About Gold Coast Dharma Realm

History

GCDR exists because of Rosaline Kang, a disciple of Venerable Master Hua, who set out to find land for a monastery in the Mahayana Chinese tradition. In her own words:

I visit Australia often and realised that there is a shortage of monasteries in the Mahayana Chinese tradition. In my resolve to help the Master realise his vision, I started my search for a suitable piece of land. In 1991, I found a 53-acre piece of land. However, after we submitted a plan to the Gold Coast City Council, the restrictive conditions they set made it unfeasible to develop this plot of land as a monastery. I set forth to look for an alternative site and found the present 22-acre lot in 1996. Within four months, we were able to purchase the land, apply to the council for rezoning, and obtain approval from the City Council. Building plans and environmental reports were subsequently submitted and approved.

In the months following the proposal, South-east Asia was hit by a severe economic crisis towards the end of 1997. My stocks and shares were badly affected by the crash of the stock and property markets, and almost overnight, my personal nett worth was reduced to about ten percent of its pre-crash value. This financial crisis was a severe ordeal for me, and I was extremely worried that I might not fulfil my vow of building the monastery.

Despite this setback, I remained focused and drew strength by praying earnestly to Guanyin Bodhisattva.

I sold the various properties that I had in Australia, and together with the help and generous support of friends and fellow Buddhists, we continued to work towards the Master's vision. The original plan was scaled down, and building began. I am now pleased to report that we have made a modest start with the completion of the basic facilities and amenities. Since April this year, we have had nuns and monks from CTTB visit the place to give Dharma lectures. These lectures were attended and well-received by both locals and well-wishers from Singapore and Malaysia.

In July this year, with the visit of Reverend Heng Tso and Reverend Heng Yuen, I handed over the monastery to DRBA without any conditions, and I am sure that the place will scale new heights in times to come.

Since I met the Master in 1978, his expedient teaching and guidance have influenced me to change my ways and lifestyle for the better. I have also learned the higher values of life in this material world. I sincerely hope that by establishing this branch of CTTB in Australia, many people as well as sentient beings will hear the proper Dharma and be able to similarly change their values and lifestyle. I wish for them to experience the benefits of the Master's teachings, without which I would still be lost in this samsaric ocean.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all my friends who supported me during the trials and tribulations that I experienced while pursuing the fulfilment of my vows. In particular, I am grateful to Reverend Heng Sure for his advice and words of encouragement. Finally, I would also like to say that I am, and will always be grateful to the Buddhas, the Bodhisattvas, and the Venerable Master for showing me the way. Amitabha!

In 2008, Master Heng Chih travelled from the United States to continue the work of establishing Mahayana Chinese Buddhism in Australia, following Venerable Master Hua's example.

Lineage

GCDR is affiliated with the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB) in Ukiah, California, DRBA's principal monastery, and follows the monastic tradition established by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. Read more about Venerable Master Hsuan Hua.

Practice Today

GCDR follows the Five Schools of Mahayana Buddhism: the Vinaya School (precepts and moral discipline), the Chan School (meditation), the Scholastic School (study of the sutras), the Esoteric School (mantras), and the Pure Land School (chanting the Buddha's name).

Dharma Master Jin Fu is the monastery's resident teacher. Meet the teachers.

The monastery holds sutra and mantra recitation, chanting, and meditation sessions on weekends. See current offerings or plan a visit.