|
Monks get ready for stupa THE Gyuto monks of Tibet have started preparing items to be installed in a stupa on the Mornington Peninsula. The monks have made several trips to the peninsula and during this visit hope to choose a site for the stupa, a Buddhist monument. A list of suitable sites is being prepared by Mr Joe Cauchi, Mornington Peninsula Shire's community services director. "I'm exploring site options, which will preferably be on council land so they don't involve any other planning authority,' Mr Cauchi said. 'It won't interfere or alienate
any land. It won't be in the middle of a playground.' The group Is staying at the Muranna property, Merricks North, where they have established,a temple and meditation centre. A workshop was held last week to make small clay statues and roll mantras printed on paper, which will be installed in the stupa. Mr Cauchi said Seawinds state park at Arthurs Seat had virtually been ruled out for the stupa as Parks Victoria was opposed to its land being used for monuments. 'The stupa will be a symbol of peace and reconciliation that cements the relationship that has grown between the monks and the peninsula people in the past couple of years,' he said. 'The stupa would have a three metre square base and he about three metres high. 'It will be stone or brick with a wooden core and be filled with such precious objects as statues and Buddhist prayers.' 'It can be built within three weeks.' Mr Cauchi said the stupa project was supported by 'the indigenous community and other religious denominations on the peninsula'. The chosen site needed to be 'visible and accessible to passers by'. 'They are usually built at the crossroads of community activity, within the community, not in the middle of a paddock.' Mr Cauchi said. 'Stupas represent peace, harmony and inspiration. They are not just landmarks and need room around them for people to come and see.' Mr Cauchi said the Dalai Lama's master builder of stupas would be staying on the peninsula until April 'and I'd like to be able to have the site selection done well before then so it can be built under his direction'. He said council had allocated $15,000 in this year's budget to help meet the costs of the monks' peninsula program. Mr Cauchi said there had been no negative reaction to the stupa proposal. 'I think you'll find some solid support from churches on the peninsula.' he said. 'Representatives of the Gyuto monks have contacted the main religious groups and some are interested in learning about their meditation techniques. 'One Uniting Church leader wrote to me saying there was no objection to the stupa and the Catholic education office has worked with monks else- where in state. Ultimately, it will be a council decision' Mr Cauchi said having a symbol of peace and reconciliation and the monks on the Peninsula would encourage 'a greater convergence of way we can all work with each other when addressing the major ailments that face us as human beings in the current world'. The Gyuto monks are holding daily meditation sessions and give talks about Buddhism, its teachings and philosophies at the Muranna property, Merricks North. The program for July includes dawn and mid-morning meditations, making items for the stupa and evening talks on meditation and buddhist philosophy. At the weekend there will be a range of activities throughout the day, including mandala making, healing, Tibetan bam- boo pen calligraphy and painting and Tibetan chess with the monks. Details 5989 7295 or 0412 124 678.  ~ | CLOSE WINDOW | ~  |
NEWS
FEATURE - The Mornington Mail