Our History
The rapid development and phenomenal growth of SLBM is quite remarkable and unparallel to any similar religious institution in Australia. The following summary of events given in chronological order is a testimony to our claim.
The distinctive attributes that have contributed to the SLBM’s intrinsic evolutionary path are not commonly found in other similar Buddhist Monasteries around Australia. For example,
- SLBM is the only Theravada Temple in Australia which has adapted the State Associations Incorporation Act to draft a constitution that allows the appointment of a Management Committee headed by a President and a Vice-President where both these positions shall always be filled by the Venerable Maha Sangha. This devolution of MC Powers to the guardians of Buddhism ensures the stability, security and sanctity of the Buddha Sasana
- There is no other Theravada Buddhist Temple in Australia which has undertaken a comprehensive weekly program on “Sutta Discussions” ever, and continued to-date since 2004. These live discussions represent an attempt to disseminate Lord Buddha’s teachings as given in the original Pali Texts. The resident monks take great pains to research and retrieve such information from the original writings
- The Buddhist community attending the SLBM is served by the most brilliant Buddhist Scholars graduated from the renowned Sri Subodharama Buddhist Centre in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. These pristine monks truly hold their monastic vows and are a blessing to the Sasana. The young scholars who arrived in Australia over the years embarked on a comprehensive religious and cultural program that awakened the Sri Lankan expatriates and rekindled their heritage
- The SLBM constitution rules out affiliation with external organisations other than those that have objectives similar to those of the SLBM. The SLBM Incorporation as such shall not be or become a member or part of any other organisation. Similarly, no other independent organisation shall be a member or part of the SLBM Incorporation
- The SLBM has never ever sought funding or grants from Local, State or Federal Government to implement its building or maintenance programs. It mainly relies on public donations and membership subscriptions to sustain and develop the monastery
- The archived SLBM records can reveal every dollar donated to the SLBM Building Fund since its inception in 1990, and the details of donations received from the public are kept in individual files. This is a testimony to the strict code of conduct and financial accountability adopted by the Management Committee
Timeline
The building of new Temple/Awasa commenced at the above site.
Construction completed in mid-June and the first Incumbent Monk arrived from Canada.
Most Ven. Wattegama Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero took over the Spiritual leadership of the Monastery
Moved into an acreage property at 114, Considine St, Ellen Grove in July. Sold the Forrest Lake Property.
A sacred Bo-Tree raised from a sapling was planted.
Placement of a Samadhi Statue at the old Dhamma Hall.
Establishment of a fence around the Bodhi Tree.
Foundation laying ceremony for the Pagoda (Stupa).
Placement of Chooda Manikya on the pinnacle of the Stupa.
Commencement of Construction of Sangawasaya.
The consecration of a new two-storey domicile (Sanghawasa) to the guardians of Buddhism.
Foundation-laying ceremony for the Bodhi Prakara.
The mounting of a Samadhi Buddha statue under the shelter of the sacred Bo-Tree.
A parapet wall (Bodhi Prakara) protecting the Bodhi-Tree was completed in May with 28 open grottos mounted on the wall enshrining 28 statues portraying the past Buddhas.
Inauguration of Yasodhara Sinhala School.
The historic consecration of a Chapter-House (Seema Malakaya), for the first time on Australian soil.
The development approval for the Educational and Cultural Complex (ECC) was granted by the BCC.
A commercial contract to build Stage 1 of the ECC was signed. Excavations to construct the first stage of ECC.
Placement of a marble Samadhi Buddha statue in the New Religious Chamber (Dhamma Hall).
Introduction of new uniforms for Yasodhara Sinhala and Dhamma School Students & Teachers.
Ceremonial opening of the first stage of ECC.
A commercial contract was signed to build ECC Stage II
25th Anniversary of Prathibha Cultural Show.
Bhikkhu Ordination.
Opening of the second stage of ECC.
Placing Buddha relics at the opening of the Buddha statue in the Sangawasaya.
Opening of the new pathway for Walking Meditation.
Re-opening of The Completed Chapter House.
SLBM 25th Anniversary & Foundation laying ceremony for the Awukana Buddha statue.
Commencement of Car Park Construction.
Opening of shelter for the Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva statue.
Purchase of new land at 128 Considine Street, Ellen Grove, QLD 4078 for further development of the SLBM.
Commencement of communication via ZOOM during COVID-19 pandemic.
Commencement of Temple lighting project.
