Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong

At 70, his knees are weak now but the heart still hasn’t lost the zeal to explore and admire new places. Flipping out his phone, and expertly arranging the camera, he called out to his wife, “Come, let’s take a selfie”.😀
My parents can be so cute at times.

Nan Tien Temple, located in Wollongong, is my comfort place. Over the years, I have visited this Buddhist Temple numerous times – whether to celebrate a joyous occasion in the serenity of the main shrine or express my gratitude to life or to simple enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal.

So naturally, this was the first place I wanted my parents to visit. It was a hot day and the road trip took us about an hour and a half from home. I was worried that my parents might feel the heat as they are not used to such high temperature, but once we reached the temple, they acclimatized pretty well and were overwhelmed by its beauty.

I was surprised to see the compound decorated in lanterns – red smaller ones along the roof and few huge lanterns in the shape of animals, mostly Pigs as according to Chinese lunar calendar, this is the year of the Pig. The temple was decorated to celebrate the Chinese New Year and a special meal was organized too. But since we arrived late in the afternoon, the lunch hall was already closed. We decided to grab some food later at the Teahouse (Dew Drop Inn), which serves excellent snacks and light vegetarian meals.

Main Shrine

I took my parents to the Main Shrine, my favorite place in the temple where you can peacefully meditate or offer prayers in front of 5 magnificent statues of Buddha (representing Confidence, Longevity, Wisdom, Inner Beauty, and Peace). 10,000 smaller Buddha statues grace the walls from top to bottom, all colored in gold.

On reading more about the Main Shrine (also called Great Hero Hall), I found out about the significance of the stairs that lead to the entrance. It means that one cannot be given enlightenment, it has to be attained by ourselves, steadily taking one step at a time.

Walking around the Temple grounds you will find beautifully laid pavements flanked by bamboo trees, two fish ponds with Koi fish swimming between an overgrowth of Lotus plants and a steep path along the hills that take you to Gratitude Bell.

Before heading home we decided to enjoy a quiet meal at the teahouse. A delicious plate of bbq tofu made in the shape and texture of prawns, with shitake mushrooms, satiated all my cravings for good vegetarian food. I have always loved how the chefs here prepare mock meat using Tofu.

Related Post: Stunning Golden Foliage – Autumn in Australia

Pin for Later

Linking to Image-in-ing, Our World Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday linky by Natasha, Skywatch Friday