A HAVEN OF PEACE - PROPOSED SAKYAMUNI SAMBUDDHA VIHARA - BERWICK

Background:

Buddhists in Sri Lanka have always felt that they had a special mission in their life to safeguard the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and to make the teachings of the Buddha available to anyone who came in search of it. As Sri Lankan Buddhists we have faced so many threats from forces wishing to convert us from this doctrine over the last 2500 years, and have survived them.

Sadly, however, today, the threats facing us are so many & it seems that it is impossible to overcome them because of the very nature of its teachings; tolerance. The greatest threat is the commercialism that is spreading in our country so fast & leaves no room for people to realise truth of Buddha's words.

Yet, while many in Sri Lanka pursue the tinsel and glitter of material things, many in Australia and in Western countries are turning away from the falseness of their lives and are turning to Buddhism to find peace of mind and tranquillity.

The Sydney Scope Magazine, in its issue of August 14, states that "Buddhism has become this country's fastest growing non-Christian creed - with an estimated 250,000 believers so far, rising at a rate of 67 per cent between 1987 and 1991, when the last census was taken"

An American journal The New York magazine claims "Buddhism is the belief system for the decade's cultural elite..."

Buddhism does not "demand non rational beliefs." Buddhism is both scientific and spiritual and so "mediates between our scientific education and a wish to be spiritual."

The Buddhist Vihara, Victoria felt that a need existed for a centre where research studies and teaching of Buddhist doctrine could be carried out, due to growing awareness of Buddhist teachings in Australia.

The idea of the Sakya Muni Sambuddha Vihara came into being as a result of this felt need.

Buddhism is a philosophy, yet unlike other philosophy's Buddhism developed hand in hand with Buddhist culture. The philosophy of Plato is today confined to books as "subjects" studied by "intellectuals" and is used only in "academic" discussions. This fate did not overtake Buddhism because it developed not only as a philosophy but also as a culture.

When being introduced to Buddhism, it is therefore important to be aware of this strong tie between Buddhism and the culture in which it was rooted.

Sri Lankans are fortunate to have become grown up with this background. Our ancient cities abound with Buddhist monuments which have inspired our spiritual growth. It is because of this that many westerners who wish to be ordained travel to Sri Lanka to experience this at first hand. Sri Lankans know the design and layout of a Vihara. However, Here in Melbourne, as well as in other cities be it Wellington, Washington, London or Ottawa, the Viharas are in houses. Some have no Vihara, and are only meditation centres.

Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara
1)Multipurpose Buddhist Community Centre
2) Ponds
3) Stupa
4) Bodhiya
5) Vihara (Shrine)
6) Service Area
7) Car Parks
8) Meditation Area(rest of the green area left to the Vihara/Service area complex)

Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara has been designed in line with traditional Vihara style in Sri Lanka with a place for meditation and built to suit the needs of the country as well.

As you approach the Vihara the first glimpse of it from the road, will take those who have been there back to Anuradhapura. The tall pinnacle of the Stupa will be like the Ruwanweli Seya. To those unfamiliar with the sight it will be a signal that the haven of peace is near.

The Stupa will be built in two sections. There will be an outer chamber which will enclose the real Stupa in which the Buddha's relics will be enshrined. The outer chamber will house statues that depict the teachings of the Buddha. This design of one Stupa inside another will enable devotees to be sheltered from the elements while they worship.

There will be a shrine room with three Image houses, in each of which there will be 8 to 15 statues of the Buddha in various postures. The walls will be decorated with painted murals depicting the lessons that the Buddha sought to expound in his philosophy.

This new Vihara will be a centre for teaching the doctrine, for research, information dissemination and a meditation retreat. The nucleus of a library of Buddhist books has already been formed. It is hoped that this will become the largest and best repository of knowledge on Theravada Buddhism outside of Sri Lanka, which will be available to those who wish not only to learn the Doctrine, but also those who wish to carry out research about Buddhism.

The burgeoning awareness of Buddhism compels many to go to Thailand or even to Sri Lanka in search of a tranquil place for meditation. The Sakya Muni Sambuddha Vihara will now fill that need. There will be cells built for those who wish to retreat and meditate undisturbed. Provisions will be made for such persons to make an extended stay in the premises, if they so wish.

In Sri Lanka Buddhism is taught mainly in Sinhala. However, Australia is a multi-lingual country, and limiting Buddhism only to Sinhala will be a barrier to its dissemination. Therefore, books and other material will be made available in French, German, Chinese, and Japanese as well as English. For those who wish to read the Buddhist texts in the original, it will be possible to learn both Sinhala and Pali.

When learning a new subject, it is said the audio-visual approach will re-inforce the teachings better. Sakya Muni Sambuddha Vihara will be an audio-visual centre for students of Buddhism. The atmosphere of a Vihara, the murals, statues, traditional buildings will all combine to reinforce what they have heard. The Vihara will also be a monument to Buddhist art and culture.

We have already obtained the property on which this Vihara will be built. The settlement was completed and the concept plans have already received council approval. The address is:

No. 93, Holmstead Road
Berwick, Victoria

The extent of the property is 5 acres, which is 20,000 square metres. Funds are required to finance the construction of the Vihara buildings.

In order to allow everyone to participate in the meritorious act of building the new Vihara, we have devised a plan to raise funds. One square metre valued at $100.00 can be sponsored by anyone who wishes to particpate in the Vihara building project. You can participate either as an individual or as a family. The donation may be made in instalments within one year or as a lump sum.

The work of constructing the buildings and developing the land will be undertaken in stages as funds are collected. Therefore, it will not be possible to use your donation for the development of any particular area. Buildings will be constructed according to each planned stage of development.

So far about 400 squares have been sponsored. When the first 1000 squares have been sponsored, the construction work will commence. Thereafter, as finances are available, the rest of the buildings will be constructed and the premises developed.

It must be remembered that this Vihara is not merely for the today. This is a concept for the future as well. Our ancestors participated in building the Stupas in Anuradhapura, which they left as a legacy to us. We too should leave a legacy for posterity. It will be a monument, a testimony that we have donated the greatest gift of all - the gift of the Dhamma:

"Sabbha danang, Dhamma danang Jinathi."

Everyone's help and generous dedication in helping to build this haven of peace is greatly appreciated.
Compiled by Victoria Buddhist Vihara, Nobel Park- April 96
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