Guests will be asked to write well wishes on the beam of Priestdale’s Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple’s new shrine before it is blessed and raised into place.
The main shrine beam ceremony will be held from 10.30am-noon on Saturday 19 September at the Dharma Square, in front of the main shrine.
The ceremony will be presided over by one of the temple’s most senior monks and former Abbot of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order the Most Venerable Hsin Ting.
He will be joined by Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Oceania Venerable Man Ko and Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple Abbess Venerable Manwang.
The ceremony is an important milestone in the ongoing construction of the temple’s new main shrine, which is slated to be completed next year.
The ceremony holds particular significance in the Buddhist tradition, symbolising aspirations for the future life of the temple and its continued teachings of Humanistic Buddhism, as well as the shrine’s contributions to the wider community.
Dignitaries attending the event will be invited to sign the beam and contribute well wishes to the main beam before the raising of the beam.
Venerable Manwang says construction of the main shrine has been deeply meaningful to her.
“To have witnessed Chung Tian Temple grow from those early years, and to return as Abbess to help bring this next chapter of [Fo Guang Shan monastic order founder] Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision to fruition, is deeply meaningful,” Venerable Manwang said.
“The main shrine reflects the enduring legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and his vision of bringing peace, joy, compassion and wisdom into the lives and hearts of people.”
“The main shrine is being built not only for today, but for generations to come — a place where the Dharma can be shared through education, culture, spiritual cultivation and service to the community.
“As we look to the future, the main shrine will be central to Chung Tian Temple’s continuing journey — a major centre for Buddhist learning, cultural exchange and community connection, and a place where people of all cultures and backgrounds can come together in friendship and understanding, and find wisdom, compassion, peace and joy.”
The Fo Guang Shang Chung Tian Temple is one of Queensland’s and Australia’s biggest buddhist temples, drawing tourists, schools and families to its premises as both a cultural and tourist spot.
Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who dedicated his life to making the teachings of Buddhism relevant and accessible to everyday life through Humanistic Buddhism, the temple aims to work on his vision to bring Buddhist values into everyday life and benefiting the wider community.
The main shrine beam ceremony will also recognise the collective efforts of Chung Tian Temple’s monastic and lay communities, supporters, volunteers and the many people who have contributed to bringing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision for Chung Tian closer to fruition.
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