLIA NZ YAD Consensus Seminar Filling Life with Right Understanding and Views

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 11, 2024 On 17 March 2024, BLIA Auckland organised the Consensus Seminar at FGS Auckland. Inviting Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of FGS NZ and Supervisor Meggan LAM of the BLIA NZ North Island Subchapter 1 as instructors, the seminar led over 20 young adults in a series of activities. These activities included Tai Chi meditation and interactive discussions, aiming to address and unravel challenges faced in life, learning and work, thereby establishing right understanding and views. Meggan Lam, a member of the Auckland Health Committee and a clinical psychology consultant, guided participants to reflect on the core reasons and values behind their actions. She provided practical advice for youth in school and the workplace, such as the importance of asking for help, understanding one’s limits, maintaining transparent and timely communication with superiors, and using positive language to resolve difficulties. Abbess answered various questions, highlighting the importance of having an enlightened mind regardless of one’s location. This involves caring about the growth of wisdom, harmonising emotions and learning to endure hardships. The Abbess shared a teaching from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Keeping up is important. She emphasised that there’s nothing that can’t be done well or kept up with. It’s crucial to admit and accept one’s imperfections, understanding that everything is subject to change. In the transient nature of life, it’s possible to find the right ways, methods, directions and to vigorously catch up. The Abbess encouraged the youths saying, a single person can move fast, but a group can go far. Together, the youth are stronger in the team.

