The 12th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing entered its third week, with sessions 15 to 19 held from 12 to 15 May 2026. More than 650 teachers and students from Greenmeadows Intermediate, Glen Innes School, Waitakere College and Baverstock Oaks School, visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. Through a variety of experiential learning activities, they learned about Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan, and the spirit of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G).
The programme included a visit to the Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy Commemorative Exhibition, listening to stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, watching the video The Life of the Buddha, meditation in the courtyard, learning incense offering etiquette, writing wish cards, learning to sing the Rhythm of the World Song 3G4G and We Got It, and police interaction sessions. During the Q&A sessions, students responded enthusiastically and interacted warmly. They also collected bookmarks featuring Venerable Master’s Dharma words, bringing these words of wisdom back to their families and daily lives. The Temple also specially prepared healthy and delicious Three Goodness Rice for the students to restore their energy and presented them with the affinity gift, the 3G Bear.
Greenmeadows Intermediate Learning Coach Luanda MILO said it was a precious and touching moment to see students, who are usually full of energy, demonstrate focus and calm during meditation. She also deeply felt the power of inner peace that the Temple brought. Deputy Principal Vivek GOPAL said the education program conveyed positive energy and wholesome values in a natural and inspiring way, successfully creating a learning environment rich in both educational meaning and spiritual inspiration.
Teacher Lanique HARUHARU was deeply impressed by the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition, which vividly and creatively brought the story of the Buddha to life. She said the exhibition was deeply moving, and its layout and spatial design were impressive. Teacher Russell DUNCAN praised the event for its thoughtful and well-organised programme, with each activity being both educational and engaging, fully reflecting the Temple’s care and dedication. Glen Innes School teacher Christine LAMMAS shared that each time she brings students to the Temple, she feels a deep sense of inner peace, which refreshes both her body and mind while inspiring many reflections and new insights. Baverstock Oaks School teachers Stacey VISSER and Liz STONE shared that both teachers and students especially loved the incense offering and meditation activities, as they not only brought inner peace and calm, but also helped students develop concentration.
Many students shared that through interesting activities, they learned the importance of maintaining positive thinking, being grateful and appreciative, respecting others, developing a sense of responsibility and making the right choices. In the Temple’s peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, they also experienced inner peace and joy. Some students said that learning about the stories of the Founding Master inspired them to pursue their dreams bravely and not give up when facing difficulties. They were also moved by the Founding Master’s achievement in establishing more than 300 Temples around the world, and felt fortunate that New Zealand also has such a warm and welcoming Temple. In addition, the delicious Three Goodness Rice and the affinity gift, the 3G Bear, became some of their most unforgettable memories, and many looked forward to returning to the Temple for future activities.
With the successful completion of its third week, the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing has welcomed over 3,000 teachers, students, and parents. Its positive influence continues to grow across schools and the wider community, helping the spirit of 3G4G take deeper root in daily life.
