Buddhism, anyone?

Erik was excited for this destination. Not because he practices it, but because it is the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple was spectacular. Most of it was written in what I believe is Chinese. The temple itself is fairly new, built in 1995.

You cannot take pictures or videos inside the buildings so I do not have any of those. Karma is huge in Buddhism so there was no way I was risking my karma.

We first visited the Pagoda which is where devotees and their relatives are laid to rest (in ashes). It also houses a calligraphy classroom. It is 8 stories tall but we are only allowed on the bottom floor. It was built on the Chinese Tang Dynasty Style.

We had no idea what we were looking at until we walked a little way further to the temple and this really nice lady who worked there let us know.

There is a main shrine and a front shrine. We were in the front shrine when we spoke to the lady.

The front shrine, also called the Great Compassion Shrine, has a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin), who is depicted with three eyes and many arms holding different objects. This Buddha can take multiple forms. Some of the items being held in the many hands of which we can remember are a sword for defeating evil and converting evil to good, an axe, an orb staff that waa held by a Buddha that could pull things from hell. In this shrine were a bunch of middle Buddha's on the wall that represented the donors.

The second floor has the main shrine, also called the Great Hero Hall. Inside this shrine were five large seated Buddha statues, each representing confidence, longevity, wisdom, inner beauty, and peace.

In blue is Lu-Bu-Wei Buddha. Their symbolic direction is east. He signifies confidence and fearlessness. The hands are in a mudra of appeasement or consolation. With the daily occurrence of violence and natural disaster around the world, many people find it difficult to face the future. The tranquility gained from following the Buddha’s way better enables one to remain calm; like a mountain unmoved by ravaging elements, one can approach each day without fear.

In yellow is Amitabha Buddha. Their symbolic direction is west and his hands are in a mudra of concentration. He signifies infinite light and boundless life. Amitabha Buddha presides over the Western Pure Land. Praying to Amitabha Buddha improves one’s constitution and increases longevity. With sincere and continued practice of Buddhist principles, upon death one will go to the blissful Western Pure Land to spend each day learning and living the Dharma.

In pink is Tuo-Pao Buddha. They symbolize the central direction and represent wealth. The hands are in a mudra of the ceremony of unction. Humans’ craving for material wants is often a futile exercise. At best, the joy derived from materialism is short lived. Developing wisdom through following the Buddha’s teachings, however, can attain true wealth and fulfillment.

In white is Miao-Se-Shen Buddha. Their symbolic direction is south. His hands are in a mudra of touching the ground, which symbolizes Sakyamuni Buddha’s resolve to overcome the temptations of Mara and thereby gain supreme enlightenment. He represents beautiful things, and is physically beautiful. The practice of Buddhism cultivates inner beauty and sincerity. This in turn results in a more relaxed and pleasing outward form.

In green is Gan-Lu-Wang Buddha. Their symbolic position is north. He signifies calmness and purity. His hands are in a mudra of casting out fear. Life’s problems can overtake the mind. In the interest of survival, one must seek escape. Unfortunately, running away offers only temporary respite and is not a true solution to life. The teachings of the Buddha can purify and calm the mind so that former problems no longer seem so wildly out of control.

There was also an art gallery, museum and a cafe and a tea house. I was excited to have tea, just because it seems like a calming thing to do at a Buddhist Temple , but both the cafe and tea houses were closed when we made our way to them..it just wasn't meant to be.

The art gallery was ok. It left a lot to be desired. You aren't allowed to take photos there either. It was mostly someone's weird paper art. I wasn't a fan. Most of it looked like it wasn't hand created.

The museum was small but had some interesting bits of information. I think I mostly enjoyed the Chinese writing and sayings.

All in all, this was a very peaceful place. I actually wouldRead more