On the 17th of August 2021, 63 students aged 14 to 15 from Westlake Boy High School in Auckland, led by three teachers, including Joel Wong, came to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand to learn about the Three Goodness and Four Givings. The school had arranged for students to come to the Temple every year since 2013 to understand the impact of multiculturalism on society through a temple tour, Buddhist etiquettes and quizzes.
Karzin, Annie Chang and Nick, guided the students around the temple. At the Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition, they watched the video of the Venerable Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy and admired his perseverance and sincere attitude. They also watched the film The Life of the Buddha, offered the light and posted a wishing card at the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition. During the Q&A session, the students asked, “Do venerable have to go to the mountains to practice? What is the most difficult part of becoming a venerable? What are the rules and customs of the temple? What do Buddhists think about other religions? Karzin and Vicky answered all the students’ questions patiently.
Abbess Manshin attended to the students and interacted with them. The students enjoyed the wishing bell session so much that they returned to ring the bell again after the event. The Temple also prepared a special bookmark to bless the students with the wisdom from Venerable Master.
The teacher, Joel Wong, sent an email the day after to express gratitude to the temple for the warm hospitality. He also mentioned that the interaction of Abbess with the students made everyone feel warmth and happiness. He is looking forward to bring more students next year.