Activities
Events
Coming soon
Programme
Grand Symphony Concert “Kukai”
∙ Inspired by the remarkable life of Master Kūkai , a spiritual pioneer and cultural bridge between China and Japan, Symphony “Kūkai” is a powerful musical tribute composed by acclaimed Chinese composer Zou Ye.
∙ The Oceania premiere at Auckland Town Hall on 24 January 2025 was met with wide acclaim.
Theatre Performance-The light in your heart and the way back home
∙ Thunder Troupe presents three heartfelt plays exploring faith, identity, and compassion. From ‘Oteru’s Lamp’ to ‘The Poor Son’ and ‘The Barber’, each story inspires a return to the light within and the journey home.
Programme
Coming soon
Programme
Buddhist Studies Video Lecture Series
An online, self-paced course introducing key Buddhist teachings.
∙ 18 video lectures (weekly or bi-weekly)
∙ Topics: History of Buddhism, Consciousness-Only School, Master Kūkai
∙ Open to all | Assessment: Quizzes + 2 short essays
Foundational Buddhist Studies Modular Program
A step-by-step learning path across three levels:
∙ Basic: Buddhist origins, core teachings, historical development
∙ Intermediate: Consciousness theory, death studies, key texts
∙ Advanced: Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, Lotus Sutra
∙ Progressive format | Open entry | Assessment: Exam + 2 essays per level
Future Course Development
∙ Sage-saint teachings and enlightenment stories
∙ Philosophy of healthy and sustainable living.
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Cultural Events
∙ Post-Event Reports: In progress to reflect feedback and guide future planning.
∙ Post-Symphony Forum (2025): A 120-minute interactive discussion with artists, scholars, and audiences on cultural and spiritual themes.
∙ Ongoing Culture Week Events: Planning for future Enlightened Heart Culture Weeks to deepen public engagement and promote cultural legacy.
Educational Programmes
∙ We are creating accessible Buddhist education through online and in-person programmes led by local and international experts.
∙ Future courses will cover sage teachings, enlightenment stories, and healthy living.
∙ Long-term plans focus on publishing wisdom teachings, promoting wellness, and developing education facilities.
About us
Our story
Our story
Our story
24–30 January 2024
The Tiangu Culture Tour 2024, hosted by EHCF’s founding members, marked the beginning of our journey to promote traditional Chinese wisdom and spiritual exploration.
12 June 2024
ECHF was officially incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, laying the legal foundation for our cultural and spiritual mission.
19–26 January 2025
The Tiangu Culture Tour 2025 (Enlightened Heart Culture Week 2025) deepened community engagement through philosophy, meditation, and cultural exchange..
11 March 2025
We received official registration from Charities Services. Our charity registration number is CC63119, recognizing EHCF as a registered charitable organization in New Zealand.
Vision
Our story
Our story
To benefit the community by sharing the meaning and value of an enlightened heart in Chinese spiritual traditions.
We aim to:
∙ Explain what an enlightened heart is and why it matters.
∙ Showcase Chinese wisdom through cultural events and traditional practices.
∙ Promote healthy living as a foundation for spiritual growth.
∙ Provide accessible education on how to cultivate an enlightened heart in everyday life.
Our vision is to make enlightenment culture meaningful and relevant in today’s world.
Our team
Our story
Our team
Huibing Zhao
Chairperson & Trustee
Huibing provides overall leadership and vision for the Foundation, guiding its mission and strategic direction.
Rex Wang
Secretary & Trustee
Rex oversees administrative and governance matters, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.
Leo Zhou
Treasurer & Trustee
Leo manages the Foundation’s finances, ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.
Volunteer
Meet our volunteers
Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Coming from all walks of life, they generously give their time, skills, and compassion to help us make a difference in the community. Get to know the incredible people who bring our mission to life—one act of kindness at a time.
Behind the Scenes of a Cultural Celebration
In the lead-up to the Enlightened Heart Culture Week 2025, one volunteer took charge of coordinating transportation for overseas guests. She juggled flight schedules, managed airport pickups and drop-offs, and made sure every arriving performer or speaker was welcomed with warmth and clarity. Though the days were long, the satisfaction of seeing each guest safely settled into their accommodation—and later waving them off with gratitude—made every moment worthwhile. It wasn’t just about logistics; it was about hospitality, trust, and creating a smooth experience from start to finish.
A Voice in the Crowd
During the January performances, one volunteer was part of the audience guidance and engagement team. While it may have seemed like a small task—pointing people to their seats, answering questions, and encouraging post-performance discussions—it turned out to be the emotional heart of the event. With gentle enthusiasm, she sparked conversations about music, culture, and spiritual teachings with audience members from all walks of life. "I didn’t just help people find their way," she said afterward. "I helped them feel something deeper."
Become a volunteer
Be part of a meaningful journey to support cultural events, education, and community well-being. Whether it's helping behind the scenes or engaging with the public, your time and skills can make a real difference.
Become a member
Join us
Find the unexpected with a membership.
Enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting the organization you love.
Join now
Be part of a meaningful journey to support cultural events, education, and community well-being. Whether it's helping behind the scenes or engaging with the public, your time and skills can make a real difference.
Donate
Why support us
Your support empowers the Enlightened Heart Culture Foundation to preserve and promote cultural heritage, foster meaningful community engagement, and provide inclusive learning opportunities. With your help, we can create more impactful programs, reach underserved communities, and inspire a deeper connection to compassion, mindfulness, and shared humanity.
Make a donation
Donation To:
ANZ Bank New Zealand: 06-0491-0300365-00
To: ENLIGHTENED HEART CULTURE FOUNDATION