Discover mythical creatures, meditation gardens and a whole lot of serenity hiding in the back streets at Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian, Logan’s Buddhist Temple.

Step inside the surprising pagoda-topped entrance of Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple and you’ll discover that a patch of Aussie bushland really can be converted into the essence of peaceful Zen Buddhism in Logan.

The temple is an unexpected delight with its traditional Chinese architecture popping out of thick bush surrounds off the beaten track in Priestdale on the outskirts of Brisbane.

Buddhist Temple decked out in red and gold

Opened in 1993, the temple looks like a Chinese palace decked out in enough gold and red to be fit for a Chinese emperor. Dragon heads and gargoyles top the building while the grounds are filled with mythical elephants and lions.

The Tian Temple is home to a community of monks and promotes Buddhism. It also plays a strong role in sharing Eastern culture with interested visitors to encourage multiculturalism.

More than 11,000 students visit each year and the grounds are open to visitors who can enjoy the serenity and join in the classes.

Temple design

There are three halls in the Pagoda with a large Amitabha statue representing the Pure Land in the centre.  The ceiling, with its Eight Celestial Beings, conveys the ideal beauty of the Pure Land.

The Western Hall is, used for memorial services and to pay respects to ancestors and family. It has an Amitabha Buddha seated on a Lotus throne.

The Eastern Hall has a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, The Bodhisattva of Great Vows. This is to remind devotees to help others. His vow was “Not until Hell is vacant shall I become a Buddha”.

Learn Chinese calligraphy 

The Sutra Transcription Room has traditional and modern Chinese calligraphy material so people can practice the oriental art form of calligraphy. Also known as writing meditation, this art assists in purifying the mind by exercising concentration.

Considerable skill is required to write well with brush and ink. Even a great calligrapher may take a lifetime to achieve mastery.

Water Drop Teahouse

There are tranquil Fo Guang Shan Water Drop Teahouse around the world. They share Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ideal of “compensating droplets of kindness with springs of gratitude”.

The vegetarian themed teahouse is surrounded by gardens and trees for a sense of the calmness generated by nature.

The teahouse is open from 10 am to 2 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Tea Ceremony

Have you aways wanted to serve tea with a little more style?  Chung Tian Temple offers demonstrations and training in the ancient art of the Chinese tea ceremony. This way of making and serving tea explores quality Chinese tea combined with a moment of peace and tranquillity.  The hour-long class has a $10 fee and bookings are required. The Tea Ceremony demonstration is free.

Where is it?

Chung Tian Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple located at 1034 Underwood Road, Priestdale, Queensland. The temple is part of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Logan City Council.