On 19 and 21 June 2024, nearly 75 students and teachers from Christ’s College visited FGS Christchurch. Led by the school’s chaplain, Cameron Pickering and their teachers, the group engaged in interfaith learning focused on the value of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings.
BLIA members Deirdre Johns and Ricky Wang guided the students and teachers on a tour of the Temple. The students then experienced calligraphy, watched The Life of the Buddha and participated in mindfulness meditation. A special screening of the Bodhi Light Tales video story which was produced by Venerable Miao Guang and her team, included The Two-headed Bird and The Scorpion & the Turtle. These videos, accompanied by warm narration, immersed the students in the stories, reminding them that all beings are interconnected and inspiring them to treat each other kindly.
For many students, it was their first visit to a Buddhist Temple and they found the experience fascinating. One of the students, Harry, remarked that the serene environment of the Temple made him feel peaceful and that the film imparted wisdom that warmed his heart. The students and teachers expressed their gratitude for the Temple team’s warm hospitality. Before leaving, the students received 3G4G pencils, bookmarks and copies of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Wise Words as blessings.
Founded by the Anglican Church, Christ’s College is the oldest private boys’ school in New Zealand. Chaplain Cameron Pickering, who has arranged multiple visits to the Temple, expressed great appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the Temple’s arrangement. He noted that the students learn the 3G4G values through engaging activities, encouraging them to contribute to society and enrich their lives.