¡@ ¡@
Pagoda Opening Ceremony
¡@
¡@
Opening: 10:00am Saturday 29th September 2007
Location: Chung Tian Buddhist Temple
1034 Underwood Road, Priestdale 4127.
¡@

World Buddhist Leader in Brisbane on mission of peace

¡@
One of the world's leading Buddhist, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Foguangshan Buddhist Order was joined by a number of dignitaries to cut the ribbon opening the Pagoda at the Chung Tian Temple on 29th Sep, 2007. The seven level Pagoda built at a cost of $15 million will hold a number of ancient Buddhist relics and eventually be the resting place to 30,000 deceased. The Pagoda is the first part of a massive Stage 2 development at the Temple which will include classrooms, a cultural and visitor centre, a pilgrim's lodge and a new main worship hall.
¡@
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman presented the Venerable Master with honorary citizenship and the key to the city of Brisbane.

Honoured by news of this presentation the Venerable Master said "Australians are very outstanding in the world, very kind, a lot of achievements in many areas, whether it's in sports or in technology and humanities and different areas. They're very outstanding."

With regards to Brisbane ,the Venerable Master stated that "Brisbane was a model for peace and harmony for the world; I think people should like to come here."

¡@
Thousands were present as the Venerable Master conducted the day long celebrations which included a special service with over 500 people committing to following the Buddhist way of life. 'Buddhism is a religion of peace and harmony and we're here because we know Australia is a country that has respect for all cultures and entities."
¡@

Venerable Master Hsing Yun

¡@
After enduring poverty and oppression during World War II, the Venerable Master devoted his life to revitalising Buddhism so that it belongs to people - not just the reclusive monastic orders. He is an energetic and dynamic person from humble beginnings who has developed a global organisation that has libraries, temples, universities, health clinics in over 200 locations and a seat on the United Nations as an NGO.
¡@
Recently turning 80, the Venerable Master is recognised as a world Buddhist leader alongside peers like the Dalai Lama.
¡@
Later at a media conference after opening ceremony, the Venerable Master reflected that "Buddhism makes me more peaceful, I can see myself and I can open up and expand my vision of life". At 80, the Venerable Master still has the energy and commitment he had as young monk, "we hope that we can contribute towards social well-being with what we're doing in the community."
¡@
Venerable Master Hsing Yun will stay in Australia till the end of this week after visiting the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong.
¡@
¡@
For more pictures, you may visit the following links.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8304&l=948d3&id=749577425
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8305&l=847c4&id=749577425
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8306&l=5e4ee&id=749577425
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10440&l=c24ed&id=749577425

Copyright © 2007 by Chung Tian Temple. All rights reserved.