Nan Tien Temple

29 April 2023 / Story: Valerie Reed; Photos: Anda Clayton, Rose Smith

MX5-ers visit the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple

Story: Valerie Reed; Photos: Anda Clayton, Rose Smith

On Thursday, April 27, a combined group from the South Coast and Illawarra chapters and Brigid from our Sydney chapter set out for a trip to the Nan Tien Temple, at Unanderra. The weather forecast predicted a lovely day (and they were actually right) so we could all have the tops down. In a triumph of organisation on Anda’s part, 8 members of the South Coast Chapter (Anda and Brian, Bob and Karen, Mike and Madhu, and Valerie and Ian R, met at the Heritage Bakery in Milton. Foregoing our usual coffee, we headed straight off to join up at the Tomerong United Petroleum station with another two MX5-ers (which was to include Geoff and Rose – see more later) Neil and Dewi. We caught up with the remaining nine of our group, Martin and Sue, Tony and Jonnie, Gary and Ian, Mark and Hella and Ian Mc. at the lovely Sea Vista café at Gerringong.

We took the scenic route from Nowra to Gerringong, via the wineries, Seven Mile Beach and Gerroa. Many of us had stopped using that route once the Berry and Gerringong by-passes opened, and it was really pleasant to drive once more along treelined roads, without the deafening roar of trucks and heavy traffic.

After great coffee and some very nice snacks at the Sea Vista, we headed off to the Nan Tien Buddhist temple at Unanderra, near Wollongong. Waiting for us at the Temple was the remainder of our group – Illawarra chapter members Barry and Robyn, Mark and Julie and Brigid from Sydney.  

We started with an introduction from our tour guide and then wished we hadn’t indulged at the Sea Vista café, as we discovered the temple had had to change our lunch from at the end of the tour to the beginning.

Nevertheless, we all made a valiant effort and tucked in to the really delicious vegetarian lunch that was provided. It was a big meal, including a spring roll, a medley of rice and vegetables, some braised veggies and a variety of plant-based protein delicacies, in a lovely sauce redolent of curry and satay. Whilst some were defeated, there were a lot of clean plates!

Thus fortified, we set off to climb the first of the 90 steps involved in reaching all the stages of our tour.

With very bad luck, Geoff and Rose had their second puncture on an MX5 outing, reluctantly collecting a nail in a tyre near Nowra. After a delay for repairs, we were very glad that they were able to catch up with us in time for the tour.

We started with the Front Shrine, a beautiful and peaceful hall. We stopped here while our tour guide gave us an introduction to the concepts involved in Buddhism.

This led into a very large “courtyard”, which is used for ceremonial and special occasions. This being the year of the rabbit, I thought a lovely touch was a ‘bunny decorated ceremonial chair” apparently much liked by children.

We then climbed further to the Main Shrine. Beautiful would not do it justice. It contained five large statues of Buddhas, the most intricate walls featuring carvings and decorate panels, and a huge dome ceiling with hand painted scenes including lotuses.The lighting was a work of art in itself, including an inter-connecting series of hanging “lanterns”

And for those whose legs hadn’t turned to jelly, we climbed a little further and finished up at the Pagoda, which can be seen from the freeway. The Pagoda is used for funerals and is available to anyone. The whole area was so peaceful and accepting that the writer for one, felt it would be a wonderful final resting place.

All in all, it was a great day. We learnt a lot of the Buddhist faith, saw the most beautiful buildings you can imagine, and were able to experience the serenity and beauty of the 52 acres of marvellously landscaped grounds. And to top it off it was the most perfect, sunny, warm autumn day. How lucky were we.

Valerie Reed