Tibetan Temple Grand Opening

The new Community Meditation Centre and Temple was officially opened on 17th March 2001 by the Venerable Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden. Attending the opening were representatives of federal, state and local governments, as well as monks from many of Australia's Buddhist centres, representatives of the various Christian organisations, and representatives from the Tibetan Buddhist Society's Queensland, New South Wales, Perth and Beaumaris centres. Attending the opening were more than 500 in the audience, filling the meditation hall and watching from the viewing gallery above.

During the ceremony, Mr Andre Haermeyer, the Minister representing the Premier of Victoria, announced that the Victorian Multicultural Commission had approved a grant to support the Festival, as a notable multicultural and community event for the State. The Society is very pleased to support our community and thanks the Commission for recognising our contribution to the cultural diversity of our State.

The opening ceremony was held in conjunction with the Tibetan New Year Festival, which was attended by more than 2000 people.

Geshe-la's Opening Speech

Most Venerable Monks and Nuns, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representative Chope Paljor Tsering, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Mayors, George Farley, Stuart, Asoka, Brothers and Sisters.

Thank you very much for coming to the official opening of the Tibetan Buddhist Society’s Community Meditation Centre and traditional Tibetan temple. Today is also a very special celebration for the Tibetan people as it is Tibetan New Year. This year also marks 60 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama became Dalai Lama of Tibet. It is also 50 years since His Holiness took responsibility for State.

I was born very far away, in East Tibet. My country was a Buddhist country and an independent country. In 1959 China took over Tibet. During the cultural revolution, 1 million people were killed and 6,000 monasteries were destroyed. Many religious people, business people and government people were killed. All the possessions of the Tibetan people were taken. This is what happened. For that reason, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and 100,000 Tibetan people left Tibet and took refuge in India. The Indian people completely supported the Tibetans with food, shelter, clothes and financially. For this reason, the Indian people are like the Tibetans’ father and mother.

In 1976 I came to Australia. I was a refugee. I could not speak English and had very poor conditions. But I continously studied English and the Western system. For more than 25 years I have lived in Australia and I have been supported by Australian water, food, shelter, conditions and financially. I have never forgotten this kindness. Now I am a Tibetan Australian. In the same way, we have Chinese Australians, Italian Australians, Greek Australians and Jewish Australians. We are all Australians and we should completely support our new country.

Now I am 78 years old, to repay the kindness of the Australian people, I have built this Community Meditation Centre and traditional Tibetan temple. My wish is that it will be the principal cause of happiness, enjoyment, health, good conditions and benefit for many people. We pray that the New Year will bring good conditions, happiness, enjoyment and long life. Especially, we pray for the long life, good health and excellent conditions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and that he can benefit millions of people.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Joan Kirner's Speech

I am delighted to be with you all for the opening of this magnificent new community meditation centre. This is a cultural landmark for Victoria and a great new resource for our community.

My long association with the Tibetan Buddhist Society goes back to 1989, when as premier of Victoria I was asked to open its new home here at Yuroke. In those days there were hundreds of roses growing in the peaceful land of joy rose gardens - now they have expanded and have close to two thousand bushes. I have always admired the beautiful roses grown here. I know they are Geshe Loden’s passion. He planned these gardens and tends the rose bushes each day, essentially because they bring happiness and pleasure to others. Gardens are havens where we can rest from the pressures of life, connect with nature and replenish ourselves. We can also enjoy the benefits of whatever we contribute. For me the rose gardens also reflect Geshe Loden’s vision for this temple and its extraordinary development.

Interest in Tibetan Buddhism is blossoming in the west. Inspired by the great example of his holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist Society is founded on the principles of caring and working to help others. By offering programs and classes to help people manage stress and enhance daily living, the society has tapped into a growing community need. This temple makes it possible to meet the demand from people who come here from all over Melbourne, from country Victoria and from interstate. Like the gardens, it is it is for all Australians, regardless of their beliefs - religious or non-religious - and background. It also helps to preserve Tibetan culture and philosophy when it is disappearing in other parts of the world. It will generate tourism for this region.

This community meditation centre is also Geshe Loden’s gift to the Australian people. As a peaceful haven for all who come here, it embodies his gratitude for the support and shelter he has received from our country over the past twenty five years. I sincerely trust that - like the roses - it flourishes and benefits all those who take part in its continuing development.