We stood outside the temple, in the shelter of ancient Chinese sloped roofs with golden trims. Monks in orange robes and shaved heads greeted us with warm smiles, and the smell of incense invited us in. “Welcome to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple!” called a monk standing at the entrance. We looked around in awe as they led us through the grand wooden doors, adorned with brass lion knockers. A huge, golden Buddha statue sat in a hollow on the far wall. Every side of the room was covered in beautiful carved tiles.

On the 29th-30th of April, all the Year 9s were given the amazing opportunity to go to Auckland's Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple to participate in the 3G4G festival of cultural sharing. The festival teaches students from all over Auckland about the 3G4G values. 3G stands for the 3 goods, good thoughts, deeds, and words, while 4G stands for the 4 givings, joy, convenience, hope, and confidence. It’s a Rutherford tradition for Year 9 students to participate in the festival.

First, we lined up in the grand entrance shrine in front of a monk, who taught us about the different types of offerings to the Buddha. Volunteers in red and gold jackets handed out smoking sticks of incense and taught us how to correctly offer them. Row by row, we walked up and offered our incense. 

Then we were led further into the shrine, through the beautifully calm gardens, and into an art gallery. Five trees covered in fairy lights lit up the room. Everybody sat down quietly, in awe of this sparkly place, and listened as a monk told the story of how a prince became the enlightened Buddha. We each took a little roll of paper with wise words written on them from a small box before being ushered into another art gallery.

The walls of this gallery were covered in calligraphy. We sat down among rows of desks laid with calligraphy pens and tracing sheets. A monk at the front held out a pen, telling us the correct way to hold it. We all tried our hand at calligraphy before being taken outside, to the zen courtyard again.

Monks directed us to sit on soft grass growing in gaps between the concrete. They showed us how to cross our legs, do the lotus position, and let our thoughts flow gently through our minds. Everyone sat there, perfectly silent and still, meditating.

Next, we were led through the courtyard toward a hall filled with volunteers, monks, and even two local police constables. Projected onto the wall were the lyrics to the 3G4G song, “We Got It” So with the monk in the front, we sang and danced until we knew it off by heart. 

Then the two police officers stood up and introduced themselves. They called for volunteers, and hands shot up all over the room. The volunteers acted out real-life scenarios as the officers explained and taught how to make the right decision.

Next came the bit we had all been waiting for: the refreshment! We rushed outside and quickly lined up for a cup of fried rice, prepared by the police that very morning. Cups in hand, we were free to wander the temple and even take a few selfies.

Overall, we had a unique and wonderful experience, learning how to think peacefully and have a calm mind, helping us to be the best we can be. After visiting the temple, we left refreshed and happy. This trip taught us how being a good person can improve our lives for the better, and gave us so many new perspectives on life. It’s a treasured Rutherford tradition, and we're so glad to be a part of it. Thank you to the teachers for organising this trip and the monks for welcoming us there, thank you to the police for cooking the fried rice and making time to chat with us. The food was very delicious, and we want to thank everyone who made this happen.

by Delilah Smale and Jiao Jiao Liu (9HO)