If you haven't experienced the serenity and wonder of Australia's largest Buddhist temple, then Saturday October 7 could be a good day to check it out as Nan Tien celebrates Temple Tree Day.
The temple and surrounding gardens are found along Berkeley Road at Berkeley, with this week's family-friendly event will see guided tree meditation, garden tours, workshops on beekeeping, mindful drawing classes, art and craft sessions, and delicious vegetarian foods.
"The Temple is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship and community unity. We believe that by nurturing a strong connection to nature, we can also cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and mindfulness," said Venerable Zhili, Nan Tien's Director of Social Education.
Organisers said the event was tailored for families, aiming to create "a day of sensory experiences, mindfulness and tree discoveries".
It's low-cost at $15 per person for an "all day pass" (which also includes a native tree sapling to take home) or head along for free to roam around and just pay for certain activities.
The day also coincides with their Health and Wellbeing boutique market focused on holistic health and environmental sustainability.
"Visitors will have the unique opportunity to participate in the chanting and rituals during the Buddhist Tree Blessing Ceremony, receiving a native seedling to plant at home, to help create Australia's first 'field of commitment' to a greener future," an event spokeswoman said.
"In partnership with the Tree Veneration Society artists, the Temple invites people from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate the Tree, listen to the recorded inner sounds of a tree, help co-create the biggest Bodhi Tree chalk design in the Temple's courtyard and more."
Tickets are through Humanitix.
WHAT'S ON
- Free Tai Chi - 9:30 AM - 10 AM. Start your weekend with gentle Tai Chi movements for a healthy mind and body. Led by a resident monastic from the temple.
- Free Tree Meditation - 45 Minute Sessions. Immerse yourself in the presence of trees and connect with nature's wisdom, led by a resident monastic from the temple.
- Tree Day Blessing Ceremony - $15pp (Includes Sapling). Join us for a Buddhist Ceremony to bless your native tree seedling in the Main Shrine of the temple.
- Temple Garden Tour - $10pp | 45 minutes. Join the Tree Veneration Society in an informative guided tour of the award-winning Nan Tien gardens.
- Backyard Beekeeping - Free | 10 AM - 3 PM. Explore the world of beekeeping and its importance for sustainability. Run by Rachel Peedom from the local organisation Bee Inspiredquot;" Bee Inspiredamp;source=gmail&ust=1696287348300000&usg=AOvVaw3Sj4WrLMF0TpcJor-AQteD" Bee Inspired
- Mindful Gardening - Free | 11 AM - 11:45 AM. Learn the art of mindful gardening to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
- Bodhi Tree Chalk Mural - Free | 10am - 4pm. Nan Tien Temple Courtyard. Collaborate with artists to complete the giant mural. Enjoy a creative and photo-worthy experience.
- Mindful Sketching - $15 | 10 AM - 10:45 AM. Experience mindfulness through drawing in the temple gardens with Kathy Karas.
- Tree Creature Workshop - Free | Drop-in from 10 AM - 1 PM. A creative workshop to make take-home fun tree creatures. There is also a station where you can listen to internal sound recordings of trees.
- Health & Wellbeing Market - Free | 9am - 2pm. Held the first Saturday of every month, this boutique market is focused on your holistic health, & environmental sustainability.
- Nan Tien Tea House - Treat yourself to a lunch or a nice coffee or tea nestled under the Front Shrine amongst beautiful gardens. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
- Gift Shop - Pick yourself up a souvenir or get a gift for a loved one at the newly renovated Gift Shop.
