Chương trình tiếp theo là lễ cắt băng khánh thành Tu Viện Quảng Đức; đây là giờ phút quan trọng mà mọi ngươi đều mong đợi. Ban nghi lễ đã cung thỉnh chư tôn đức, quý quan khách rời hội trường đi ra cổng bên phải của Tu viện, và đoàn người được hướng dẫn đi vào cổng chính Tam Quan của Tu Viện và hướng lên điện Phật. Nghi thức cắt băng khánh thành được cung thỉnh 4 vị, trong đó có quý Ngài như sau: Hòa Thượng Thích Giác Nhiên, Pháp chủ Giáo hội Phật giáo Tăng già Khất sĩ Thế giới, Viện Chủ Tổ Đình Minh Đăng Quang từ Cali, Hoa Kỳ;  Hòa Thượng Thích Như Huệ, Hội Chủ Giáo Hội Phật Giáo Việt Nam Thống Nhất Hải Ngọai tại Úc Đại Lợi-Tân Tây Lan; Tổng Trưởng Tư Pháp Liên Bang Phillip Ruddock, Thị trưởng thành phố Fairfield ông Nick Lalick. Bầu trời giờ đây, không gian lúc này, tưởng như ngưng đọng, trong sự gia hộ của Long Thiên Hộ Pháp. Chứng kiến cảnh tượng này mọi người càng nhiếp tâm cầu nguyện, nhiếp tâm gia trì niệm Phật nguyện cầu buổi lễ được châu viên. Trước cửa Đại Hùng Bảo Điện đoàn múa lân nhất tâm phô diễn cung nghinh quý Ngài; khi nhung vải đỏ được cắt ra, liền tức khắc hai tràng pháo đỏ nổ vang chào mừng nghinh đón chính thức Ngôi Thiền Viện Minh Quang hoan hỷ từ đây sáng ngời, nêu danh trong vùng trời thành phố Fairfiled, tiểu bang NSW.  Tiếng pháo nỗ, tiếng niệm Phật, tiếng cười hoan hỷ, tiếng nức nở dường như tiếng khóc xúc động của vui mừng, tiếng trầm trồ không ngớt lời khen ngợi tán thán, hòa vang khắp mọi nơi trong khung viên chùa Quảng Đức. Nỗi vui mừng này, giờ đây, lúc này là của tất cả, của người con Phật, của người hoài bảo cho văn hóa Việt khởi sắc nơi xứ người.

 Tưởng cũng nên biết  TT Thích Minh Hiếu là Tăng sĩ thuộc Hệ Phái Tăng Già Khất Sĩ VN tại Úc Châu. Hệ Phái Tăng Già Khất Sĩ VN do Tổ sư Minh Đăng Quang, người làng Phú Hậu,  tỉnh Vĩnh Long, khai sáng từ năm 1944 với hạnh nguyện : "Nối truyền Thích-ca chánh pháp, Đạo Phật Khất sĩ Việt Nam". Theo gương của Tổ Sư Minh Đăng Quang, các đệ tử của Ngài đã thành lập nhiều đoàn du tăng khất sĩ, gồm 6 giáo đoàn chư tăng và 3 giáo đoàn ni giới. Với bộ y vàng, không nón mũ, giày dép, tay bưng bát, các nhà sư khất sĩ đã dấn bước trên khắp các nẽo đường VN. Đi đến đâu họ cũng tổ chức thuyết pháp, xây cất tịnh xá…. Ngày nay, TT Thích Minh Hiếu đã kế thừa bước chân truyền bá Chánh Pháp hào hùng đó mà thành lập ngôi thiền viện này để tiếp tục với hạnh nguyện “truyền trì mạng mạch, tiếp dẫn hậu lai, báo Phật ân đức”,

Sau lễ khánh thành, chương trình sinh hoạt của Thiền Viện vẫn tiếp tục như sau: Giảng Pháp: Hai tuần một lần vào ngày Chủ Nhật từ 10:30am.; Thực Tập Thiền: Thứ năm mỗi tuần từ 7:30pm; Khóa Tu Hằng Tháng: Bốn tuần một lần vào ngày Chủ Nhật từ 7:00am đến 7:00pm; Sám Hối Hàng Tháng: Mỗi Tháng Hai Lần vào ngày 14 và 29 hoặc 30 âm lịch từ 7:30pm. Ước mong quý đồng hương Phật tử trong và ngoài thành phố Fairfield cùng về tu học, công phu, công quả ngỏ hầu để đem lại niềm an lạc, hạnh phúc cho mình và cho người.

