Fo Guang Shan - Buddhist Temple

Yesterday we went to Fo Guang Shan a buddhist temple in riccarton. Today our class had to write a recount about our experience and time on the trip. 

Here Is My Writing

Yesterday the year 8s went to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple. We went for there 3G4G event. 3G4G is 3 good deeds and 4 giving.

First we were put into two groups I was in a group with some of my best friends Genica, Trisha and Kayla. We left at 9 to get on the buses to leave, the drive wasn’t too long as the temple is in Riccarton. When we arrived we were happily welcomed into the temple. We were given a group leader who took us all into the art gallery. We were taught a chant “3G4G in action”. We were showed a small presentation explaining 3G4G. The 3 good deeds are think good thought, say good words and do good deeds. The 4 givings are give confidence, give convenience, give joy and give hope.

Then we went off in our groups to do some activities. Our group went into a room that had a decorated table at the front with several poems, art, inflatables, figures and buddha fountains. We recited some poems and then we learnt how to bathe the buddha. At first I was nervous to go up in front everyone but I did and learnt from it. First we did a half pray, then we took 1 scoop of water and placed it on the buddha’s left shoulder, then the left and finally the back, To end the session we half prayed.

After everyone had an opportunity to bathe the buddha we moved onto a craft. On the table there were cardstock lotus flowers, staples and rubber bands. We made lotus flower bracelets, All we had to do assemble the pieces stable a rubber band to it and then lift the petals. The flowers were pretty and it was fun to make them.

Next we went to the library. In the library we learnt about Buddha and 3G4G. Weren’t in the library for long. After the library we went outside where we got water temporary tatoos. The temporary tatoo’s were buddha with a lotus flower with text that said 3G4G. While we were outside they brought out some cookies and water. We waited outside to eat our food before going to the main room.

We went upstairs to the main room. The room had buddha’s on the wall and several statues plants and tables around the room. We were told we were going to do some meditation so we prepared. We sat cross legged with the lotus flower symbol we previously learnt. The meditation was peaceful and quiet. After meditation the police came to tell us about their opinion on the 3G4G and other manners and rules that they follow. After that we were allowed to try on some extra police gear, The gear was all a bit big but it was funny to get some pictures, I didn’t try any on because it was too busy.

At the end they gave us each a red wind chime that had 3G4G on it. Afterwards they greeted us and we had to leave. I had a really good time it was sad to leave but we had to.