As part of an ethnographic study in Buddhism, Year 12 Society and Culture students attended an excursion to Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The purpose of the excursion was to give students an insight into Buddhist culture, beliefs and practices, as part of their study of Belief Systems and Ideologies. 

Upon arriving students listened to a talk about a day in the life of a monk or nun at Nan Tien Temple. Following this, students participated in sitting meditation, a common practice in Buddhism.  Meditation is used as a tool and a practice to cultivate a state of liberation through mindfulness. At its core, meditation in Buddhism is a way to see clearly, end suffering and assists with the journey towards enlightment.

Students were treated to a vegetarian dinner freshly prepared by volunteers and nuns at the temple. The final activity was a Q and A Session with a Buddhist Nun who spoke about the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) and openly shared her own personal experiences with regards to living a monastic life.

Students were encouraged to have an early night as they were required to wake up at 5.30 am to participate in the morning drum and bell ceremony.  This ritual occurs every day at 6 am and in the afternoon at 4.30 pm to open and close each day.  Both the gong and the drum are among the most important Dharma instruments in the temple. In Buddha's time, the gong and drum were used to gather everyone and announce such things as meal times, Dharma talks, and time to wake up and go to bed. 

Students participated in the morning chant which took place in the main shrine. Despite being recited in Mandarin, students did their best to follow along the prayer booklet.  During this ceremony, students were given a special HSC blessing asking Buddha to bestow upon them good health, wisdom, calmness, persistence and success throughout their examination period.  Following the blessing, students braved the freezing temperatures and participated in Tai Chi in the main square. Tai Chi is another form of meditation commonly practiced by Buddhists which involves a series of slow, smooth, and graceful movements which calm the mind, improve balance, flexibility, and strength.

To conclude the excursion, students were given a guided tour of the beautiful grounds which included a visit to the seven-story Pagoda, a building for storing cremated remains.  They trekked to the Gratitude Bell, where each student rung the bell while giving thanks to something they appreciate in their life.

This excursion was a wonderful opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and improve their social and cultural literacy in the process.  Year 12 are to be commended on their exemplary behaviour and for stepping outside of their comfort zone by immersing themselves in the activities.

I am sure the students feel extremely ‘enlightened’ after this wonderful experience.

Mrs Agostino
Year 12 Society and Culture