The month-long 11th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing officially kicked off on 29th April 2025 at Fo Guang Shan Auckland. The first group of 350 Year 9 students from Rutherford College arrived at the Temple on 29th and 30th April mornings. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ led the team and carefully planned a full itinerary, including watching the movie The Life of the Buddha, mindfulness meditation, experiencing calligraphy, learning proper Buddhist etiquette and police interaction. This year also introduced a new addition: Bodhi Light Tales, meaningful stories produced by the Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute, and a special new song titled We Got It, composed by President Jenny Chen of the BLIA New York Chapter.
Since its inception in 2014, the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing has entered its 11th year. This year, over 4,500 students from 23 schools across Auckland and Christchurch have registered to participate. Particularly in Auckland, schools were coming from eight districts and the furthest is 41 kilometres away. The Temple follows the guidance of the Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun to transform Temples into educational spaces, collaborating with local police and schools to plant the seeds of 3G4G in students’ minds to foster family harmony, social well-being and construct a harmonious society.
Prominent community leaders, including Howick Local Board Chairman Damian Light, Superintendent Shanan Gray, and Assistant Superintendent Jill Rogers, will attend the education program to support, cook and serve the Three Goodness Rice to students. Monastics and students from Tsung Lin University also participated, with Venerable Zhirou, Nengxiu, and student Daoming guiding students through the program and encouraging them to embody the principles of 3G4G to become people rich in heart.
Rutherford College, a long-time supporter, has joined the festival for eight consecutive years. In 2019, the school formally incorporated the education program into its annual curriculum for Year 9 students to promote cultural awareness, equality, and respect. Vice Principal Brendan Curran, who has attended personally with students for the past three years, said the festival has become one of the most anticipated learning experiences for Year 9 students. He was pleased to see the addition of the Bodhi Light Tales series, calling it inspiring and a new highlight. One teacher praised the program for its substantial educational value, expressing hope that students will integrate the values of doing good deeds, speaking kind words and thinking good thoughts into their lives as guiding principles. Some students shared that practising calligraphy helped them experience a sense of focus, while others remarked that they learned that the greatest strength in life comes from a powerful inner self. Many students commented that the Three Goodness Rice was delicious and enjoyable.
FGS NZ continues collaborating with schools, police and communities to spread the seeds of goodness and beauty, injecting positive energy into society. The values of 3G4G continue to enrich students’ hearts and broaden their worldview.
3G – Three Acts of Goodness
Do Good Deeds
Say Good Words
Think Good Thoughts
4G – Four Givings
Give Confidence
Give Joy
Give Hope
Give Convenience