Visit of Members from Rangiora Charles Upham Retirement Village

On 23rd May 2019, led by staff member Jo Wix, 20 elderly members of Rangiora Charles Upham visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island. Recalling the story behind the visit, Jo Wix recounted that a member from the Retirement Village had previously visited FGS Temple South Island and was deeply impressed by its tranquil and pleasing ambience. The same member later recommended strongly to Jo to organise for members of the Retired Village to pay a visit to FGS Temple South Island.

On their arrival, the entourage was welcomed by FGS South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island Vice President Lih-son Ding and BLIA committee member Tracy Chen. Afterwards, Ding guided the entourage through a tour of the Temple building including the Art Gallery, the Tea Meditation Area, the Time Tunnel and the Buddha Hall. At the Buddha Hall, the visitors were awestruck by the solemnity of the Buddha Statue. Ding afterwards followed up by telling the life story of Buddha, and explaining the meaning behind each item used in the prayer, namely, incense stick, flower and lighted candle. The visitors were amazed by the explanations and some even volunteered to pray using incense sticks.

At the end of the tour, the entourage adjourned to the Water Drop Café for their afternoon tea. The visitors were full of praises for the delicious food and the warm services of the waiters. They expressed great satisfaction with the visit and were deeply impressed by the hospitality of FGS.