The 11th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing was held over one month, from 29th April to 30th May 2025, at Fo Guang Shan Auckland and Christchurch. The education programme reached 25 schools and welcomed over 4,500 students, teachers and parents. Guided by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, more than 100 monastics and volunteers delivered 34 educational sessions, sharing the values of 3G4G through various engaging activities.
Leaders of the Society including NZ Deputy Police Commissioners Jill Rogers and Counties Manukau District Commander Supt Shanan Gray; Manukau East Area Commander Insp Rodney Honan; Insp Rakana Cook; Snr Sgt Anson LIN; Sgt Richard Bracey with the NPTeams; Snr Const Matt Green and Const Pauline Orpet along with the SCO team. MP for Takanini Rima Nakhle, List MP Nancy Lu, Howick Local Board Chair Damian Light, Board Member Adele White and journalist Farida Master supported the project by cooking the 3 Goodness Fried Rice for the students. These Leaders shared their experiences on social media, thanking FGS Buddhist Temple for creating a peaceful learning environment and constructed positive energy within the community. In addition, the Team of eight from Tsung Lin University Taiwan HQ further enriched the occasion.
The education programme offered a variety of engaging activities, including learning the Ten Offerings ritual, making lotus origami, storytelling from Bodhi Light Tales, singing the new song of the program We Got It and interactive sessions with the police. A highlight for the year by many students was the calligraphy experience, as many were trying it for the first time. Although holding the brush and maintaining the correct posture proved challenging, students found the activity both calming and creatively inspiring. Teachers were impressed by the students’ focus, noting that the experience fostered mindfulness and concentration.
Another well-received activity was the film of The Life of the Buddha, which inspired thoughtful reflection on life and moral values. Students found the Buddha’s message of compassion and equality especially meaningful, with some sharing that practising kindness and gratitude gave their lives a greater sense of purpose. Teachers were particularly touched by the emphasis on the equality of all beings. The meditation sessions also drew high praise, with teachers observing that it helped students slow down and approach challenges with a calmer mindset. Some parents were deeply touched by their children’s concentration during meditation, describing it as a rare and inspiring experience.
As the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, once said: “Buddhism is not about retreating from the world for idle talk, it is about putting compassion into action in everyday life.” The 3G4G Festival served as more than a cultural exchange, it offered a meaningful experience in life education. With the education program now successfully concluded, it is hoped that the messages of kindness and wisdom will continue to resonate with students, teachers and parents, nurturing a collective journey towards a more harmonious society.