Finding Peace at Nan Tien Temple

I’m a peaceful person. One of my favourite books is The Art of Happiness, I usually read it at least once every year. Buddhism is something I enjoy learning about. I think it is such a beautiful religion!

Ever since I moved to Sydney, I’ve wanted to visit Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. It has taken me four years to finally visit. One really great thing about visiting this temple is free entry. I love free things!

The peaceful entrance to Nan Tien Temple

A Welcoming Arrival

Turning into the temple, lanterns line the street. You are greeted by a happy laughing buddha. This happy, joyful face always makes me smile. Happiness is beautiful to me!

Nan Tien Temple Entrance - A place of welcome and peace

The Sacred Pagoda

My first stop was the Pagoda. Inside is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll have to check out the Pagoda link because no photos are allowed inside!

The Pagoda - A sacred space for reflection

Inside the pagoda I learned this is a place where ashes are stored. Only family members and close friends of the dead are permitted to go upstairs. I’m sure it’s a spectacular view!

For some strange reason I didn’t take photos of all the extremely gorgeous, small concrete buddha statues. They were spread out around the grass area. Some of them had really interesting poses!

The Main Temple

From the Pagoda, there is a path to the main temple. I couldn’t believe how huge the place was! After wandering around and taking notes of the upcoming retreats and courses, I found myself in the main shrine.

The view from the main shrine - A place of profound peace

Again, I have no photos from within. No cameras are allowed. But the statues are huge, and beautiful. There is so much light and gold. You instantly feel softness.

I spent a good 20 minutes or so sitting there absorbing the peace. It was really quite wonderful. I totally need to do this more often!

Exploring the Grounds

After eating lunch at the restaurant, I decided to take a bit of a walk. I strolled through the museum, it has a cool surprise inside. I dropped a coin in the wishing well and continued exploring. After walking through the gardens, checking out the pilgrim lodge and the pond, I found the gratitude walk. This walk takes you up a rather steep hill. Here I found the gratitude bell. I rang the bell and sent my feelings of gratitude to my loved ones.

The Gratitude Bell - A place to express thankfulness

I looked at the slightly larger hill. I thought it would be really great to walk up, but I was already tired from the climb to the bell. Maybe next time!

Another peaceful statue in the temple grounds

Opposite the gratitude bell is another relaxing Buddhist statue. I snapped a couple of pictures before heading back towards the carpark.

The peaceful path leading back to the carpark

Why Nan Tien Temple is Special

Nan Tien Temple offers a unique opportunity to experience Buddhist culture and find inner peace without leaving Sydney. The temple’s serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and spiritual significance make it a perfect destination for anyone seeking:

• Spiritual Reflection: A quiet space to meditate and find inner peace
• Cultural Learning: Understanding Buddhist traditions and practices
• Free Admission: No cost to visit this beautiful spiritual site
• Natural Beauty: Stunning gardens and peaceful walking paths
• Gratitude Practice: The gratitude walk and bell provide meaningful rituals

Practical Information

• Location: Berkeley, NSW (about 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD)
• Admission: Free
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds, weekends for special events
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and an open heart
• Photography: Allowed in outdoor areas, not permitted inside the main temple and pagoda

A Place of Lasting Peace

My visit to Nan Tien Temple was a profound experience that reminded me of the importance of taking time for spiritual reflection. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its beautiful surroundings and meaningful rituals, creates a perfect environment for finding inner calm and gratitude.

Whether you’re interested in Buddhism, seeking a peaceful retreat, or simply want to experience one of Sydney’s most beautiful spiritual sites, Nan Tien Temple offers something special for everyone.

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Originally published August 2, 2015. Updated for our family travel blog.