Penang Buddhist Association Revisited

Outside the main building is this well known pagoda with a moated pond that contains fish.

The Bodhi tree flourishes on the temple grounds in 2016.

My childhood memories of lotus bloom covered floors - tiles cool on the feet - remain intact.

The ceilings of the prayer hall are high, creating a much appreciated natural cooling effect.

Lights adorn the prayer area.

Cushions are stacked ready for use by devotees.

Candles are available for those wishing to add brightness to the occasion.

A peep to the outer grounds through a side window.

Mother of pearl inlaid on public use furniture echo the Chinese heritage and origins of the building.

The stair case that leads to to the upper floor but is now not allowed access.

Detail of planted pot outside.

Nan Tien Revisited - Wollongong NSW

Peter mediating with a turtle from the lotus pond on a  spring day.

The teahouse - view from above.

A weekend retreat for some, a regular exercise in mind and body for several.

Yummy vegetarian curry laksa at the Dew Drop Inn.

Vistiors on a Sunday arvo.

Bamboo and fortified walls

Glimpses of unique architecture beyond the hedge.

Orange flavoured tea servings.

Lunar New Year of the Water Snake - Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong NSW

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Located about 80km south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge lies the Buddhist temple complex of Nan Tien (or Southern Heaven), which on most days is  a haven and refuge for mediation, prayer and devotion. On festive days, the place transforms to a buzz, with visitors coming from all over and the hill slope site plays host to families, backpackers, locals and tourists.  Such an occasion was the first day of the current Lunar New Year.  I reside a mere fifteen minutes drive down the main highway and on a Sunday morning, we took the opportunity to check out a Taiwanese version of the Spring Festival.  Above, artificial trees with glitter and giant sized puppet children greet visitors as they step on to the plaza at the upper levels of the complex leading tot he Five Buddhas shrine hall.

Good omens , lucky directions and auspicious sayings are emphasised to commence the day -and therefore year - right.  There were miniature dance lions on display, cooling herbal teas served and vegetarian food stalls offering a variety of dishes from steamed to deep fried.  Below, glutinous rice dumplings, packed with beans and ingredients which are non-meat, are neatly wrapped and held by tightly secured raffia strings. These dumplings are usually associated with the Dragon Boat Festival in mid-June but were seen sold at one of the food stalls lined up along the undercover passage corridors of the temple.

Sea cucumber, mushrooms and other vegetarian delights ('su" in Mandarin) are being stirred and kept warm by a volunteer on the most celebrated of Chinese cultural festive days. (photo above)  The sky was Aussie shiny blue and the crowds were streaming in, first in vehicles and then later, mostly by foot. There were lion dance performances by members of martial arts schools and many lanterns adorned the ceilings of buildings, creating a merry sight of red, round and delight.

The main banner message focused on going for "unwavering advancement, despite life's twists and turns -  this can lead to the attainment of happiness and wisdom."

Sweetness is the key - this was represented by dessert on skewers, pickled fruits with a sugary coat. (photo below).  Deep fried pastry (above picture) was articulated in various shapes and flavours, but all vegetarian based.  In Taiwan, as many ten percent of the population practice vegetarianism as part of  their regular food intake and this has resulted in a mature and strict food labeling system for such cuisine in the island.

The Nan Tien Temple is surrounded by the escarpment of the Illawarra area, is located in a suburb called Berkeley and is in close proximity to the coastal waters of the Tasman Sea near to Shellharbour and Port Kembla in New South Wales.  It is one of the several branches of the Fokuangshan  group around the world.  Taiwanese vegetarianism forgo the eating of garlic, leeks and onions, as such foods are believed to unnecessarily arouse extreme human emotions.  There are landscaped gardens, a lodge and a small museum on the grounds - and across the main highway, is a gradually developing university campus offering both religious and non-religious courses and degrees under the banner of the Nan Tien Institute.

Perfumed Pagodas, Vietnam

The Suoi Yen River is the path leading to the Perfumed Pagodas.  Here, the manually paddled boat ride can take up to 90 minutes, indeed reminding me of how native Americans more than two centuries ago used to ride up the various waterways in the North American continent.  Although the ride is calming and tranquil, it can be trying under a hot sun and humid conditions.  The Perfumed Pagodas is a collective term for a concoction of variety in temples, walking trails, mountain scenery, interesting caverns and cable car journeys.  This region lies just 65 kilometers south-west of Ha Noi.  My Duc town is another popular set off point to this area, especially during the Tet Festival or Lunar New Year period.

