The pilgrimage sites (the original four Samvejaniyatthana sites where Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, sermons and death took place) are the sites for worship and pilgrimage to seek a spiritual sense of urgency to the path of freedom (Samvega) and to have a recollection of the Buddha and his qualities (Buddhanusati) as these will bring good karma and joy to spiritual fulfillment. The Nirvana Sutra texts describe the inception of the pilgrimage sites as being brought about by the Buddha where he advised, “those who seek to reminisce of him shall make their journeys to the pilgrimage sites”.

During our many journeys across Australia, the team of monks at Wat Thai Bhavana Melbourne has observed a significant lack of major pilgrimage site replicas. So, we have decided to have the 4 sites replicated at Wat Thai Bhavana in Ballarat, Australia. 

The four sites help to serve as a:

• Buddhist Learning Centre.

• Venue for mindfulness practice and wisdom development.

• Public gathering space for all people.

• Spiritual centre for Buddhists locally and overseas.

We expect the 4 sites to:

• Generate interest in Buddhism for the general public

• Create a warm and welcoming learning centre for Australians and foreign visitors

• Become a place for meetings, Dharma discussion, and being of service for the benefit of others