 Phổ Trí (ghi nhanh)

Dedication Ceremony at Minh Quang Monastery and Meditation Centre, Sydney, Australia
A perfect completion

Although spring came over Australia in the past few weeks, the severe chill of winter still lingers on and the rain continues throughout the two day weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 26-27 November, 2005. Nevertheless, the Buddha project of preparing for the Dedication Ceremony of Minh Quang Monatery in Fairfield, New South Wales still actively progress, from the decoration unto the cordial welcoming of the Venerables, all guests and Buddhists came from all over the world to attend the ceremony.

 Minh Quang Monastery was established in Fairfield since February 2003. Due to the vow, donation, merit and reverent heart as well as aspiration and anticipation of Venerable Abbot Thich Minh Hieu and the fellow Buddhists during the past 3 years of strenuousness and hardship of laboring day and night, an empty field is now transformed into a majestic, exquisite monastery that encompasses from the front tri-gate to the posterior altar of the Patriarch, from the main altar of the Lord Buddha to the lecture hall, everywhere is glorious, stately and full of features. In gratitude of The Three Jewels and to return the merit to the Venerable Monks, Nuns and fellow Buddhists, the Enshrinement ceremony of Buddha statue was conducted on Saturday afternoon, 26 November, 2005, and, on Sunday morning, 27 November, 2005, the Ribbon cutting ceremony in dedication of the Minh Quang Monastery was consummated in order to unfold a new monastery in this southern hemisphere.

 The convention where the ceremony was held only has a small space left just enough to invite the Venerables to enter, other than that the crowd filled up all rows of seats without any possible exit paths, yet still maintain an atmosphere of dignity and respectfulness, joyfully and excitedly awaiting the hour of sacred dedication. The dignified ambiance filled with gracious greetings of introducing the Venerable Monks, Nuns, all guests and fellow Buddhists who came to attend the ceremony. This was entirely relied on the skillful program management of Venerable Thich Nguyen Tang and Dharma associate Dieu My who are the masters of ceremony.

 The Venerables who came to attend and recognize the ceremony are the Venerable Monks and Nuns of the Sangha Bhiksu Council, from the United States, we had Most Venerable Thich Giac Nhien, Dharma Chief of  Sangha Bhiksu World Buddhist Council, Abbot of To Dinh Minh Dang Quang in southern California, Most Venerable Thich Giac Luong, President of Operation for the Sangha Bhiksu World Buddhist Council, Abbot of Phap Duyen Pagoda in northern Californis, Most Venerable Thich Minh Tuyen, General Secretary for the Dharma Operation of the Sangha Bhiksu World Buddhist Council, Abbot of Nhu Lai Meditation Monastery in San Diego, southern California, Most Venerable Thich Giac Chan, Abbot of Ngoc Duc Pagoda in San Diego, California, Most Venerable Thich Giac Minh, Abbot of Kuan Yin Monastery in southern California, Most Venerable Thich Giac Hue, Abbot of Ngoc Diem Pagoda in Paris, Most Venerable Thich Minh Hoi, Abbot of Buddha Meditation Monastery in San Diego, Most Venerable Thich Minh Thien, Abbot of Ngoc Son Pagoda in Oregon, Venerable Thich Minh An, Abbot of Minh Dang Quang Pagoda in Oregon, Venerable Thich Minh Dao, Abbot of Minh Dang Quang Pagoda in New York, Venerable Thich Thuong Tin, Nun Ngon Lien, Nun Tien Lien, Nun Thuy Lien, Nun Huong Lien and Nun Tuong Lien.

