IT WAS the dawn of a new day in Emerald on Easter Saturday for the opening of the Nan Hai Pu Tuo Buddhist temple.
The local Shangri-la is the former home of an Italian family on 18 acres, less than a kilometre from Emerald township and situated in the Green Wedge Zone.
With landscaped gardens and fruit trees it is both a place of peaceful meditation and study and the source of much of the food for the Buddhist vegetarian diet for the monks and nuns who live at the temple.
The event on 30 March was the formal opening dedication of the temple and enthronement of the temple master Miaojing Shi.
Guests included senior Buddhists from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States, and included a rare appearance by the Chinese Ministry of Religion.
Five of the nine Cardinia Shire councillors attended, along with Federal MP Laura Smyth representing Senator Kate Lundy, Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Centrepiece of the ceremonies was the 35-tonne Maitreya (Laughing) Buddha.
Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen said the temple was a wonderful addition to Emerald.
“By respecting and celebrating diverse backgrounds, we also pave the way to a safe, educated and connected community,” Cr Owen said.
“(The temple) is where like-minded people can meet new friends. A place where one can feel at peace.”
Cr Owen said the shire was proud of its multiculturalism.
Ms Smyth spoke on behalf of Ms Lundy at the event.
“As we celebrate this important occasion, we acknowledge not only the richness that multiculturalism and our history bring, but the opportunities that a future in the Asian Century provides,” she said.
“The temple provides spiritual guidance to the Australian community and to those in need.”
