To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the 100th anniversary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, the Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy commemorative exhibition officially opened on 18 April 2026 at the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch.
More than 100 guests attended the opening ceremony. Distinguised guests included Curator Abbess Manshin of FGY Art Gallery NZ, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Madame HE Ying, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill, Human Rights Commissioner for Race Relations Dr Melissa Derby, Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt, Chief of Friends of FGY Art Gallery Gayel Marquet, BLIA South Island President James LOW, BLIA North Island Chief Advisor Lintao YU and community representatives.
In a video message, Head Abbot of the FGS Buddhist Order Most Venerable Hsin Bau explained Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision in establishing Fo Guang Yuan Art Galleries across the five continents, using art and culture to bring people closer through the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism and help purify the mind.
Chief Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Headquarters Venerable RuChang, also addressed the audience through video, sharing that the exhibition had been jointly organised by the headquarters together with 27 branches around the world. The exhibition featured the life, teachings, spirit and legacy of the Founding Master, including the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism, the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, as well as the Four Objectives of Fo Guang Shan.
Abbess Manshin explained that Hsing Yun was the Founder’s Dharma name, inspired by the vastness and openness of the stars and clouds. Venerable Master aspired to embody the same spirit of inclusiveness, freedom and selflessness. Although the Master passed away three years ago, his wisdom and spiritual legacy remain present to inspire people around the world.
The Abbess also reflected on the Master’s life journey, from growing up amidst war and poverty, studying diligently despite hardships and eventually establishing a worldwide Buddhist organisation spanning five continents. Throughout his life, he remained filled with gratitude and joy. Through this exhibition, visitors were invited to reflect on his life and legacy while cultivating wisdom and happiness in their own lives.
A documentary on the enshrinement of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s sacred relics in Oceania was also shown during the ceremony. BLIA Young Adult Division also presented the song Star and Cloud as a tribute to the Master.
After the ceremony, Curator Abbess Manshin guided guests through the exhibition, which featured Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Open Letter of the Honest Revelation, ten major stages of his life journey and a photo wall documenting 20 years of local Dharma propagation in New Zealand. Commemorative Hsing Yun badges were also distributed to guests as a souvenirs.
Many attendees expressed deep admiration after viewing the exhibition. Consul-General HE Ying paid heartfelt tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun and thanked him for dedicating his life to Humanistic Buddhism and world peace. Superintendent Tony Hill and Interfaith Chairperson Noeline Odgers said they were deeply moved by the Master’s selfless spirit after reading the the Honest Revelation. Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt shared that Humanistic Buddhism demonstrated how simple acts, such as a smile or companionship, could become powerful forces for social harmony.
