On 24th October, 28 members of the Auckland Pukekohe U3A embarked on a spiritual and environmental journey to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Auckland. Their day began with lunch at the Water Drop Vegetarian Café followed by a temple tour, and concluded with an afternoon tea. Participants expressed immense joy during their Temple visit. Some had been to the Temple over a decade ago, noting that the surrounding buildings had multiplied and the trees within the premises had grown significantly, adding to its perfection. The Temple’s serene and culturally-rich atmosphere was unanimously acknowledged, and the food at the Café received high praise.
Guided by the Event and Promotional Nick, the group experienced not only the Temple’s excellent facilities but also the diverse cultural event posters in the Cultural Corridor. They commended FGS for promoting youth participation in international events and for sponsoring the New Zealand national basketball team’s entry into the 2023 BLIA Cup competition in Taiwan. The Temple’s dedication to involving the community in various cultural and educational pursuits was seen as commendable.
The visitors were captivated by the vibrant umbrella art installation in the corridor. As they previewed the 2023 Art Salon, set to launch on 28th October, they marvelled at the exhibition’s cohesion and welcoming ambience, exclaiming, “These are amazing works!” Many felt privileged to be among the first group of visitors and expressed intentions to revisit with their families.
Furthermore, when the group learned about Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery’s support for local artists by providing a high-quality platform allowing local artists to exhibit and exchange their work, they expressed their hopes for artists to continue creating surprises that benefit society. Some even took photos of their favourite artworks with the intention of sharing them with their children, hinting as possible Christmas gifts.