The launch marks the culmination of extensive research, fieldwork, and a nationwide survey, the first of its kind in Australia, offering a comprehensive portrait of Buddhist practice and identity in the country.

A Voice for the Sangha

At the heart of the project is a survey that gathered responses from 2,317 Buddhists across seven languages, providing compelling insights into the attitudes, practices, and lived experiences of the nation's diverse Buddhist community. This unprecedented data set promises to illuminate how Buddhists in Australia understand their faith, their sense of belonging, and their engagement with the wider society.

The project report, freely available online, will serve as both a mirror and a map, reflecting the community back to itself while charting its place within the broader Australian landscape.

A Digital Atlas of the Dharma

Complementing the report is an interactive Digital Atlas that traces the footsteps of Buddhism in Australia from the 19th century to the present day. With over 80 locations mapped, temples, communities, and historical figures, the atlas weaves together video interviews, location filming, and archival research gathered over two years of fieldwork. It is, in essence, a pilgrimage without leaving one's seat, inviting users to explore the living history of the Dharma in this vast continent.

Education as a Path of Understanding

Recognising the importance of passing on this knowledge to future generations, the project also includes a set of free, curriculum-mapped educational resources designed for use alongside the Digital Atlas. These materials, tailored for students from Foundation to Year 10, will assist teachers in introducing the history of Buddhism in Australia to young minds, fostering understanding and appreciation of the Buddhist contribution to Australian society.

A Collaborative Effort

The project is led by Nan Tien Institute in collaboration with Deakin University, Western Sydney University, and Charles Darwin University, and is generously sponsored by the Hsing Yun Education Foundation. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of engaged Buddhism, bringing together academic rigour, community wisdom, and institutional support to serve a greater good.

A Ten-Minute Journey Through History

For those seeking a concise overview, a 10-minute highlight video traces the historical development of Buddhism in Australia, drawing from the project's location videos and interviews. It is a moving testament to the resilience and growth of the Dharma in a land that has become home to many Buddhist traditions.

Join the Launch

The public launch will be held online, hosted from Nan Tien Institute in Unanderra, New South Wales. All are welcome to register in advance to join the event and celebrate this significant milestone in the Australian Buddhist story.

As the Buddha taught, "When there is understanding, there is no conflict." This project, through its careful research and generous sharing of knowledge, offers a path toward deeper understanding, of the Buddhist community, of Australian society, and of the timeless Dharma that continues to illuminate lives across this continent.

May all beings be well, happy, and at peace.

---

Event Details:

- What: Public Launch of Buddhism in Australia: Wellbeing, Belonging and Social Engagement
- When: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at 10:00 AM AEST
- Where: Online (hosted from Nan Tien Institute, Unanderra, NSW)

- Register: https://buddhisminaustralia.org/join-our-project-report-edu-resources-launch/

- Project Website: https://buddhisminaustralia.org/

- Highlight Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Icf_1H0Dg