 The Venerable Monks and Nuns of the Sangha Bhiksu World Buddhist Council who came from Viet Nam are Most Venerable Thich Giac Trang, Recognition Council, Most Venerable Thich Giac Ngo, Venerable Thich Giac Toan, Venerable Thich Giac Ha, Venerable Thich Giac Dung, Venerable Thich Giac Dieu, Venerable Thich Giac Tuan, Venerable Thich Giac Nhan, Venerable Thich Minh Hoa, Venerable Thich Tinh Giac, Venerable Thich Minh Loc, Venerable Thich Minh Thanh, Venerable Thich Minh Hoi, Nun Tham Lien, Nun Mai Lien, Nun Anh Lien, Nun Kien Lien, Nun Van Lien and Nun Thao Lien.

 The Venerable Monks and Nuns came from Australia and other countries are Most Venerable Thich Huyen Ton of the Recognition Council, Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Australia-New Zealand, Abbot of Bao Vuong Monastery in Victoria, Most Venerable Thich Nhu Hue, Chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of To Dinh Phap Hoa in SA, Most Venerable Thich Bao Lac, Vice chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of Phap Bao Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Nhu Dien, General Secretary of the Congregation, Abbot of Thien Duc Temple in Victoria, Venerable Thich Quang Ba, Vice chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of Van Hanh Monastery in , Venerable Thich Truong Sanh, Vice chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of Giac Nhien Temple, Venerable Thich Phuoc Nhon, Vice chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of Pho Quang Temple in Western Australia, Venerable Thich Minh Tri, Abbot of Tuong Quang Temple in Victoria, Venerable Thich Bon Dien, Abbot of Huyen Quang Temple in Bankstown, NSW, Venerable Thich Nhu Dinh, Financial Affairs of the Congregation, Abbot of Thien An Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Nhat Tan, General Secretary of the Congregation, Abbot of Phap Quang Temple in Queensland, Venerable Thich Nguyen Truc, Vice chairman of Sangha Affairs of the Congregation, Venerable Thich Tam Minh, Ceremony Chairman of the Congregation, Abbot of Truc Lam Temple, NSW, Venerable Thich Quang Khiem, Chairman of Layman Affairs of the Congregation, Abbot of Phuoc Hau Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Tinh Dao, Vice Chairman of the Non-Profit Organization of the Congregation, Abbot of Linh Son Temple in Victoria, Venerable Thich Thien Tam, Abbot of Hoa Nghiem Temple in Victoria, Venerable Thich Thien Hien, Vice Chairman Huyen Quang Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Vien Chon, Abbot of Vinh Nghiem Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Nguyen Tang, Vice Abbot of Quang Duc Monastery in Victoria, Venerable Thich Thien Dat, Abbot of Thien Quang Temple in Victoria, Venerable Thich Vien Tri, Abbot of Phap Hoa Temple in SA, Venerable Thich Vien Tinh, Vice Abbot Phap Hoa Temple in SA, Venerable Thich Thong Anh, Abbot of Van An Meditation Centre in NSW, Venerable Thich Hanh Hieu, Abbot of Minh Giac Temple (2) in NSW, Venerable Thich Hanh Tri, Abbot of Minh Giac Temple (1) in NSW, Venerable Thich Nhuan Kim, Chairman of the Cultural Education of the Congregation, Abbot of Hung Long Temple in NSW, Venerable Thich Huyen Dat from Tuong Van Monastery in Queensland, Nun Tam Lac, Treasurer of the Congregation, Abbess of Lien Hoa Monastery in NSW, Nun Bao Son, Vice Chairman of Dharma Transmission Affairs of the Congregation, Abbess of Pho Quang Temple in WA, Nun Nhu Tuyet, Abbess of Dieu Am Temple in Victoria, Nun Tinh Anh, Abbess of Pho Minh Lecture Hall in WA, Nun Phuoc Hoan, Abbess of Thien Hoa Convent in NSW, Nun Tri Luu, Abbess of Linh Son Temple in Queensland, Nun Nguyen Khai, Vice Chairman of Layman Affairs of the Congregatin, Abbess of An Lac Hanh Buddha Chanting Hall in Victoria.