MORE

An exclusive interview: Ven Abbess Manshin

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 3, 2024 The Venerable Abbess Manshin doesn’t give interviews. ‘Success isn’t about individual accomplishment but the collective power of the community. I haven’t given one in 20 years,’ the quintessential leitmotif of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in New Zealand, told FARIDA MASTER. A rare interview with the game-changer who has transformed the cultural landscape of east Auckland. The Abbess embodies an alchemy of fiery dynamism, quiet strength, and an aura of utmost calm as she has worked relentlessly with communities, schools, youth groups, artists, and the police alike, to make the Temple an epicentre of vibrant cultural activity. An influential networker, the Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temples both in Auckland and Christchurch has taken on some huge challenges in her stride. She clearly defies the stereotypical description of a monastic leading a sterile life. From the outside most people would imagine that the Abbess has an army of volunteers to organise a series of multicultural events, attended by nearly 20,000 people. Yet, when you have a peek behind-the-scenes, there is just a small group of monastic and volunteers, working day and night to make things happen with precision, élan and dignity. Ven Abbess blesses a child at the Buddha’s Birthday Baby Blessing ceremony. Anyone who has attended the Chinese New Year Celebrations or the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration or the annual art exhibition at the Fo Guang Yuan art gallery, will know that everyone from the city’s most influential to the regulars, swarm the portals of the Temple – a study in architecture. “Buddhism is not exclusive,” she explains about her unblinkered pursuit of connecting with communities. “Since Gautama Buddha’s time, Buddha reached out to people as he went out to the community to collect alms. We at Fo Guang Shan hope to bring people together to develop their own potential and generate a positive attitude.” Talking for the first time about her personal tryst with Humanistic Buddhism, she says she felt drawn to it, in her early teens.   “I WASN’T BORN IN A BUDDHIST FAMILY” “At the age of 14, I read about Buddhism being action-oriented. It’s about being a doer. I wanted to know whose teaching it was and started reading up,” she says about her calling to be a monastic. Soon after a three-year degree in the Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin Buddhist University which involved a lot of study, hard work, and discipline to become a monastic, she was stationed in Queensland to oversee the building of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. Whilst the young monastic was serving in Australia, she was summoned to Auckland by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. He wanted the capable monastic who had shown sparks of dynamism to manage the building of the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Flat Bush that was facing several hurdles. The work had come to a standstill and the Master was deeply concerned about the slow progress coupled with financial barriers that the Temple was confronted with. “Though I had no idea how I could make it happen, I assured the Master that I would accomplish the task if he gave me some time. I requested for permission to return to Australia before I took on the challenge of translating his vision into a reality,” she recalls. While the Abbess pulled out all stops to raise funds for the completion of the Temple, the next challenge was to foster a deep sense of community in the suburb with a multicultural glow. Never losing her sangfroid when the going got tough, the monastic elucidates on the power of resilience. She firmly believes that the world belongs to those who serve communities despite the speed-breakers. “HARDSHIP IS A WONDERFUL TEACHER.” “It’s only when you come across a difficult situation, that you work towards a solution and discover the immense reservoir of strength and determination you have within. There should be no pampering. It makes people weak. Those who can take hardship have a bright future. They can take on a mission and ensure it is completed.” The final completion of the Temple at Stancombe Road was a magnificent mission accomplished…despite the tears and turmoil involved. But she’d rather not discuss it. Instead, we talk about the Buddhist Temple becoming a haven for local schools. Children from around 55 local schools visit the tranquil portals of the beautifully designed Temple in Auckland and Christchurch. It is here they learn about the value of 3G: Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words and Think Good Thoughts; and 4G: Giving Confidence, Joy, Hope and Convenience to others. “SLOGANS WE MOUTH MUST TURN TO ACTION.” “It’s important for humanity to have more strength and energy,” she says about nourishing young minds with a sense of goodness. “A lot of times children teach their parents good values. We enable them to inculcate a positive attitude during times of trouble and help transform themselves. We also make them take a vow about cleaning their room and listening to their parents.” Instilling a sense of goodness in young minds has been a rewarding experience. The Abbess was particularly touched when Principal Heath McNeil of Ormiston Primary School mentioned that he was grateful for the relationship they’d built with the students over the years. McNeil felt reassured that the young students had someone to turn to during difficult times. “Where else can they ask for help? As our children move on to intermediate school or junior college they could face more challenges and we are not always there to protect them. But they can come to the Temple for help.” International students in the area, trying to find their feet in a new country also rely on the Temple for support. They find a sense of belonging and are appreciative of the generous lunch boxes with yummy vegetarian fare, thoughtfully packed for them by the Temple team to take home. There is enough food to share with their flatmates. It was a huge blessing for some during Covid times. “People who walk into the Temple or pray feel a sense of peace and tranquillity. They get charged with energy,” says the Abbess. The Police vouch for it too. Unbeknown to most, the NZ Police have held several conferences in the serene precincts of the landmark Temple. The Temple shares a close working relationship with the law-keepers of the nation. The Abbess was chosen by former police commissioner Howard Broad to be an honorary Patron of Wing 261 to a batch of 38 constables “as she brought a unique dimension to their training,” he said of the dedicated Buddhist monastic who also organised a Crime Prevention Expo in South Auckland, and produced a handbook for new police recruits. “WE MUST NURTURE AND SUPPORT THE GUARDIANS OF LAW WHO LOOK AFTER US.” “They need looking after too,” the Abbess concedes. As if on cue, Sr Sergeant Richard Bracey walks into the Temple with a couple of constables for a quick chat. He shares saying, “After a chaotic and stressful meeting, one feels relieved and at peace just walking through the Temple grounds.” The Temple and police have worked together on several occasions. During Covid when local schools ran short of Rapid Antigen Test, (RAT), the Abbess took it upon herself to help by asking the Temple headquarters in Taiwan for 15,000 free RAT kits to be sent to Auckland. “They were surprised to hear that New Zealand which was said to be the safest country in the world at the time, required them. Within hours, 97 schools registered saying they would require them. “I was sitting at my computer for four days at a stretch answering queries from school principals till late at night. “Under the leadership of Former Counties Manukau East Area Commander Inspector Scott Gemmell, Inspector Colin Higson and Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, the police team provided unstinted support for the distribution of supplies to schools. It was an unprecedented ‘111 delivery’ of these precious RAT kits to schools with the Temple team,” she says. The mutually respectful relationship is a textbook example of working in unison for communities. Another time, Former Area Commander Inspector Gemmell proposed a space of quiet reflection for his colleagues at the Ormiston Police Station. Considering the police officers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful Temple gardens that allows them to recharge, he asked for assistance in designing a spiritually uplifting space for the front-line police officers. Without much ado, the Abbess, and a team of 10 reached the station. They designed and constructed a five-meter-long wooden bench, plants from the Temple’s garden were replanted, stones were laid out and a stone light— symbolising a different land, but sharing the same skies was delivered to the Police Station. “It was to bless and brighten up everyone’s hearts,” she ends.

MORE

FGS Christchurch Buddha’s Birthday Celebration: Nourishes the Pure Land of the Human World

