On 19th August, Fo Guang Shan South Island welcomed 12 photography enthusiasts from the Christchurch Photographers Group, who visited to capture the temple’s architectural and cultural features through their lenses.
Group leader Adrianne Gentheman shared that they first discovered the temple in May during the Open Christchurch event and were pleasantly surprised to find such a serene spiritual sanctuary within the community. This inspired her to organise a special visit for the group.
Despite the windy and rainy weather that day, the team arrived early at the temple. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin praised the group’s enthusiasm and personally guided them on a tour, explaining the design concepts behind the temple’s architecture. The group spent time at the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, admiring the Harmony and Hue oil painting exhibition and appreciating the temple’s tranquil and solemn atmosphere. They were particularly drawn to the temple’s eco-friendly, less is more concept and elegant architectural style.
They were equipped with a variety of cameras — some even using classic black-and-white film. The photographers each used their unique perspectives to capture the Temple’s beauty. Highlights included the Time Tunnel, concrete murals in the Courtyard and reflections in the surrounding waterway.
After the visit, the group gathered at the Water Drop Cafe to enjoy coffee and share their thoughts. Many expressed that the visit deepened their understanding of Buddhist culture and the beauty of the Temple’s architecture and they look forward to returning with family and friends in the future.