The club visited the Chung Tien Buddhist Temple located in Priestdale on 88 acres in a wonderful bushland setting amongst some very tall Gum Trees with lots of native birds and animals that visit nearly every day.
The temple was founded by the venerable Master Hsing Yun, whose teachings promote Foguanshan Buddhism, with branches located throughout Australia. The Master was 92 when he died in January 2023, having devoted his life to his teachings. Buddhism is a religion of wisdom, knowledge, happiness and harmony, with a very long history of more than 2,500 years.
An old Buddhist saying is ‘when the frost comes, the flowers will perish but the tree will live’. The Monks and volunteers showed us around the complex including the Dharma Hall and Square, Bodhisattva Halls and Courtyard and finally the Pagoda, which houses the remains of Buddhist followers. The Pagoda is eight stories tall, and does not exceed the height of the nearby forest trees.
Following our visit, our next stop was at the Lions Club in Springwood for a delicious lunch, before returning to the bus and returning to base in Forest Lake. The Club’s next activity is our Annual Christmas Party for members and guests. This year it will be held at the Algester Sports Club, Algester.
The Clubs Extra Activity on the second Wednesday of the month was a very well attended lunch at the Luck Tree Tavern, Durack. Thank you to everyone who supported this activity.
The Forest Lake Fifty Plus Club meets on the third Friday of the month at The Old Inala Hall, Cr Rosemary St. & Abelia St., Inala at 10.30am. The Club’s next meeting will be on Friday January 17.
For more information on the Club and its activities, please contact Leonie (President) on 0427 846 057. To register your interest, email fl50plusc@gmail.com. New members and visitors are always welcome.