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch April 26, 2024 On 20 April 2024, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch hosted the annual Buddha’s Birthday Celebration for World Peace, with nearly 800 people in attendance. The ceremony was led by the Abbess of FGS NZ Venerable Manshin, featuring the recitation of the Heart Sutra and the Prayer for World Peace written by the Founder of FGS Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Religious blessings were conducted by Reverend Canon Ben Truman, Dean of Christchurch Cathedral and Dr Surinder Tandon, President of the Christchurch Multicultural Council. Attendees in the temple offered flowers to the Buddha and bathed the statue of Prince Siddhartha. Devotees also prayed for inner purity and societal harmony. The celebration began with the City of Christchurch Highland Pipe Band playing Scottish bagpipes. Distinguished guests included the President of BLIA South Island, Bernie SIEW, the Mayor of Christchurch Mr Phil Mauger, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Madame HE Ying, MP for Wigram Hon Dr Megan Woods, District Commander of the Canterbury Superintendent Tony Hill, The World Peace Bell Association Christchurch representative David Bolam-Smith, the University of Canterbury Professor Mike Reid, artists Tricia Morant and Hugh Rickard were in attendance. The Temple prepared special auspicious apples as a blessing for everyone’s peace and happiness. Abbess Manshin addressed the BLIA member’s efforts in building affinities and benefiting life through making connections, joyfully serving and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, aiming to cultivate a pure mind and create a peaceful society. President Bernie expressed gratitude for the guidance of Abbess and the Temple, as well as the dedicated support of the volunteers, emphasizing that the happiness and peace of all humanity are the goals and direction of the BLIA members. Learning from Buddha’s spirit of respect and tolerance is about finding unity in diversity, practicing equality with an attitude of mutual understanding. Mayor Phil Mauger remarked that Buddha is one of the greatest spiritual leaders in history.  Buddha‘s teaching of compassion, understanding, non-violence, tolerance, love and respect for all life is what the world needs. Hon MP Megan Wood shared that practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in life advocated by the Venerable Master will definitely create a harmonious nation and a beautiful world. Superintendent Tony Hill expressed that the police department highly values the interaction with the Temple and that the FGS spirit of the collective effort is essential as NZ Police force is committed to protecting the public’s safety, which requires everyone’s collective efforts to maintain safety. Consul General He Ying praised the vitality of the BLIA Young Adult Division, thanking FGS for its continuous efforts to promote Buddhist culture, education and charity, playing a significant role in enhancing multicultural integration in South Island NZ and actively spreading the ideals of world peace. The event also featured BLIA YAD dance performances, Baby & Children Blessing Ceremony, Tea Meditation sessions, vegetarian food fair, local market stalls and lucky draw, wishing that everyone brings peace and joy home.

MORE

2024 Fo Guang Club Welcoming Day Realising Ideals with Aspirational Power

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 10, 2024 On 9th March 2024, Fo Guang Club of the University of Auckland held its New Semester Welcoming Day with a total of 22 members gathering at the FGS Auckland to participate in various activities. The YAD committee guided new members through ice-breaking games and Temple tours. They introduced Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order and shared the Dharma teaching: With ideals, there is aspirational power; with aspirational power, there is realisation; with realisation, ideals can be achieved, leading to a promising future, encouraging the participants to learn from the Venerable Master’s spirit of staying true to one’s initial vows. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin used a Q&A format to answer the youth’s doubts, how can one cultivate a character of giving? The Abbess clarified, those with a compassionate heart naturally understand giving and repaying kindness. Giving money or material possessions to others is material giving, sharing teachings and principles with others is Dharma giving, one can also provide spiritual support and strength to overcome fear which is fearless giving. How can one manage oneself? The Abbess shared a teaching from the Founding Master saying, I am among the people. Using examples of YAD committees Thomas and Edwin, Abbess explained how from the initial inspiration to the integration into regular practices, they embodied the idea that youth need good role models because being in the right environment and serving in a group enables them to become masters of their own lives, making life filled with positive qualities. The participants expressed their gratitude one after another. Winter, a participant, expressed gratitude, saying Abbess Manshin had helped them unravel many confusions. She felt greatly inspired and was pleased to have made numerous like-minded friends. Adela shared, the event was organised professionally and meticulously. She was grateful to the organisers for their dedication. Through the event, she had deepened her understanding of the Temple and wished to continue learning to gain wisdom.

MORE

The 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing New Zealand Joyfully Commenced

