Chinese Buddhist culture was showcased in a unique Australian setting at the Shaolin Temple Project Open Day last weekend.
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The open day, providing a community update about the Shaolin Temple Project at Comberton Grange, was attended by more than 125 people at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
In 2014, the Shaolin Foundation sought and gained conditional approval for a concept plan at the site at Falls Creek, south of Nowra.
The foundation recently applied to the NSW Government to modify the approved concept plan.
Last week’s open day was designed to share the updated proposal with the community.
The modifications relocate parts of the proposal within the site to better manage environmental impacts, such as water and soil quality, incorporate the protection of riparian zones and habitat corridors.
The relocations will also help to preserve Aboriginal and European heritage items located on the site.
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“I’m very happy to be back here in such a beautiful setting,” said Shaolin Master Yanchong.
“The focus of the Shaolin Temple Foundation is to blend life with nature in accordance with Buddhist religion and Kung Fu principles and there is no better place than here in the Shoalhaven.”
Shaolin traditions of meditation, Kung Fu and medicine were also on show at the open day, with community members watching Kung Fu demonstrations and participating in Chinese medicine tutorials and wellness meditation sessions.
Master Yanchong said the temple project would provide a boost in local jobs for the Shoalhaven area, particularly in the sectors of hospitality and tourism.
The conditional approval allows for a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities.
Teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum, along with plenty of parking and road upgrades are also approved.
“The Shaolin Temple Foundation is very excited for the opportunities this project will bring the Shoalhaven area,” Master Yanchong said.
“It will give visitors the opportunity to stay at the facility and connect spiritually, as well as physically, with the local environment.”
There will be more information about the Shaolin Temple Project available in the coming months, with another open day planned for early 2019.
The Shaolin Temple Foundation has commissioned community engagement company Urbis to collect feedback on the proposed modification plans and answer any questions from the community.
You can contact the Urbis team on 1800 244 863 or email shaolintemple@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.