Nan Tien Temple: Finding Buddhism In Australia

Exploring Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.

I never would have guessed that I’d find the southern hemisphere’s biggest Buddhist Temple in Australia.

But I did!

The Nan Tien Temple, located in Berkeley, New South Wales, is a gigantic and magnificent landmark.

The grounds are free to enter, though donations are encouraged.

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Nan Tien Temple was founded by the Chinese Buddhist order known as Fo Guang Shan.

The temple’s organization works to integrate the religion with the local culture.

At the temple you can find:

  • two main temple halls
  • gift shops
  • classrooms
  • a vegetarian restaurant
  • an 8-floor pagoda
  • a calligraphy room
  • beautifully landscaped gardens
  • a tea house
  • an art and sculpture museum hall
  • and probably more that I didn’t even see

The most fascinating pieces in the museum hall were tiny carvings made on eggshell and strands of human hair. You have to look through a magnifying glass to see the details.

There is also a small, dark mirror hall in the museum, where Buddha statues and twinkling lights reflect in seemingly infinite mirrors and create a hypnotizing view.

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Lining the walls around the courtyard are posters with inspirational quotes and facts about the religion.

Inside Nan Tien Temple, the atmosphere is peaceful and meditative.

The glimmering fairy lights on the walls illuminate the room as dedicated followers remove their shoes and pray in front of the giant Buddha statues.

Photography is prohibited inside the temples.

So here are a few photos of the colorful exterior.

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For more info, visit the official Nan Tien Temple website.

Traveling to Australia?? Visit iVisa.com to get your visa online.

For more articles about traveling in New South Wales, Australia, check out:

6 Reasons To Visit New South Wales, Australia

A Guide To The Royal National Park: Sydney, Australia

12 Things To Do In Wollongong

Guide To Working Holiday Visas In Australia (First and Second Year)

6 Beautiful Places In New South Wales, Australia

12 Things To Do Along The Grand Pacific Drive

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