Buddhism In Australi Buddhism As A Way Of Living

Religions are not monolithic instutions, but living communities of believers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that a “Precise definition of the concept of religion, or of what generally constitutes 'a religion', is difficult, if not impossible, because of the intangible and wide-ranging nature of the topic. Generally, a religion is regarded as a set of beliefs and practices, usually involving acknowledgment of a divine or higher being or power, by which people order the conduct of their lives both practically and in a moral sense.” Buddhism is exactly this as a way of living.

During the mid-19th century through the Gold Rush, the Buddhist religion arrived with Chinese miners. The workers arriving to work in the Goldfields of South Australia. Most of the Men returned to China once the Gold rush ended, some men stayed in Australia and continued to practise Buddhism.

Promoting Buddhism in Queensland, the Chung Tian Temple which means “Middle Heaven”, was erected in 1992 and is situated on the outskirts of Logan city. The temple provides a harmonising setting for the multicultural community to celebrate their diversity and multi-faith through buddhism.

Since the 1970’s, non-Christian religions have had an increasing popularity particularly through Buddhism. Between the years 2006 and 2011, there has been an increase of more than 100,000 people nominating themsleves as Buddhist’s.

So what is it about Buddhism that makes it so attractive? Why are so many people claiming themsleves to be Buddhist?

Volunteer at Chung Tian Temple Brian Kemp speaks how Buddhists believe that everyone is not a group of individuals, but instead are pieces of a whole. Each person has a Buddha nature in them and can become a Buddha. This links t...

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... in some cases revolves around Pantheism. Pantheism explains human nature by saying that were all a part of God. Some people would say to this remark that “No I couldnt be a part of God as I have done bad stuff in my life”, when really it is the result of forgetting that you’re a part of God. Much like the Buddhist vision, Pantheism is based on the fact that if you do bad, or good you’ll either pay for it or be rewarded in the next life when you are reincarnated.

Simone Champion is a devoted Buddhist. One time, when living with Simone I saw a stick insect floating near the pool’s edge. I went to pick it up when she swept in and carefully cupped the insect in her hands and gently placed it on to the grass.

“This is because they have done bad in their previous lives and had to come back as an insect”.

“It’s not my place to prematurely mess up their karma”.

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