<< BIG OPENING: Reverend Miao Yu (left) and May Wang look forward to the formal opening of the Botany Buddhist temple. TIMES PHOTO BRUCE NICHOLSON.

The temple was unofficially opened to the public last year, but will host Buddhist Master Hsing Yun in October.

The 82-year-old founded the worldwide Fo Guang Shan monastic order and will travel from Taiwan to open the Botany temple on October 2.

“It’s a special occasion. We’re counting down the days,” says grand opening chief executive May Wang. “We are so pleased to see this day come.”

“With the traditional architectural design it does make it quite complicated to complete,” says Ms Wang. “There are a lot of devotees who contributed to this. We’ve had more support than obstacles.”

Local leader Reverend Miao Yu hopes the temple will continue to be a place of peace and solace for locals.

“We are welcoming everyone to come in here for guidance,” says Rev Yu.

“Buddhism is very open. We are friendly. We respect other religions as well. Some of our members are Catholic and Christian.”

She’s eagerly anticipating the visit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

“He really does what he’s saying. He’s very compassionate. He’s very tolerant – a good model of a Buddha.

“He always gives people opportunities.”

The Fo Guang Shan temple welcomes all New Zealanders regardless of race or religion, adds Ms Wang.

“The temple is for everyone,” she says. “We’d like to see the temple become a public place for everyone.”

It’s enjoyed positive feedback from the community, she adds.

“We respect the local people. They are very happy that they have the opportunity to come in and see what the temple is like.”