On 11th December 2024, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch welcomed a delegation of 16 distinguished guests, including Mr YU Chenghui, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Gansu Provincial People’s Congress and Mr ZHANG Xiaogang, Deputy Head of the Dunhuang Academy. During their visit to the temple, they were accompanied by Consul General Madame HE Ying and her team from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch.
The guests were warmly received by FGS NZ Abbess Venerable Manshin, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, Administrative Director of Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Auckland Vicky HAN and BLIA South Island Vice Presidents James LOW and ZHANG Dong, as well as BLIA South Island Subchapter Senior Advisor CAO Qian and other BLIA members.
Abbess Manshin led the guests on a Temple tour, explaining its architectural design concepts and sharing the efforts involved in prepararing the Soaring through the Sky—Dunhuang Art Exhibition at the FGY Art Gallery Christchurh. Abbess Manshin also introduced to the visitors the Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Buddhist Art published by the FGY Art Gallery Headquarters. Abbess emphasized that the Temple makes use of its architectural design and artistic culture to provide a tranquil space for the public. The Dunhuang artworks displayed in the Christchurch Temple which inspired by the Longmen Grottoes, are a perfect match, showcasing the beauty and significance of Buddhist art.
Consul General Madame HE Ying expressed her gratitude to the FGS team for overcoming numerous challenges in a short period to bring the magnificent Chinese grotto art of Dunhuang to Christchurch. She noted that the elegant and superb exhibition design added depth to the cultural essence of Dunhuang.
Deputy Director Mr YU praised the South Christchurch Temple for its exceptional design which reflects beauty in every detail and creates an atmosphere of harmony and serenity. He commended the Temple for its refined and human-orientated approach, describing its design as precise, exquisite, and deeply thought-provoking. The integration of traditional and modern elements throughout the Temple makes it both a cultural legacy and relevant to contemporary needs.
Abbess Manshin explained that the Temple’s architecture reflects the mindset of practitioners, embodying the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism, as advocated by the FGS Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Despite its modest size, the Temple conveys profound meaning and exemplifies the spirit of Giving by focusing on people and serving the community, aligning with Deputy Director Mr YU’s perspective of seeing greatness in smallness.
Before the visit ended, the Temple presented the guests with a book titled Way of Life, featuring the architectural designs of the Auckland and Christchurch Temples. Signatures were inscribed in the book for the guests, marking a meaningful and timeless connection through this special visit.