There are several major places of interest, but my sojourn there for just a full day had to be limited to a couple of pagodas - the Thien Tru, also fondly known as the Heavenly Kitchen Pagoda (photo above) and the Huong Tich, a revered grotto reached by a steep 120 step staircase.  Both temple complexes are dedicated to the Buddha and the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin.  They are sited in an area dotted with limestone cliffs, forested hills and fascinating caves.   The area is known as the Perfumed Pagodas, in reverence to its Vietnamese language name of Nui Huong Tich or the Fragrant Vestige Mountain.  Previously this region was outside the shire of Ha Noi, but the boundaries  have been redrawn in recent years to now include this fascinating area as part of greater Ha Noi.

The Heavenly Kitchen Pagoda complex was built in the 18th century AD  and has three levels, including one with a triple-roofed bell pavilion and another with the main shrine.  You can see the pavilion in the background of the picture above whilst the foreground  is the foyer before the main shrine.  before the third level is a tortoise pond (photo below).

The third level of the Thien Tru Pagoda has embellished gold plated door and window frames.  Other pagodas of note to visit are the Den Trinh ( Registering Acceptance) and Giai Oan (Undoing Injustice Pagoda).

To reach the Huong Tich Pagoda, a visitor has two choices, walk all the way up terraced steps or opt for the Austrian built cable car system.   a canine mate rests at the top station of the cable car route in the photo above, whilst one can find many vendor stalls selling food, handicraft and souvenirs if you walk all the way, up or down.

I found an antique sugar cane juice extraction machine (above) approaching the 120 step staircase to the cavern housing the Houng Tich Pagoda.  A phrase alluding to the Most Beautiful Cavern Under the Southern Sky is carved on the rocks near its entrance.

Going back to Ha Noi via another river ride in mid-afternoon, we are entertained in conversation by our guide (picture below) and then wait at a  meet up point for our coach amidst padi fields.  This excursion has provided us with insights into religion, rural life and geological formations not far from Vietnam's s capital city.
 My group had lunch below the Thien Thu Pagoda, very local food but delicious and in generous portions.
On the way back by road to Ha Noi, just before sunset, there was a commotion involving teenage school students, involving umbrellas, knives and women, which had temporarily blocked our path and when our coach could go through, we could see locks of hair lying on the tarred road.

Vietnam can be an enigma, but its reality can also be clear.  It is a nation and economy in transition.  It has eager minds, energy and hunger for a better life.  Its people are reminded of the past but also embrace its unique heritage. Vietnamese can be practical and easy going but yet at other times, shrewd and careful. Education is so highly valued, together with family, prudence in savings and hard work.  The country is rich in agriculture, cultural icons and increasing commerce.  How can the nation fashion its future?

Nha Trang, Vietnam - Long San Pagoda

At the foot of Trai Thy Mountain, in Nha Trang, lies the Long San Pagoda. This is recommended for any visitor to Nha Trang who wants a break from the beach and scuba diving scene and understand better the grassroots life of the locals. It has a unique address of 22 October 23 Street.  There is a bell pavilion, a Sleeping Buddha, a giant pink coloured container and a strong sense of tradition and heritage.

Mosaic murals and motifs are scattered around the main shrine hall, from which you can see two illustrative examples - a legendary animal above and the Chinese script for "fa" or prosperity in Mandarin, below.

Standing at 14 meters tall, the representation of the Gautama Buddha occupies the highest point in the complex, sitting on a lotus blossom with a circumference of 7 meters.  The long dragons protecting them are 7.2 meters long each.  This Buddha overlooks the city and the ocean, in a classic and traditional repose of 'sitting on  mountain and looking at the sea".  One walks up a couple of squat outdoor staircases from the main shrine hall and is rewarded by views from a vantage point.

There are visibly three levels to walk up when you approach the Long San from a busy street side in an inland part of the city. You can walk back from this temple complex back to the Nha Trang tourist and ocean waterfront in under 30 minutes, after ducking hordes of motor cycles and walking past various forms of commerce.  here in Long San, you can savour  the tranquility and timelessness of patience, compassion and architecture.  For the latter, it is evident there are strong influences from not just China, but from Kampuchea, Thailand and India.