On 6th December 2024, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Madame HE Ying, along with Consul WANG Jinjun, Director WANG Jianwenof the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre, representatives from the Bank of China, Karen Peng and Darren Guo, visited the FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland. They were warmly greeted by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island Chapter and Minister in Charge Venerable Rulian of FGS Auckland. The guests were guided to the Main Shrine to offer flowers, followed by a tour of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition and a preview of the upcoming second session of the 2024 Summer Art Salon, set to open on 14th December.
Abbess explained the various activities and services offered by the Temple’s facilities. She emphasised the Temple’s garden, cultivated years ago through the dedicated efforts of monastics who transported water bucket by bucket to nurture the trees. Over time, these collective efforts have transformed the Temple grounds into a serene place that embodies an environmental ethos. In addition, the Art Salon has been held annually for the past eight years, with local artists showcasing their finest works at the Temple. This year, over 200 artists participated, showcasing impressive pieces that delighted the public. Following Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s core philosophy of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings, the FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland has become a significant cultural and artistic hub in the community, offering a tranquil space for spiritual purification.
Consul General Madame HE remarked that every corner of the Temple is filled with surprises and stories. She praised the Temple’s thoughtful cultivation and commitment to the environment. She also expressed gratitude to the Abbess for leading the Auckland and Christchurch teams to successfully organise the Soaring Through the Sky: Dunhuang Art Exhibition in Christchurch this past November. This exhibition beautifully showcased the splendour of Dunhuang culture, offering audiences a magnificent glimpse into China’s rich history. Madame HE looks forward to the Dunhuang Art Exhibition being held at the Auckland Temple next year, giving the Auckland public an opportunity to appreciate the profound heritage of Chinese cave art and Buddhist aesthetics, further deepening cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand.