mission statements......
Humanistic Buddhism strives to create a Pure Land on earth by actualizing the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. In its efforts to benefit all sentient beings, Chung Tian Temple follows Foguangshan's four guiding principles and remains true to Master Hsing Yun's ultimate vision ~ a world where all coexist in mutual understanding.
1.
Fostering talent through education.
2.
Propagating Buddhism through cultural endeavors.
3. Benefiting society through charitable programs.
4. Purifying hearts and minds through Buddhist
Practice.
FOSTERING
TALENT THROUGH EDUCATION
Buddhist
education classes in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English are offered regularly
to the general public. The Chung Tian Chinese School is regarded as one of
Queensland's best for Chinese language and culture studies. An annual youth
camp cultivates children's Buddhist values and engages them in projects such
as flower arranging, vegetarian cooking, calligraphy, art and crafts. Kung
fu classes, dance instruction, and a choir provide further creative outlets.
Other educational programs include parent/child events, parents' forum, teacher's
study camps, and a Youth Wing of B.L.I.A. Queensland Chapter.
PROPAGATING
BUDDHISM THROUGH CULTURAL ENDEAVORS
The
event, promoted by Chung Tian, is one of many temple-sponsored programs. Activities
such as concerts, Chinese New Year festivities, lectures by international
Buddhist scholars, various seminars, and special museum exhibits stimulate
cultural exchange while also promoting the Dharma. The greatest achievement
of Chung Tian Temple has had so far is its Buddha Birthday Festival at Brisbane's
South Bank in May 1999. This marked the third birthday event promoted by Chung
Tian Temple and Brisbane City Council. Incorporated with this special event
was Buddhist Music & Chinese Cultural Arts performance. To make it outstanding
a Buddhist Arts Exhibition. May 1998 and 1997 Buddha Birthday Festivals were
also highly successful. This festival is now appointed as an annual event
by Brisbane City.
BENEFITING
SOCIETY THROUGH CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
Chung
Tian Temple partakes in a broad range of social work. It has organized fundraising
campaigns for community groups, and relief efforts to aid victims of natural
disasters. A "Bodhi class" conducted in three languages helps senior citizens
deal with the physical and psychological difficulties encountered with aging.
The Temple's "Loving Care Group" of volunteers reaches out to those in need
with comfort through prayer, support, and recreation. Chung Tian has joined
in "Clean Up Australia Day," "World Environmental Day," "International Year
of the Family," and other community events.
PURIFYING
HEARTS & MINDS THROUGH BUDDHIST PRACTICE
The
Temple conducts a variety of Buddhist services designed to further spiritual
development. Meditation classes, retreats, morning and evening chanting, Great
Repentance ceremonies, Eight Precepts retreats, and pilgrimages all serve
to enrich individual practice and awareness of how Buddhism applies to social
daily life.
