Nan Tien Temple

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43758229@N03/sets/72157623551362437/

I joined the Buddhist society on campus, Unibodhi, and so far have gone to 2 of their weekly meditations, and 1 of the Dharma lectures (it was really wonderful)...but they arranged for a group visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere last weekend and I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

It was a beautiful campus and quite a nice train ride out there (~2 hours each way). The temple was completed in 1995 and funded entirely through donations. It is a Chinese Buddhist temple...they had a smaller shrine and a main shrine...plus a pagoda that had a small temple and held ashes on upper levels. We ate a lovely vegetarian lunch at their cafeteria, and there's even a pilgrim lodge where people can stay overnight or for a weekend (or retreat).

I really enjoyed the visit, though unfortunately I only took photos...brought a sketchbook but didn't have any time to wander on my own or sketch. Next time!

cheers!