Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
November 22, 2023

On October 25, Christchurch’s Lincoln University Basketball Team Managers, Mr. Hoani Kristin Smith and Ms. Suzanne Mason visited FGS Temple South Island. Abbess of FGS NZ, Venerable Manshin, Venerable Juexi, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch. Also present were BLIA South Island Subchapter 2 President Cao Qian, BLIA South Island committee Kokwei Low and other members to welcome the visitors from Lincoln.

In August 2023, the Lincoln University Basketball Teams have represented New Zealand to participate in the BLIA Cup University Basketball Tournament held in Taiwan. Both New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams successfully won third place in the tournament. As a token of encouragement, FGS NZ published a special edition of highlights of New Zealand Teams in the tournament. FGS NZ also produced a personal poster for each of the 24 players who had participated in the game. When the Team Managers saw those exquisite posters, they were surprised and expressed that no organisation has ever put so much effort into producing so many records of the players. They were deeply touched by the dedication and professionalism of FGS New Zealand.

FGS NZ published a special edition of highlights of New Zealand Teams and personal poster for each of the 24 players. photo／FGS NZ

Team Manager Ms. Suzanne mentioned that the University’s Board of Directors was curious about the reasons for participating in the BLIA Cup. During the meeting, Abbess Manshin shared about the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and recalled her precious memories of playing basketball with the Master when she was a student at FGS Tsung Lin University. Master Hsing Yun once pointed out that basket games can actually develop important personality traits such as bravery, admit mistakes, respect others, and cultivate a positive mindset. In a basketball game, every second counts, and the players’ courageous spirit deserves strong promotion. The two Managers praised Master Hsing Yun for his wisdom and open minded thinking. They cherished the opportunity for New Zealand teams to compete with other national teams from all over the world.  Both managers thanked FGS for making them feel at home all the time, especially for the care and attention given to all the team members during the competition.

Before leaving, Abbess Manshin presented Master Hsing Yun’s books titled Handling Down the Lights,  366 Days with Wisdom and FGS NZ’s 2024 calendars to the two guests.  In return, the Managers presented a specially prepared blue hat which representing “Selflessness and Fearlessness”, as a gift to the Temple. The Managers expressed that they have had a fruitful visit and hope to bring their players to visit the Temple in the near future.

Managers presented a specially prepared blue hat as a gift. photo／FGS NZ