November 2019 Edition 140 Chung Tian Buddhist Temple 1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Website: www.chungtian.org.au Newsletter BLIAQ Email: [email protected] Buddha’s Light International Association Queensland Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522

HIGHLIGHTS

Thoughts on The Middle Way and The Four Gives

The Meanings of Dharma Instruments

Refreshing & Healing Greetings to all our readers A Visit to Chung Tian Once again, the past month has been busy. Term four classes have begun, and the Pilgrim Lodge project is progressing well, both with planning behind the scenes, and actual clearing and construction work in situ. Preparations for other events are also well underway, and Gary mentions SAVE THESE DATES some of these in his From the President’s Diary segment. In this month’s newsletter we have the regular items: Our Beautiful Temple

9 November which looks specifically at the Dharma instruments, Words of Venerable Master BLIAQ AGM , Meet Your BLIAQ committee, and there is also a short reflective piece sent in by Kim. 17 November 2.00.pm Service: Taking Refuge I encourage you all, please do send in items for the newsletter, this could be in The Triple Gem Service suggestions, contributions of photographs, poems, thoughts, etc., because this publication is a Newsletter for you and your Branch. 24 November Last week of Term 4 Classes

15 December Contents this issue Page Council Markets From the Editor’s Pen 2 Our Beautiful Temple: The Bodhisattva Hall part 3 3 Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun 5 Please see page 9 for a full Meet your BLIAQ Branch Committee 6 list of November events Diary Reminders from your Branch President 7 A Branch Member‘s Refreshing Visit to Chung Tian 8 Chung Tian Temple Events for November 9 Term 4 Meditation, Buddhist, Tai Chi, and Children’s Classes 10

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Thoughts from the Editors Pen I have recently had cause to reflect on what it means to embrace ‘The Four Gives’ and to follow the Middle Way. How do we translate this into an all-inclusive loving kindness and compassion for humanity? With the words of Venerable Miao Guang’s recent lecture still lingering with me, I found myself reflecting on events from childhood.

Very many years ago my best friend at primary school was the daughter of our local vicar, and I would often stay with her at the vicarage for the weekend or in the school holidays. The church was ‘High’ Anglican where many rituals with incense formed a regular part of the Sunday morning services. This was systematically criticised by some in the parish as ‘being too [Roman] Catholic’. However, Father Brown was not deterred. In fact, very little daunted him. He was something of a controversial figure and frequently received reprimands from the Bishop for stepping outside conventional themes for his Sunday morning sermons. He questioned things and challenged his congregation to do the same. Needless to say, I liked him. My friend’s father would often take us around very old churches in the Yorkshire Dales. We would spend hours exploring the old graveyards, often taking brass rubbings from inside or around the churches some of which were centuries old. All the while he told us the history of it all. Looking back, I realise conversations I had with my friend’s father were quite theological and adult, even though I was only in primary school. One memory I have of him is that he said I must never accept things that are told to me as being the truth. I must seek the answers for myself and question all things - even what he said. With this, he had given me (a young child), permission to ask questions, to be inquisitive and to challenge! He also said I must interpret the results of my observations and investigations for myself. In fact, he was articulating words of The Buddha, although he may not have realised that - or perhaps he did. Another memory (and I must have been about eight years old) was that he once had a monk staying at the vicarage. I don’t know if it was a Buddhist monk or not, but he was certainly of a very different faith. The old guard parish bigots were up in arms. What heresy! What was the man thinking of to have this person under the roof of a Vicarage? At the time I did not really understand, I saw my friend’s father as a good and kind man who treated everyone the same. I also liked his visitor. Although I did not always agree with everything my friend’s father said, I knew I could question him without fear or favour. Quite a rare state of affairs for a young child back in the very early 1950s. Early Buddhist teaching tells us that Middle Way does not mean compromise. In Professor Karunadasa’s book Early Buddhist Teachings2 he tells us the Buddha taught that the Middle Way is the Eightfold Noble Path. It is not a compromise between two extreme viewpoints or positions. It is the right way. Karunadasa goes on to say “If the Buddha-to-be’s lay life of luxury as a royal prince exemplifies one extreme, his life as an ascetic, practicing austerities, exemplifies the other. His attainment of enlightenment by giving up both extremes shows the efficacy of the middle path for deliverance from suffering”. Master Hsing Yun’s teachings expand on this for us, and through The Four Gives he shows us how to practice compassion with wisdom to everyone - whatever their position or belief. Today I think of the multifaith services that our Temple Monastics and our BLIAQ members are often a part of. I also recall the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun when he spoke to those construction workers of many different faiths at ground Zero back at 9/11 when he started the prayer by saying “O Great Compassionate God, Allah, Mohamed, Jesus and Buddha”1. Surely this was giving people at that Ground Zero gathering, Hope, Joy, Consideration, and Convenience. It was also demonstrating the Middle Way, never criticising or being concerned with positions taken by others who were present. Master Hsing Yun has said ‘The spirit of Humanistic encourages us to blend in with others, instead of seeing the self and others as separate beings on opposite stances.’3 It is easy to show loving kindness to people we care about and understand – people who are like us or think like us. The real test is to continue along the Middle Way and demonstrate the Four Gives towards those we have difficulty relating to, those who are different, or have opposing even extreme positions, views and beliefs. For this month’s selected Words of Master Hsing Yun, I have chosen excerpts that I believe demonstrate and show us the path towards the Middle Way and The Four Gives.