 The distinguished guests of governmental offices and organizations are Mr. and Mrs. Philip Ruddock, Federal General Attorney of Australia representing Prime Minister John Howard, Councillor Joseph Tripody, Minister for Roads representing NSW Premier Morris Iema, Councillor Nick Lalich, Mayor of Fairfield, Mr. Quang Luu, Head of SBS Radio, Mrs. Julia Irwin, councillor for Fowler in NSW, Mr. David McLeod, Manager of Multicultural Affairs, Mr. Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chairman of Community Relations Commission, Mr. Graeme Lyall, Chairman of NSW Buddhist Council, Mr. Jim Hook, Cabramatta Police Superintendent, Ms. Nina Long, Ethic Liason Officer Cabramatta Police, Ms. Sarah Trapla, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, Councillor Dennis Huynh, Mrs. Nhu Hoa, representative of Australia Women Association and Mr. Toan Nguyen, Ethnic Liason Officer of Cabramatta Police and culminating in some 1000 people attending the Sunday ceremony. What a spectacular event it was, the Buddhist ceremonies, the color and the joy of having raised such a magnificent place out of the ground was appreciated by all in attendance.  

Following the pledge of allegiance to the Australian and Buddhist flags is the inaugural speech for the Dedication Ceremony delivered by Venerable Abbot of the Minh Quang Monastery Thich Minh Hieu. Venerable Abbot expressed his appreciation toward the Venerable Monks and Nuns who came from all over the world and fellow Buddhists within and outside of Australia. Venerable Abbot said that the celebratory melody of Dedication Ceremony has resounded after 3 long years of contribution from the Buddha’s children. However, to the Monks, Nuns and Buddhist laypeople at Minh Quang Monastery, this does not signify the completion or the end but rather marking an important beginning. Venerable Abbot emphasized: “Just like the college students attending the graduation ceremony, upon receiving the diplomas, wearing the graduation gowns and caps, etc., they are deemed as completing the college programs, but the contribution towards the family and society is yet to begin. The Bonze Assembly and followers of the Minh Quang Zen Center deeply apprehend this meaning. The second part of this commemorative melody is the important musical note on the practicality of the development of an enlightened sanctuary. Not only this is presented to Australia as aesthetic scenery, but also as an essential in that the Buddhist must study and practice properly the virtuous dharma in order to offer the valuable transcendental ethic to the country in which we reside. The assembly at the Minh Quang Zen Center is determined to practice and to realize the loving compassion, altruism, peaceful harmony with all beings on this Earth in order to be wholesome in celebrating this inauguration commemoration.”

 Next is the dharma discourse from Most Venerable Thich Giac Nhien, Dharma Chief of World Vietnamese Buddhist Council, Abbot of To Dinh Minh Dang Quang in southern California. The Most Venerable has complimented on the merit of Venerable Thich Minh Hieu’s effort and he also stressed 3 special points: “Minh Quang Monastery is the first monastery established in Australia that affiliates with the Sangha Bhikkhu World Buddhist Council. The second special point is,  according to our Council, up to this year of 2005, this is the largest monastery constructed and the completion timeline is the speediest abroad. Thirdly, this monastery has sustained the transmission of the  Buddha dharma from the beginning of the establishment until its perfect completion as seen today.”

 From Canberra, Prime Minister John Howard sent his acknowledgement that was read aloud by General Attorney, Mr. Philip Ruddock: “The opening of the new Monastery and Meditation Centre is an opportunity for the Congregation to highlight its dedication to the teachings of Buddhist philosophy and meditation as well as its many compassionate community activities and support programmes. Australia has matured into a nation that values diversity and respects the rights of citizens to maintain and develop their cultural and religious beliefs. What unites us as a society is a common commitment to freedom, tolerance and equality.”

 Immediately followed is the congratulations from Premier of NSW, Mr. Morris Iemma, that was read aloud by Mr. Joseph Tripodi, Minister for Roads: “The NSW Government is proud of this community’s contribution and has been happy to support it, most recently through hosting the Vesak Day celebrations at Parliament House in May. On behalf of the NSW Government, I warmly congratulate members of the Sangha Bhiksu Buddhist Association of NSW and the Minh Quang Monastery’s congregation on their valuable contribution and achievement.”

