The Nan Tien Institute is the first Buddhist-run tertiary institution in Australia to receive government accreditation.

Inspired by the lotus flower, the miniature campus is made up of four ‘‘pods’’: a library, common area with cafe, art gallery and academic facility.

The design, by architects Woods Bagot, was ‘‘so beautiful’’, said institute director/secretary Venerable Miao You.

‘‘The entrance has got concrete panels to look like someone is opening their arms to welcome you,’’ Venerable You said.

‘‘It’s a very interesting building.’’ 

The facility is still to be furnished and fitted out. 

Since 2011, the institute has shared conference and library facilities at Nan Tien Temple to offer two masters degrees – arts, health and social wellbeing; and applied Buddhist studies – to about 100 students annually.

The institute’s  ultimate vision is for 3000 students. 

A bachelor of business is in the pipeline, to be taught according to ‘‘Buddhist values and philosophy’’.

‘‘We cater not just for the student’s knowledge,’’ Venerable You said. ‘‘We...cultivate the whole person.’’

A further two stages of construction works are planned, beginning with a $20million bridge that will straddle the F6 and link the temple with the institute.

Preview tours of the new building, likely to include limited access to the interior, have been scheduled on Sunday to coincide with the temple’s 20th anniversary celebrations. 

The day will  include a purification ceremony for the campus and a community fair. 

A grand opening in March will see the entire facility made available for inspection.

To register for the ‘‘sneak peek’’, email events@nantien

.edu.au or phone 42720609.