FAQ

How far away is the temple from Melbourne city?

The temple is located approximately 50 kilometres (45 minutes) from Melbourne. Refer to the map below or get detailed directions.

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How do I get there?

The address of the temple is 125 Homestead Road, Berwick and the Melway's reference is 130 J2. If you are coming by car the and you are taking the South Eastern (Princes) Freeway, take the Clyde road exit (the same exit as for Monash University, Berwick) and then turn right from there into Clyde road (refer to Map 1 below) or view detailed directions.

If you are taking public transport, you should catch a train to the Berwick railway station (Pakenham line). From there you can either catch a taxi to the temple or walk which will take about 20 minutes (refer to Map 2 below). If you want to catch a bus from the station take bus route 839 or 840 which travels on Clyde Road. You will have to check with the driver which stop to get off at. Homestead Road is between Centre Road and Greaves Road. Walk all the way down Homestead road and a little while after the road becomes a gravel road you will see the Temple which is a large building with a green roof on your left. The entrance is off Ward road which joins Homestead road. It's a fair walk from Clyde Road. It may be better if you come by taxi from the station. See detailed directions.

Map 1 - By Car	Map 2 - By Public Transport
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What is the best time to visit and who should I ask for when I get there?

The Venerable monks sometimes go out for alms (breakfast/lunch) between 7am-8am and 10am-2pm on some days. So the best times to visit are between 2PM and 9PM everyday (if you plan to visit at another time, please call to confirm). It is always best to ensure that the Venerable monks are in before coming to the temple by calling 03 9702 6275 (ask f'Venerable Wimla'). Once you get there, if you wish to speak with someone, the Venerable monk to ask for is Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla'). Otherwise you are free to look around and offer flowers, incense, light lamps, etc if you please.

Is there a particular dress code that I need to adhere to?

You may wear whatever you are comfortable with which covers the body well. Traditionally Buddhists wear white/light colours when going to the temple.

I'm interested in visiting the temple to explore Buddhism and learn more about it and was wondering if this was possible? I'm hoping to participate in meditation and so forth as well as furthering my knowledge about Buddhism. Could you please advise me how to go about this and possibly suggest dates on which I could attend?

The temple is open to anyone who is willing to learn and practise Buddhism. You are most welcome to visit the temple at your convenience. If you want to talk to the resident monk please give him a call on 9702 6275 (ask for 'Venerable Wimla') just to make sure that he is available. There is a library (still being set up) you may use and we have a hall you can use for meditation.

Please also refer to the item below regarding the English programs.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to visit the temple?

No everyone regardless of caste, creed, nationality, religious background, age, sex or disability is welcome at the temple.

Do you have disability access?

Yes there is a wheelchair access ramp for gaining access into the temple.

Are there any charges associated with visiting the temple?

No there are no costs involved and entry and access to all services is completely free of charge.

I am a follower of another religion and would like to visit your temple and share ideas with you or sit in on one of your events. Is this allowed?

Yes you are welcome to do so. Please call the temple on 03 9702 6275 and arrange a time with Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla').

I would like to organize a Bodhi puja/Buddhist praying group/other offerings ceremony. What are the requirements for this?

You can bring flowers, incense sticks, candles and fruit juice to offer to the Lord Buddha. Please call the temple on 03 9702 6275 discuss a good time with Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla').

Is there shrine where I can pray?

There are two large statues of the Lord Buddha where you can offer incense, flowers, drinks, lights, etc and pray at and there is also a Bo tree where you can do the same. Please call the temple on 03 9702 6275 and speak to Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla') if you have any more questions.

I am a Venerable monk residing outside Australia. Can you help me to visit your temple?

We can only help Venerable monks to visit Australia that are known to us through the Maharagama Bhikkhu Training Centre in Sri Lanka and other related centres. If you are known to us, you can get in contact with us.

Do you provide accomodation for visitors?

Unfortunately accomodation is not provided for visitors.

Events/Programs Questions

How can I find out about your upcoming programs?

You can check the events page or call the temple on 03 9702 6275 speak to Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla').

Do you run any classes on meditation and Buddhism for beginners in English?

Please refer to the item below regarding the English programs.

What programs do you conduct in English?

Currently we conduct two programs in English:

The guided meditation in English consists of fully guided meditations and discussions of the underlying principles in English. You can check the events page for the next one. If you have any more question on this you can contact us.
The monthly Youth Retreat is geared towards beginners and youths alike. You don't need to bring anything except yourself. The general dress code is all-white, or light coloured clothes, but this is not compulsory and you are free to wear what you are most comfortable with, which covers the body well. However if you wish to take notes you can bring a notepad and pen.

You can check the events page for the next one. If you have any more question on this you may contact us.

What is the 'Evening Buddha Pujava & Chanting' about?

The "Evening Buddha Pujava & Chanting" on the website's events page is the evening paritta chanting and offerings to the Lord Buddha's supreme qualities. Read more about making offering.

