To mark the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the 100th anniversary of the Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s birth, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland held the grand opening of the FGS commemorative exhibition, Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy on 11 April 2026. More than 100 guests attended the opening ceremony, distinguished guests included Curator Abbess Manshin of FGY Art Gallery NZ, Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher LUXON, Deputy Commissioner Jill ROGERS of New Zealand Police, Dr Amanda Dixon MCLVER, District Commander Superintendent Shanan GRAY of Counties Manukau, Director General Kendra CHEN of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Area Commadner Inspector Rodney HONAN of Counties Manukau East, President Yulin KU of BLIA North Island and Shift Commander Inspector Anson LIN of Northern Communication Center.
In a video message, the Head Abbot of the FGS Buddhist Order, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, explained how Venerable Master guided Fo Guang Shan for six decades through the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism, using culture and the arts to share the wise teachings. The Head Abbot also highlighted the founding of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, which has since expanded across five continents, and expressed hope that through these exhibitions, visitors may receive inspiring and uplifting messages.
Venerable RuChang, Chief Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Headquarters, mentioned that the special exhibition was jointly organised by the gallery’s headquarters and 27 branches around the world. Through five themed sections, it showcases the life, thought, spirit and legacy of the Founding Master. Featured displays include the ten major stages of the Venerable Master’s life, FGS’s Four Objectives, Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, as well as displays of the One-Stroke Calligraphy and Wishing Tree. The Chief Curator said the exhibition offers visitors not only something to see, but also a gift of truth, kindness, and beauty to carry home in their hearts.
A documentary on the enshrinement of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s sacred relics in Oceania was also shown during the ceremony. Prime Minister LUXON shared that both the video and the exhibition gave him a deep sense of the Venerable Master’s compassion, determination and lifelong commitment to sharing the Dharma worldwide. He also thanked the Fo Guang Shan for its long-standing care for the local community and praised the Temple community for its selfless service. He expressed hope that the Venerable Master’s spirit would continue to inspire people as a model for life.
Abbess Manshin said the exhibition reflects the deep respect and remembrance that BLIA members around the world hold for Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Although the Venerable Master has passed away, his compassion, wisdom and spiritual legacy remain present in the world. Through the exhibition, Abbess Manshin hopes visitors will be inspired by the Master’s wisdom and draw strength from his life, which, in the Master’s own words, was born in adversity, raised through hardship, yet lived in joy.
During the ceremony, gallery manager Vikcy HAN guided guests through the exhibition. She explained that the exhibition was planned over four months under the leadership of Abbess Manshin and the team. At the centre of the gallery hang four translucent banners featuring the Venerable Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy: Stay True to Initial Aspiration, Life with Joined Palms, Emptiness and Existence Are Not Two and Non-duality of Emptiness and Existence. The exhibition also includes the Venerable Master’s annual New Year calligraphy blessings from 1996 to 2026,along with a section highlighting ten major periods of his century-long life. On the left side of the gallery, a photo wall documents 20 years of the Temple’s service in New Zealand, reflecting FGS’s Four Objectives and its efforts to build a harmonious society.
Through his great vows and wisdom, Venerable Master Hsing Yun brought the Buddha’s teachings into everyday life, making it relevant to society, families and individuals. The exhibition also highlights his far-reaching influence on global Buddhism, society and world peace.