 Following is the congratulations from Councillor Nick Lalich, Mayor of Fairfield. He said: “I would like to acknowledge those who have worked hard to enable the monastery to thrive, in particular the Venerable Thich Minh Hieu who is the Abbot and founder of the Minh Quang Monastery and Meditation Centre. With the support and hard work of the Buddhist community and the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha Bhiksu Congregation, his vision has come to fruition. On behalf of Fairfield City Council, I would like to commend all involved with the Minh Quang Monastery for their invaluable contribution to Fairfield City and wish the Monastery all the best in the future.”

 Meanwhile, Councillor for Fowler, NSW, Mrs. Julia Irwin mentioned that the number of people attending the Dedication Ceremony showed the degree of significance of Buddhism in Australia. She said: “not only because the Minh Quang Monastery will continue to encourage, under Venerable Master Minh Hieu, the study, practice and realisation of the teachings of Buddha and Buddhadharma Teachings, but because it will also continue its work in community welfare and sustain the language, culture and traditions of Vietnamese Buddhists who have made their home here.”

 Venerable Thich Nhu Dien, General Secretary of the Congregation, Abbot of Vien Giac Temple of Hannover, Germany was surprised upon seeing a grand, impressive project came to completion within a short period of time, without extensive promotion, without advocacy and yet Venerable Thich Minh Hieu has established the Minh Quang Zen Centre as seen here. The Venerable continued: “In this world there are very few Buddhist Masters that have such calibre. Could it be the character of a dharma master that, while expounding the teachings, has disseminated the concepts and touched many souls and, hence, they have silently supported the Master in achieving the accomplishment as seen today.”

 Next is the expression from Mr. Duc Pham, archictect of Minh Quang Monastery. He summarized the creation of the monastery modeling after the Eastern views. He said that he has spent a long period of time for research prior to drawing the blue print for this construction, a monastery consisting of 16 curved eaves fashioned according to the dragons vying for a crystal jewel with a form of letter I looking from afar. He also hoped that while strolling along on the monastery’s ground, people will have a sense of nostalgic in reminiscing Viet Nam.

 Lastly, the Most Venerable Thich Nhu Hue, President of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhism Congregation in Australia-New Zealand, complimented the merit of Venerable Abbot Thich Minh Hieu and encouraged the Monks, Nuns and Buddhist laypeople to study diligently after the Dedication Ceremony. The Most Venerable said: “It would be difficult even in a dream to imagine a scene that is so very exquisite, stately and glorious for the serene Main Hall of Minh Quang Monastery. This substantial image represents the physical and mental  labor of each and every heart devoted to the Dharma as well as the generosity of the government officials in Australia and the multicultures of the foreign land. This is the main point that we as Buddha’s children who came together through fate, looking at one another while sharing the happiness of joyous celebration at Minh Quang Monastery today.”

 Especially, the Dedication Ceremony received many gifts, congratulations by e-mail from the Venerables and Buddhists near and far. Most notable is the verses that were presented to Minh Quang Monastery by the Venerables for the Dedication Ceremony. The verses from Most Venerable Thich Huyen Ton was sculpted on the black wood inside the Main Hall: “Meditation Centre opens wide, proclaim marvelous Dharma, bless the sentient beings, liberate from sufferings, Minh Quang radiates everywhere, absolute comprehension of the hidden meanings, perfect accomplishments, Bodhi attainment”. Another verse from Most Venerable Huyen Ton was also sculpted on the front tri-gate of the Monastery: “Minh Quang’s teachings, Master-to-Master heritage, Southern sect-Northern school likewise are the 3 vehicles, Meditation Centre initiates the origin, Patriarch-to-Patriarch transmission, East domain-West heaven all on the same Path. Most Venerable Hanh Niem from Phap Bao (Precious Dharma) Temple in Quang Nam Province of Central Viet Nam has presented the Minh Quang Monastery these verses: “Clear [Minh] view all dharma are void, every thought is dependent on condition in ending old karmas, The light [Quang] encompasses the 3 vehicles comprehensively, always methodically end worldly fuss.”