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 17, 2024 The 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing has entered its 10th anniversary from 2014 to 2024. The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand following the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of the Temple functions as an education centre, collaborated with the New Zealand Police and local schools to collectively build a harmonious society. Under the guidance of Abbess Manshin, participation has grown from 3 schools in the first year to 63 schools in 2024, with over 30,000 students, teachers and parents stepping into the Temple. Since its commencement, the New Zealand Police had 47 officers to support this education program fully, enabling students to understand and apply the principles of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings in making correct choices in life. In this 10th year, Auckland and Christchurch Temples have 23 schools, with over 4,000 students and teachers registering to participate. The one-month long Festival of Cultural Sharing commenced on 30th April 2024 at FGS Buddhist Temple in Auckland, 123 students from Year 4 to 6 from St Francis Catholic School, along with 27 teachers and parents visited joyfully. The students’ anticipation filled every corner of the Temple with vitality and enthusiasm. Students from St Francis Catholic School participating in the education program for the first time are divided into three groups to engage in various enriching activities in an orderly manner. These activities include watching the movie Life of Buddha, mindfulness meditation, calligraphy experience, incense offering, writing wishing cards and police interaction sessions. The specially prepared Three Goodness Rice from the Temple received high praise from the students. In addition, the exquisite pencils imprinted with 3G Wording also brought them surprises. Deputy Principal Olivia expressed gratitude to FGS Auckland for arranging such a rich and exciting program, stating that the visit provided students with an incredible experience. Director of  Religious Studies Veronica Jones, remarked that the values presented by 3G4G resonate with the school’s core values and the tranquillity of the Temple allowed students to engage deeply and enjoyably in the activities. Student Nikki shared that her favourite session was the mindfulness meditation in the courtyard, feeling extremely comfortable with the warm sunlight shining on her. Student Natalie expressed her delight in visiting the Temple, and learning how to become a better person through 3G4G. Students Kevin and David found the calligraphy experience quite challenging but expressed their determination to return for more practice.

MORE

BLIA South Island NZ Training and Fellowship Seminar with Newly Appointed YAD President

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand April 1, 2024 On 16th March 2024, BLIA South Island held a Training and Fellowship Seminar at the Fo Guang Shan Christchurch Temple. The session featured insights from Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, Subchapter Senior Advisor CAO Qian, and Subchapter 1 President Tiffany SU. The session was attended by over 40 members, including Subchapter Senior Advisor Louisa KUO, BLIA South Island Deputy Presidents James LOW and Dong ZHANG and other committees. During the event, a charter ceremony was conducted for the newly appointed BLIA Young Adult Division Christchurch President Tim SONG and Deputy President Elaine HUANG. President Tiffany SU, quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encouraged all participants to serve the community, thus forging positive connections. She emphasized that BLIA members strive to purify human minds, fostering compassion within society and making a meaningful historical impact through organising various activities. Senior Advisor CAO Qian shared her personal experiences to convey the essence of the BLIA and the attitudes that members should maintain. She stressed Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings for BLIA members to embrace virtues of unity and benevolence, and to actively engage in the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings in their daily lives to cultivate happiness and peace. Venerable Juexi highlighted the significance of essence, form, and function in practice. Venerable encouraged attendees to develop wisdom as the essence, compassion as the form, and skilful means for function, as one should return to the basics by cultivating the right understanding and right view from within. Venerable urged BLIA members to care for all beings and practice the principles of Truthfulness, Virtue, and Beauty inherent in Humanistic Buddhism at all times. The session also included vibrant and energetic singing by the YAD group. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the organizers’ dedication, gaining deeper insights into BLIA’s operations and feeling proud to be part of the community.

MORE

Cultivating 3G4G Values NZ Leaders Collaborate to Build a Harmonious Society

Fo Guang Shan New Zealand May 23, 2024 The 10th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing 2024 commenced on the 30th April, and has hosted its 15th session to date. Over 2400 students, teachers and parents from Auckland’s primary and secondary schools have participated in this annual education program at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. On 10th May, distinguished guests including MP Rima Nakhle, Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Area Commander of Counties Manukau East Inspector Rod Honan, Howick Local Board Chairperson Damian Light and Member Adele White, and Principal Heath McNeil, took charge of various tasks including cooking Three Goodness Rice for over 400 students in the kitchen. Over the past 10 years, 63 local schools in Auckland and Christchurch have participated in this education program. Over 30,000 students, teachers and parents took part and engaged in mindfulness meditation, calligraphy, light offerings, incense offerings, watching The Life of Buddha movie and learning the 3G4G song, which was composed by BLIA New York Chapter President, Jenny Chen. The program has received substantial support from the New Zealand Police, with over 50 officers assisting in fostering a harmonious society. School Community Officers Sen Const Matt Green, Sen Const Marina Phillips and Sen Const Pauline Orpet engage with students in role-playing and case studies to help students make positive choices in life amidst temptations and challenges. In addition, there were four officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, led by Sgt Richard Bracey, who also helped clean up autumn falling leaves and cook Three Goodness Rice for over 250 students on the 3rd of May, bringing warmth to the society in action.  Venerable Abbess Manshin and the Temple team served the community wholeheartedly, spreading joy and enriching lives while fostering wisdom and happiness in the community. The 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing will continue until the end of May, with 15 more schools and over 2000 students expected to visit the Temples to learn about the value of Three Goodness and Four Givings, aiming to instil more positive energy in society.

MORE