AmyHuang
Visit Australia: A Buddhist Retreat
It's not often on the tour itineraries, nor is it very much talked about when it comes to Australian travel. However this little Buddhist gem in Wollongong, only an hour south of Sydney, is surprisingly popular with locals seeking an alternative retreat.
Nan Tien Temple is part of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order under Master Hsing Yun. His particular order represents the Humanistic Buddhism.
I am not a Buddhist, and my visit to the temple was inspired by a curiosity to find out about other religious cultures and teachings. As I step onto the temple grounds a sudden calm reign over me. Yellow robed nuns scatter around the temple attending to their daily chores, and their movements slow and graceful I found myself obliged to also walk in a slow and calm manner. And it seems, as are every other guests and visitors.
I have learnt previously that Buddhist teachings say Buddhism does not consider itself a religion. It is a teaching, a way of life that individuals choose while they may or may not also, have another belief as well.
I pay a visit to the pagoda, resting place for the deceased and a shrine of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. I carefully take off my shoes and join the many other devoted Buddhists pray for their ancestors and for themselves. The smell of incense fills the air and the silence of respect was observed. The gardens surrounding the pagoda was also well trimmed and tranquil. A stroll through it can really calm any itching nerve.
The main temple shrine is a large building in the centre of the temple grounds. I light a candle of health for my mother, who has been ill with a condition unfamiliar to any doctor she had seen in the past five years. Five large Buddhas sit majestically facing the door, as Buddhism followers kneel quietly on a large carpet, chanting their prayers.
I join the many visitors in the dining room for a vegetarian feast. Not being vegetarian I was at first a little skeptic on the flavours and quality of the food. Boy, was I in for a surprise! The food prepared by the nuns were not only delicious, they were also of really high quality. Enough to make me consider to turn vegetarian! After the hearty meal we popped over to the Dew Drop Inn tea house for a refreshing cup of green tea.
The temple offers many activities for those seeking an alternative to life. There are meditation and Tai Chi classes as well as vegetarian cooking classes available. Retreats to learn about the Buddhist culture and life as well as learn the art of meditation run over weekends as well. You don't have to be a Buddhist to join, all you need, is an open heart and a willingness to learn alternative teachings.
If you do plan to visit please observe the dress codes and etiquette, as it is still considered a religious site, dress appropriately is important and no meat and alcohol products are to be brought into the temple grounds.
For further information contact:
Nan Tien Temple
Berkeley Road,
Berkeley NSW 2506
Tel: 61-2-4272 0600
www.nantien.org.au
Closed on Mondays. Lunch served 11:30am - 2pm
Nan Tien Temple is part of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order under Master Hsing Yun. His particular order represents the Humanistic Buddhism.
A Humanistic Buddhist is someone who transforms his/her given human character to express the same deep truths and ideals of Buddha, in order to improve the wellbeing of our families, our culture and our nation - Humanistic Buddhism
The well trimmed and tranquil gardens of Nan Tien Temple
I am not a Buddhist, and my visit to the temple was inspired by a curiosity to find out about other religious cultures and teachings. As I step onto the temple grounds a sudden calm reign over me. Yellow robed nuns scatter around the temple attending to their daily chores, and their movements slow and graceful I found myself obliged to also walk in a slow and calm manner. And it seems, as are every other guests and visitors.
I have learnt previously that Buddhist teachings say Buddhism does not consider itself a religion. It is a teaching, a way of life that individuals choose while they may or may not also, have another belief as well.
Nan Tien Pagoda - where the deceased rest
I pay a visit to the pagoda, resting place for the deceased and a shrine of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. I carefully take off my shoes and join the many other devoted Buddhists pray for their ancestors and for themselves. The smell of incense fills the air and the silence of respect was observed. The gardens surrounding the pagoda was also well trimmed and tranquil. A stroll through it can really calm any itching nerve.
The main temple shrine is a large building in the centre of the temple grounds. I light a candle of health for my mother, who has been ill with a condition unfamiliar to any doctor she had seen in the past five years. Five large Buddhas sit majestically facing the door, as Buddhism followers kneel quietly on a large carpet, chanting their prayers.
The Main Temple - Nan Tien Temple
I join the many visitors in the dining room for a vegetarian feast. Not being vegetarian I was at first a little skeptic on the flavours and quality of the food. Boy, was I in for a surprise! The food prepared by the nuns were not only delicious, they were also of really high quality. Enough to make me consider to turn vegetarian! After the hearty meal we popped over to the Dew Drop Inn tea house for a refreshing cup of green tea.
The temple offers many activities for those seeking an alternative to life. There are meditation and Tai Chi classes as well as vegetarian cooking classes available. Retreats to learn about the Buddhist culture and life as well as learn the art of meditation run over weekends as well. You don't have to be a Buddhist to join, all you need, is an open heart and a willingness to learn alternative teachings.
If you do plan to visit please observe the dress codes and etiquette, as it is still considered a religious site, dress appropriately is important and no meat and alcohol products are to be brought into the temple grounds.
For further information contact:
Nan Tien Temple
Berkeley Road,
Berkeley NSW 2506
Tel: 61-2-4272 0600
www.nantien.org.au
Closed on Mondays. Lunch served 11:30am - 2pm
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I've been here and it an oasis of peace isn't it? I love it.
