Wollongong may offer the standard tourist attractions – museum, art gallery, botanic gardens – but it does boast something very different in the
Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist complex in the southern hemisphere.
For those who are wondering, Nan Tien means
Paradise in the South (while Temple means
Temple). And as you enter through the
traditional welcome gates, the splendour of this Paradise in the South becomes immediately apparent. The large, beautiful gardens afford views of the hills outside its walls. A
lotus pond has been provided for quiet contemplation. There are also plentiful bodhi trees, the very species under which Buddha famously found enlightenment. (
WeekendNotes found it while cleaning behind the couch.)
The first site you come to is the striking eight storey
Pagoda, where the cremated enjoy their eternal rest. Friends and relatives make lotus offerings on their behalf to Buddha. Like the rest of Nan Tien's buildings – the
Meditation Hall, Pilgrim Lodge, auditorium, conference room and all-important souvenir shop – the Pagoda is of sumptuous, traditional design.
Situated further ahead is the
Main Shrine, where heady, fragrant incense sets the mood. It is an ornate space, beautified by decorative murals and elaborate lighting. Representing Confidence, Longevity, Wisdom, Inner Beauty and Calmness are five large Buddhas, who sit serenely and dominate the room. There are also 10,000 tiny Buddhas dotting the walls, indicating that all may achieve Buddhahood (whatever that may be). Devotees either half bow, or perform three prostrations.
Nan Tien's other notable building is the Great Mercy Hall. Although less opulent, statues, lanterns, murals and incense nevertheless render it magnificent. This place of worship is overshadowed by the
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva ("the compassionate sage who sees"), who traditionally possesses 1000 eyes and hands, so as to save all sentient beings. No doubt for practical reasons, the Great Mercy Hall's female statue has been bestowed with just the three eyes and 20 hands. All hold symbolic objects such as cymbals (which are used to repulse approaching evil) and a lotus (which represents purity, enlightenment, mercy and compassion).
Offerings are made to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva – although considering the promised returns, cynics may regard them as investments. Offerings of light may produce complete wisdom, a successful career, clear vision or prevailing right thoughts; offerings of flowers may produce a pleasant physical aura, delight from the truth or joy to others; offerings of Buddha statues may produce abundant wealth, harmonious family life, enlightenment to all, physical well being or full faculty of the six senses; while offerings of incense may produce peace in body and mind, purification of body, speech and mind, physical cleanness or more opportunities to hear the Dharma.
WeekendNotes left a piece of cheese.
Although Nan Tien is worth a visit in its own right, if you're clever and you've got the time, you could add it to the
South Coast Day Trip, squeezing it in between Wollongong and
Kiama.
To plan your trip, whether travelling by car, bus or train,
click here.
