Temple Introduction

As one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world, Australia experiences significant population growth each year, largely driven by overseas migration. Melbourne, the country’s second-largest city and the capital of Victoria, has consistently been ranked among the world’s most livable cities. Nestled in the southwestern foothills of the Great Dividing Range and along the northeastern shores of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne boasts stunning scenery and a pleasant climate. Yanming Leizang Temple is located in Albion, a western suburb of Melbourne, just a 20-minute drive from the city center. With its convenient transportation access, clean surroundings, and peaceful environment, the temple provides a serene space for spiritual practice and reflection.

In May 1990, the founder of the True Buddha School, His Holiness Living Buddha Lian Sheng, was invited to Sydney, Australia, to propagate the Dharma. Devoted disciples from Melbourne traveled to support and attend the teachings. Seizing this rare opportunity, they sincerely requested His Holiness to establish a True Buddha School branch in Melbourne. Moved by their dedication, His Holiness compassionately bestowed the name “Yanming Tang” for the new center.

On September 30, 1990, Yanming Tang was officially established in Melbourne’s Springvale district. Weekly group cultivation sessions were held every Sunday afternoon, guiding and benefiting those with spiritual affinities. In addition, the center invited spiritual teachers from other regions to conduct Dharma teachings and ceremonies, further spreading the wisdom and compassion of the True Buddha School.

Two years after its establishment, Yanming Tang experienced a rapid increase in followers, prompting a relocation to the St Albans district.

In early 1995, as conditions matured, Yanming Tang acquired its current property at 67 Sydney St, Albion. After renovations and modifications, the temple continued its mission of Dharma propagation and spiritual cultivation. During this period, large-scale ceremonies were held annually in rented venues, attracting many devoted practitioners who took refuge in the True Buddha School. Later, the temple was honored to receive a new name from His Holiness Living Buddha Lian Sheng—Yanming Leizang Temple.

In early 1999, with the immense blessings of His Holiness and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, along with the dedicated efforts of spiritual teachers, Dharma masters, and devoted supporters, the temple embarked on a significant reconstruction project. A new, magnificent Yanming Leizang Temple was completed in just nine months, marking a new chapter in its sacred mission.

On March 28, 2000, Yanming Leizang Temple had the great honor of welcoming His Holiness Living Buddha Lian Sheng to Melbourne for the temple’s consecration ceremony. During this sacred event, His Holiness also presided over the Mahottara Heruka (Hayagriva) Fire Homa Ceremony for disaster prevention, blessings, and deliverance of sentient beings.

With great compassion, His Holiness personally inscribed a calligraphy gift for the temple, bestowing the sacred words:

“Strict in Precepts and Conduct, Illuminating the Buddha’s Pure Mind.”
(嚴律戒行德，明佛清淨心)

A decade later, in 2010, His Holiness once again visited Yanming Leizang Temple, radiating blessings and presiding over the Maha Mayuri Vidyarajni (Peacock King) Fire Homa Ceremony to dispel calamities, bring blessings, and liberate sentient beings.

Yanming Leizang Temple organizes a variety of regular and special activities throughout the year. In addition to daily Buddhist practices, the temple offers the following services and events:
Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
Weekly Practices
Every Saturday at 2:00 PM: Vajrasattva Practice and recitation of the Hundred-Syllable Mantra (one full mala).
Every Sunday at 10:30 AM: Guru Yoga Practice, followed by a community lunch at 12:30 PM.
Monthly Ceremonies
1st and 15th day of the lunar month at 11:00 AM: Grand Offering before the Buddha.
18th of each month at 7:15 PM: True Buddha Repentance Ceremony. Special Events & Celebrations
On the holy birthdays of the Eight Principal Deities and Golden Mother of the Jade Pond, the temple holds a sutra chanting, repentance, and offering ceremony at 11:00 AM.
The temple also invites Dharma teachers and masters from local and international branches for special Dharma teachings and ceremonies. Annual Festivals & Blessing Ceremonies
Chinese New Year: Wealth God Blessing Ceremony
Qingming Festival: Deliverance Ritual for Ancestors
Zhongyuan Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival): Universal Deliverance Ceremony
Tai Sui Blessing Ceremony for protection in the new year
Year-End Cleansing Ceremony to remove obstacles and misfortunes Community Services
Chanting services for life events, including funeral and memorial services.
The temple warmly welcomes all visitors and devotees to participate in these sacred activities, cultivating blessings and wisdom together.