Tracy
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That is what many people do not understand about Buddhism and I am so glad you managed to say it so clearly. Christians always ask me how you can call yourself a Christian and yet go and follow this "doctrine."
Simply becuase it is not a Doctrine as such, it is a way of life that supports Christ's teaching - offering practical 'how to' advice and skills for living in the real world. Advice on the missing link of Christ's teachings on diet, health and the importance of fasting and breathing/meditation. *chuckle* We are not machines after all...
I blieve that every -ism needs an opposite and Buddhism is a perfect offset for Consumerism overload.
We have a monestary up in the hills, close to where I live on the Sunshine Coast, and I am often found up in those hills meditating with the Geshe's (monks)... I would recommend it to everyone.
I really enjoyed taking this walk with you, the pics are wonderfully peaceful, as I know the day must have been.
Lilla ...
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Krystal - if only we had more of these kind of places in the world we wouldn't be so stressed all the time I think! It's certainly worth a visit.
Lilla - Funny you mentioned that - I had to study religion in high school, having gone to a Catholic school and for my final project I did a paper on comparing religions. I didn't do a very good job with it (you know, being in high school and that) but I do remember one of my findings after reading the Bible and the Origin of Buddhism and I think something else, they all started the same, the main person they all spoke off all wore a robe, held a staff and preached similar lessons. It makes you wonder - perhaps what everyone have been learning in their religion in fact started off with just one religion, and over time with different cultures interpreting it all differently someway down the line they some how diverted... hmm... it's another long subject for a long essay there!
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I agree with what you were saying about -isms. I don't like being boxed in, especially with beliefs.
I have a Buddhist centre just down the road from me and I love going there. There is nothing like silencing the mind and the freedom of mindfulness.
Trace
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How timely. Just that sentence 'the freedom of mindfulness," brings absolute peace with it, to those who know that feeling, there can never be a substitute drug.
Well said lady, well said.
Lilla ...
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I think as long as we have inner peace, we'll be happy (this ties to Krystal's entry about Happiness actually!) and we'll make love, not war
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So true, because when I am mindful, I have very little to say at all, usually...and cannot understand people who just babble on and on and on.
I find that Mother's are particularly chatty... and I usually have to 'escape.'
Writing thoughts on orble - re-directing them from the usual speech pathways - is proving a really interesting experience for me... *chuckle* not that I'm speaking more outside in the real world as a result, but I do have more to say in text, like I am braver to speak out, but having done so, usually feel stupid... like what possible value did that add?
*lol*
Lilla ...
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I think writing is sort of like therapy. And by writing you can share with more people than just your immediate family and friends
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Hi Lilla and Amy
I find that with blogging too, sometimes I’ve said more about how I’m feeling in posts than in person. I think there’s something safe about some people’s blogs (and this is one, Amy) and the general environment. Yes, it sort is like therapy, hearing other people's stories and learning from them.
I know what you mean about silence, Lilla. If I don’t get it, I get quite grumpy. If it happens for a long time, y’know one those conversations where you could be a tatty chair and the person is still talking at you, then I try to escape. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at doing at doing that assertively so tend to stay in that situation for too long and then the intense grumpiness sets in.
I did an experiment once with this particular person, because I was wondering if it was me. Was I subconsciously giving a signal, that it was OK to talk my ear-hole off? So we went to a dinner party, I made sure I was sat a few doors down and watched. The interaction was the same. This person does it with everyone. But because I’m in the family and the only girl, I think she zooms in on me more. Tiring....but something I have to work out. I’m trying to work out situations instead of just reacting...
Thank-you for listening to me!!
Tracy
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...as I get older .. and time seems shorter, I am finding myself excusing myself and running to the loo to "break the spell" much more *chuckle* .. I certainly understand where you are coming from here. That is usually enough for the person to catch themselves and 'realign.'
Tracy, after showering/bathing try some clary sage oil on your hands. Rub them together and 'brush lightly' from the soles of your feet, up your body over your head and down your back, then brush your arms off. It can really help clean the aura after one of these "conversations/confrontations ."
Then it's back to the peace and quiet of the universe and our pets... yes a lovely combination, I agree. Perhaps that's why I like textual conversations like these, they don't make sound?
Hope the day is peaceful for you.
Lilla ...
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I also do this:
That made me smile
When there is a slight pause (when the person decides to breathe), I sometimes feign a face that someone somewhere needs me, such as my husband and then say that I’ll be back in a bit but come back via the food area or another person, so that the original person can see I’m around and will eventually return (but in my mind, not for a while!!).
After writing this, I just realised what an effort it can be. My husband (when I moan afterwards, well it’s his mum!) says that I could say things like, ‘that’s a lot of information all in one go or I’m not really comfortable talking about that', but at the same time acknowledging what they are talking about. I’m not very good at that sort of stuff, but it would be healthier and more pleasant.
Thank-you for this:
I really do feel the need to cleanse myself from such situations, usually I clean the house but it would be good to some form of quiet cleansing rather than frenzied cleaning, I really should meditate but sometimes I feel too worked up to do that. But these are all great ideas.
Thanks, Lilla and Amy
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