Embroidery has been one of the most valuable cultural features in New Zealand. The Magnificence of Embroidery by HongYing Yao started on 12th December 2020, attracting hundreds of visitors each day. The art works exhibited have a related with the local art as it not only pieces of Buddha, but also lifelike flowers and birds, as well as images of the landscapes in nature. These art pieces were not only aesthetically pleasing as they brought resonance with the public. During the Chinese New Year period, the embroidery exhibition successfully attracted up to two thousand visitors.
Visitors were amazed by how delicate and exquisite the painting-like art pieces are. It is rare to find embroidery pieces of such quality in Mainland China, and to be able to see them here in a western country in the Southern Hemisphere has made this experience a unique one. Some visitors commented that the temple is filled with the Chinese New Year atmosphere with the vegetarian food bazaar and the wonderful view which made them feel like home and touched their heart. The Embroidery Exhibition by Hong Ying Yao was undoubtedly the most popular exhibition. A lot of guests have taken the initiative to approach the volunteers stationed in the exhibition to find out more about the art pieces and the gallery book. This is because this may be the most beautiful embroidery work that they have ever seen. They also expressed interest in learning some embroidery skills.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said that the Humanistic Buddhism is to apply the six paramitas and the four great bodhisattva virtues – generosity; amiable speech; conduct beneficial to others; co-operation. The curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery New Zealand Abbes Manshin has encouraged the volunteers to bond with the public using art and Dharma, and to serve the public without discrimination as such excellent work of art can help to purify one’s mouth, body and mind.
Devotees in New Zealand are following Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s footsteps closely by promoting Buddhism using art and culture, beautify and purify the society by offering high quality services, dedicating a place for the soul to rest and grow through art, respect, tolerance and treating all fairly. The combination Buddhism and art allows the cultivation of growth which makes the world a more beautiful place.