Over the past 30 years, Yanming Leizang Temple has grown from a small Yanming Hall into a fully established Leizang Temple. Despite the challenges and changes over time, the temple has flourished, providing a place of refuge, spiritual cultivation, and Dharma learning for practitioners worldwide.
The temple is well-equipped with both essential and modern amenities to support its spiritual mission. At the center stands the grand main hall, flanked by the Yan Sheng Hall (Life Extension Hall) and Wang Sheng Hall (Rebirth Hall). The temple grounds also feature the Dragon King Pavilion and the Zun Sheng Stupa (Victory Stupa), adding to the sacred atmosphere. In addition, the temple includes a Buddhist supplies store, dormitories for resident practitioners, a fully functional kitchen and dining area, an office space, and a spacious parking lot, ensuring convenience for both visitors and resident disciples.
The central shrine houses a magnificent altar, enshrining the Seven Buddhas, Golden Mother of the Jade Pond, Lotus Youth (Padmakumara), and the Eight Principal Deities, alongside various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dharma Protectors, and Wealth Deities. These sacred images serve as a source of inspiration and devotion for all who enter the temple.
Currently, the temple is guided by a resident Dharma master and assistant instructors, offering continuous support and guidance to practitioners. The congregation is composed of dedicated followers from Australia and across the world, representing a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Yanming Leizang Temple remains committed to spreading the Dharma, guiding practitioners on their spiritual path, and fostering harmony within an ever-growing Buddhist community.

In 2021, the temple took part in the True Buddha School’s worldwide celebration of His Holiness’ 77th birthday, joining the “Ten Thousand People Reciting 108 True Buddha Sutras” event. That same year, the temple also participated in the “24-Hour Global Relay Chanting of the Amitayus Mantra”, praying for His Holiness’ long life and continued presence in the world.
On June 11, 2022, to honor His Holiness’ 78th birthday, Yanming Leizang Temple joined the Global Longevity Three Deities Grand Offering Ceremony, specifically participating in the “Ushnisha Vijaya Offering Ceremony” to dedicate prayers for His Holiness and the well-being of all sentient beings.
Following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 11, 2023, the temple united with disciples worldwide to recite the Great Calamity Relief Mantra, offering prayers for the victims and their families. That same year, Yanming Leizang Temple also participated in a global prayer initiative for His Holiness’ health, during which disciples worldwide recited the Maha Vajra Heart Mantra. The temple further supported the “Maha Vajra Offering Ceremony” on June 24, 2023, as part of the True Buddha School’s global online celebration of His Holiness’ 79th birthday.
In November 2023, the temple joined the Global Golden Mother Offering Ceremony, once again dedicating prayers for His Holiness and aligning with the “Requesting the Buddha to Stay in the World” Dharma event.
Looking forward to 2024, Yanming Leizang Temple is preparing for several important events. In May 2024, the temple will hold a Golden Mother Fire Homa Ceremony in anticipation of His Holiness’ 80th birthday. On June 8, 2024, the temple will host a Grand Golden Mother Offering Ceremony, celebrating this milestone with deep devotion and gratitude.

Through these meaningful interactions, Yanming Leizang Temple continues to uphold the True Buddha School’s mission, fostering unity, faith, and the practice of compassion among disciples in Melbourne and beyond.

Yanming Leizang Temple actively participates in charitable work, collaborating with the Melbourne Huaguang Benevolent Society to donate offerings from ceremonies to help the local underprivileged. The temple also supports global disaster relief efforts, such as raising funds for the 2024 Hualien earthquake in Taiwan.
The temple promotes education by offering Dharma Instrument and Chinese Language Classes and provides care and support for the elderly and those in need. Through these efforts, Yanming Leizang Temple continues to serve the community with compassion and generosity.

With deep gratitude for the immense blessings of His Holiness Living Buddha Lian Sheng, Yanming Leizang Temple remains committed to upholding the principles of the True Buddha School and following the teachings of our Root Guru. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to spreading True Buddha Vajrayana practices, guiding and benefiting sentient beings, and expanding the Dharma in Melbourne, Australia.

The mandala is centered around the Golden Mother of the Jade Pond as the main deity, with many golden statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and Vajra beings enshrined. The walls are adorned with large mandala murals, and the temple features a Dragon King Pavilion and a Ksitigarbha Hall.