Using my regular motivation nowadays towards new mini adventures and craving to see new sites, this week I visited Buddha. Not actual Buddha but the Nan Tien Temple in Unanderra - the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia. I used to stay more inner city adventuring, now I've decided to use my weekends very wisely, rarely drink to avoid the crap effects, and use every day productively. Work is great creatively, but the weekends are my time, for nourishing, growing, treats and activities. AND I LAAV IT!
With Sundays as the basis for my NSW exploration days, underpinned by $2.50 unlimited opal card travel, I took myself off, hopped on a two hour train ride, had a little trek to find it and enjoyed soaking in some difference. It was so peaceful away from the city, away from crowds, just me, myself (my snacks) and my thoughts within a beautiful, natural setting. All you could hear was faint transport sounds, mild crunchy grass when exploring the grounds and faint sounds of foreign tourist conversations.
Everywhere smelt delicately fragrant from incense and good calm energy was radiating about the place. The cleanliness and neatness was remarkable, I kept my shoes off and wandered around a bit on the courtyard marble floor. The layout reminded me of Caecilius' house in my old Latin book at school. Hash tag 'Good times.'
I love learning so I took mental note of several Buddhist values up in poster form, which so closely align with the life positioning I have grown into. It felt nice to have that affirmation projected back to me in print, culture, and architecture, following my latest reading selection 'Mind Management' by Thai author and Buddhist monk V.Vajiramedhi. This book is about the power of the mind, realising self and taking control, in order to experience increased calmness and embrace more happiness in life.
I loved loved loved the day! Even the journey to the temple was great! Trains permit reflection/ nap time, hearing of new areas, viewing the far-stretched, richly-vegetative landscape, and the open sky, which urbanites rarely get to absorb within the week. I felt totally refreshed before, during and after this Sunday was up! That's likely to be my improved mindset applying itself - been doing my homework :) Like many wise men say 'happiness is a journey not the destination' - definitely agree! That coupled with not rushing around, being mindful and present in all tasks (walking, thinking, observing) make my experiences so much fuller than they used to be. I remember on primary school trips just wishing away those days out to museums, temples etc., so I could go and play/ get back to Msn - now the tables have turned! There's so much scale and diversity in all forms around us to take in! I marvel at everything nowadays like I have a younger pair of eyes (hehe). And I say the more you learn, with an increasingly open mind, the better. Everyone's gotta learn to adapt and expand their knowledge, so why not do it in forms you most enjoy!
Anyway before my romance with Sydney ends, I've got a few more weekend escapades pencilled in, so enjoy the scrolling chaps. Also take note of some of Buddhist beliefs in general. They have integrity, encouraging responsibility of self, inner-peace, clarity and control of the mind, a pleasant outlook on life and large scale awareness of everything outside themselves, which is so important in society today and regarding one's own actions to be a better person. :) On an end note, and one which resounds with me daily, remember to love yourself, think twice if not three times, before acting or saying, do and be good to have a content life and be grateful for the love and people your life. Ciao ciccios!
'Beautiful things do not require attention.'
'Beautiful things do not require attention.'
'You are responsible for your own happiness.'