If you wish to participate you can go there at 7PM, use a Pali chanting booklet in Sinhala or English script (which also has the English meanings of the Pali) and participate. You are very welcome to attend. If you have any more questions please call 9702 6275 (ask for 'Venerable Wimla') or simply turn up!

How can I be notified of events that are occurring in the temple?

You can subscribe to the Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara Events Yahoo! Group to be notified of upcoming events at the temple by email. You can subscribe by using the 'Join Now' feature on the Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara Events home page or by sending a blank email to viharaevents-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

I have another questions about programs?

Then simply make a program enquiry.

Buddhism (Dhamma) Questions

What is the Buddhist tradition/school of the temple?

The tradition is Theravada.

How can I get counselling/spiritual guidance?

You can call the temple on 03 9702 6275 ask for is Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla') to make an appointment to meet him.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to visit the temple?

No everyone regardless of caste, creed, nationality, religious background, age, sex or disability is welcome at the temple.

I am interested in learning Buddhism; how can I do this?

Please refer to the following Buddhism/Buddhist links.

You are free to come to the temple as much as or as little as you like. You are free to learn as it suits you and is comfortable for you. Our temple at Berwick is open to everyone including anyone who is willing to learn and practice the Lord Buddha's Teachings. We have opened a new facility that has a library and more space to learn and practise Buddha's teachings. You are most welcome to participate in all activities at the temple. Also you can personally discuss and learn from the residing monks.

Please also refer to the Dhamma Dana Group below.

I was thinking of joining your religion, would i have to go every day? Are there any requirements for me to join?

There are no specific requirements for joining Buddhism. You are free to come to the temple as much as or as little as you like. You are free to learn as you it suits and is comfortable for you.

How do I start in Buddhism and become a Buddhist?

Please refer to the following article on A Buddhist Approach to Becoming a Buddhist.

I am interested in joining the Sangha (ordaining), how can I go about this?

You can call the temple on 03 9702 6275 ask for is Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla') to make an appointment to meet him.

What resources do you have on meditation?

There are several articles on meditation on this website:

Please refer to the item below regarding the English programs. The following external link contains guided audio meditations: http://www.buddhanet.net/audio-meditation.htm

I am living in a country that does not have many Buddhist resources/groups. How can you help?

We can join you in our online discussion group (mailing list) and the Dhamma Dana Yahoo! Group which sends out 1-2 valuable Buddhism emails per week. Please refer to the following Buddhism/Buddhist links. While it is good to have support groups the Dhamma can be learned by self-practice using the Dhamma teachings (Lord Buddha's teachings) as our guide. Plus if you have any questions you can join and then post to the online mailing list and we'll try to help you as best as we can. The rest in really up to you!

Can you please post out some Buddhist publications to me?

We do not offer such a service, but you may join the Dhamma Dana Group, please see below.

Do you send out Dhamma (Buddhism) teachings by email?

Yes we do. You can subscribe to the Dhamma Dana Yahoo! Group to receive Dhamma emails. You can subscribe by using the 'Join This Group!' feature on the Dhamma Dana home page or by sending a blank email to dhamma-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Service Offered Questions

Temple Related Questions

What is the primary language used in the temple and in your programs?

The language primarily used is Sinhala. However the Venerable monks and others do also speak in English so can help and guide you. The main ethnic background is Sri Lankan Sinhalese.

What is the Buddhist tradition/school of the temple?

The tradition is Theravada.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to visit the temple?

No everyone regardless of caste, creed, nationality, religious background, age, sex or disability is welcome at the temple.

Are there any paid religious/other work positions open in the temple?

The temple relies on donations for its daily running costs as well as for the construction work which is currently taking place so is unfortunately not is a position to hire workers. The temple also relies on the kind donation of time by others for its regular maintenance and upkeep. Please feel free to come and help out at any time, you would be most welcome!

How do I become a member?

There is a membership form which you will need to obtain and fill out. Please call the temple for more information on this on 03 9702 6275 ask for is Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla').

If you are overseas and would like to become a member, we would suggest that you become a member of the Dhamma Dana Yahoo! Group to receive free Dhamma emails by email. To gain membership and join, please send a blank email to dhamma-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

How can I get involved and/or help the temple?

There are many ways in which you can help. To find out more, you can attend a monthly meetings (check the events page for the next one) or call the temple on 03 9702 6275 ask for is Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla'). If you are interested in becoming a member and have a specific question then you can use the contact form to make a member enquiry.

How do I enrol my child in the Sunday School?

You will need to obtain an application form from the temple. Please call the temple on 03 9702 6275 discuss this with Ven. Wimalananda ('Venerable Wimla').

Can you help our organization/project financially?

Unfortunately we are not in a position to help other organizations/projects financially on a large scale.

Visiting the Temple Questions

Events/Programs Questions

Buddhism (Dhamma) Questions

Service Offered Questions

Temple Related Questions

Website Related Questions

Miscellaneous Questions