We are curious about different religions and places of worship, seeking out opportunities to learn more and open our minds to different beliefs. When we learned about a Buddhist temple in Wollongong, we had to visit it.
Nan Tien Temple, in Berkeley near Wollongong, is reputed to be the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere (although I think the new Great Stupa of Universal Compassion outside Bendigo, Victoria may be bigger when completed).
A visit is a great introduction to Buddhist temples in Sydney and an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism if you aren’t already aware.
The History of the Nan Tien Temple
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Meaning “Paradise of the South” in Chinese, the Nan Tien Temple was opened in October 1995. It is a branch temple of Fo Guang Shan which was founded in 1965 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and has over 200 branches worldwide.
The Fo Guang branch of Buddhism is based on the Mahayana tradition, emphasising that awakening is within everyone’s reach. Followers of this tradition strive to embed Buddhism in daily life, which has led it to be termed Humanistic Buddhism.
The Nan Tien Temple Complex
Designed by Australian architect, Jones Brewster Regan, the Nan Tien complex uses modern architectural techniques to create a Chinese-styled palace structure amidst landscaped gardens.
Interestingly, the Nan Tien Temple complex is a fusion of several Buddhist styles. The Great Mercy Shrine and the Great Hero Hall, the two prayer halls, incorporate traditional features of Tibetan monastic architecture. The eight-level pagoda is distinctly Chinese, with its flying eaves and angular profile. It is a columbarium with a capacity of up to 7,000 urns. The courtyards feature Japanese-style gardens, with a mix of South-East Asian colours. Somehow the mismatch works together in harmony.
The main shrine features 5 large serene Buddhas surrounded by 10,000 smaller Buddha’s giving a unique touch of Duong Hwang’s classic arts.
Nan Tien Institute at the Nan Tien Temple
The Nan Tien Institute offers a number of educational programs including Chinese classes, calligraphy, cooking classes as well as English Buddhism classes. It also offers tertiary levels of education.
Visiting the Nan Tien Temple
The Nan Tien Temple is open every day except Monday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is free to visit, and there is ample free parking on site.
It is important to dress appropriately for your visit. It is important that you refrain from wearing sleeveless shirts/blouses, tank tops, singlets, shorts, shorts skirts, slippers/flip-flops or thongs. Make sure to wear nice socks, as you will need to remove your shoes and hats before entering the shrines.
Tours of the Nan Tien Temple
Tours of the Nan Tien Temple can be booked which include participation in cultural activities such as Tai Chi and origami, followed by a vegetarian lunch and then learnings about Buddhism. Head across to the tour booking page for full details.
Dew Drop Inn Tea House
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Public Holidays, The Dew Drop Inn Tea House is a popular spot to enjoy a wide variety of exotic teas, coffees as well as an a la carte lunch menu