Nestled into the Kelmscott foothills, on an idyllic plot formerly used as a vineyard by the Dagostino family, lies a place dedicated to sharing the path to internal peace.
The Cambodian Buddhist Society of Western Australia purchased the property on Scott Road in 2008, with the mission of creating a monastery which more wholly aligned with the Buddha’s teachings.
There was always an intention to open their doors to the wider community, welcoming people of all beliefs to come and meditate and learn the benefits of mindfulness.
But the local community was cautious at first, and it took six years for the monastery to even gain planning approval.
One of the society’s committee members, Tholla Chan, explained how a majority of their neighbours were won over when the monastery opened their doors to and fed people in need in the aftermath of the Kelmscott/Roleystone bushfires.
“That was good karma,” she said.
Tholla said Cambodians were grateful to Australia for its role in helping establish a free general election in Cambodia in 1993, and their continued support to rebuild the country after the wars.
“Many thousands of Cambodians have been resettled here and are very happy to call Australia home,” she said.
“We are grateful to the Australian community for embracing us into their community with love and compassion.
“So, when we were setting up the monastery, we knew we wanted to be engaged with the wider community. After all, we are based on two principles here: gratitude to Buddha and to Australia.”
The monastery hosts regular free meditation sessions for anyone wishing to participate.
And in 2018, it established its senior friendship group – which creates a space for people to learn about mindfulness and meditation, and share their life experiences without judgment.
Wendy Mahoney has been a member of the group since the very beginning, after picking up a pamphlet in her local RSL.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I first rocked up,” she said. “But I enjoyed listening to the monks talk and sharing with like-minded people.
“Now when I tell people I’m part of a Buddhist community I get funny looks.
“But we don’t run around like monks or anything. And the emphasis is on mindfulness, not religion.
“For me, the biggest benefit is the camaraderie and friendship I’ve found here.”
For Chris, the Monday sessions at the monastery help her to approach her life with a more zen-like energy.
“I’m sure everybody takes something away with them. I carry peacefulness out of here with me and try to extend it as long as I can,” she said.
“But before long I’m drawn back in to the hustle and bustle of suburbia, and find myself snapping at my husband when he annoys me.
“And then it’s Monday again and that calmness starts to come back to me on the drive up. It’s a great way to start the week.”
Judy Emmanuel has been part of the group for five years and feels the same.
“I know when I leave here, I always go away much calmer,” she said. “It has helped me in my daily life to be more considerate and to think about things from another person’s perspective.
“It’s a way of life – it’s not about religion being shoved down your throat.
“We now come pretty well every night to meditate, and I’ve gotten to meet some lovely monks, each with their own interesting stories.”
For Margaret, her first encounter with Buddhism left an indelible impression.
“When my children were little and I was feeling overwhelmed, a friend invited me to meditate and it was exactly what I needed,” she said.
“I connected with everything the monk was saying, and it’s become the benchmark of how I live my life.
“It uplifts me – I feel as if I’m a better person.
“And I’ve since taught my children, my husband, and even my brother.”
The senior friendship group is free to attend and meets from 10am to 2pm each Monday.
From 10.30am the group offers alms (food) to the monks in residence, before participating in a meditation and shared lunch. The afternoon is usually spent cleaning and chatting.
“I enjoy listening to conversations. I take in people’s stories, I learn a lot, and it all adds to me,” Chris said.
Anyone interested in participating can show up in person on the day, or is welcome to send an email to Tholla at cbswa56@gmail.com for more information.
There are also a number of special festivals each year in which the community is welcome to attend. The next one is Meak Bochea, this Sunday from 10am at 56 Scott Road, Kelmscott. More information can be found at https://thecbswa.org/
