Wat Phrayortkeo is a temple situated in
the Fairfield area in NSW. It is a Buddhist temple set up by the Lao
community who have escaped the Communist take-over since 1975. This
temple was built for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. It is a place
where many Laotians come together to worship, to perform rituals and
ceremonies and to celebrate different festivals. Most of all, it is a
place to seek refuge in the Triple Gem - Taking refuge in the Buddha,
the Dhamma (the Teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (the community
of monks). Many seek a path out of suffering and they urge for an inner
peace and solitude.
Ajahn/Venerable Thongsavanh Chanthathirath is our Abbot at Wat
Phrayortkeo. He has devoted his life to the "Dhamma". As an Abbot his
duties are immense. He has a number of Sangha who preside at the Kuti
and they follow the Theravada tradition and rules of the Vinaya. Through
the years, we have noticed that he has welcomed everyone with open
heart. He is always there for those who have no one to turn to
especially those who have no families or relatives in times of trouble.
His message is that if we have the urge to do something and it is
beneficial for others, go ahead and do it. But if it is harmful, selfish
and not benefit for others, we should best avoid it.
When we seek to understand about Buddhism it is a study about ourselves.
Buddhism is about the nature of the mind. The mind has been so agitated,
restless and never satisfied. Here we have our nuns who gather during
the full moon days to meditate on non-attachment and impermanence.
Through meditation, we find contentment in the simplest things around
us. We become aware. We are grateful for our elders for showing us the
way to inner calmness.
We do need all the financial assistance we can get. However, we have
found that through the service and sacrifice of each individual, we are
able to build not just a new hall but a new heart as well.
This is the Multi-Purpose hall taken in 1999. There are many many
volunteers who have devoted their time, their energy and have committed
in building this hall from scratch. This hall was build by the "heart".
Above: Rain or shine, it takes a passionate team to keep going.
The 'After' shot was taken in 2004. Slowly we are trying to finish off
the hall on the inside. For anyone who feel they would like to
contribute do contact the President. |
Multi-Purpose Hall Land 1997
It takes a team of hard workers! |