1 For this source see the Lecture by Venerable Miao Guang. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLciGmn7L9lp62vNbD5BfXFsncAEWsC2Ju 2Karunadasa, Y. (2014) Early Buddhist Teachings: The Middle Position in Theory and Practice. Wisdom Publications: First published by Centre of Buddhist Studies, 2013 The University of Hong Kong. 3 Venerable Master Hsing Yun Holding True to the Original Intents of the Buddha, p. xxi 2016.Fo Guan Cultural Enterprise Co.

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Our Beautiful Temple The Bodhisattva Hall Part 3

Dharma instruments play a significant role This great gong is also known as the King in Temple services and protocols. In this article of the Dharma instruments but not everyone is we look at some of them. allowed to strike the gong. In many temples Chinese Buddhist music uses many and monasteries, the great gong is struck by instruments and chants. Other than the the Venerable or Master to set the pace and inverted Bell that originated from India, the pitch of the chanting, and also at the instruments such as the gong, large bell, conclusion of the service to indicate its end. In wooden fish, large drum, small cymbals, large some Temples the gong is rung each morning cymbals and Chinese tambourine, are native to followed by the drum. This alerts all sentient China, and all found in early Chinese folk and 1 beings that night is over, and it is time to Buddhist music. awaken. In the evening the order is reversed One instrument located in front of the with the drum beaten first and then the gong. altar, is a round ‘wooden fish’ ‘木魚’. In Buddhist Temples it is normally placed to the left in front of the Altar. This instrument is very important as it is usually the lead in chanting services. The ‘wooden fish’ is a block normally carved from walnut, camphor or ebony. It has a resonance chamber that produces a loud sharp sound as it is struck. This is to help the mind to focus. It also has two big fish-like eyes and scales, reminding During chanting sessions or Dharma us that just as a fish never closes its eyes and is functions in a temple, three consecutive therefore always ‘awake’, we should be sounds will enable all participants to regulate similarly ‘alive’ with our eyes always open in their thoughts and calm their minds. ‘QIANG! earnest diligence and dedication to Buddhist QIANG! QIANG!’ By doing this, people are able practice. to achieve better interactions with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through deeper sincerity. Also, on the far right of the Altar are the large drum (Ch. gu) ⼤鐘與⼤⿎, and small hand

bell 引磬. The drum is used during chanting and

the sound symbolises the end of the cycle of

rebirth which inevitably leads to happiness.

Another Dharma instrument is the large In traditional Chinese monasteries the gong or bow bell (Da Qing) on the right in front bell is rung 108 times, three sets of eighteen of the Altar. Bow Bells are usually cast from quickly and three sets of eighteen slow chimes. copper and can range from thirty to sixty Each chime is said to provide temporary relief centimetres in diameter. Sometimes they are from suffering for the beings in hell. also known as Chimes.

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struck in the main Hall, it is appropriate to include it here. In a temple, why is it necessary to sound the board signal? In a temple, the time for getting up in the early morning, sleeping at night, mealtimes, for gathering people to Dharma functions or for meditation may all be signalled by striking a wooden board. In ancient times, there was no clock, hence, The human voice can also be considered a the ‘wooden board’ was the instrument to inform Dharma instrument. This is particularly so when it is people the time for a certain activity or used for chanting. Chanting gives us the gathering. Different ways of hitting the board opportunity to learn, reinforce, and reflect upon represent different meanings and functions, various Buddhist teachings, as well as to venerate mainly for reporting the time and what is to take Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the virtues they place. embody. There are many different chants, the texts Life in a monastery, specified by the board of which are usually entire sutras (teachings of the signal is orderly. The daily routines of morning or Buddha), Dharanis (essences of sutras), mantras evening chanting, mealtimes, work and rest, are all (short symbolic phrases, also known as mystical disciplined by sounding the board signal. It is also chant), or the names of particular Buddhas and intended to remind people to be diligent in Bodhisattvas. cultivation, since life and death are impermanent. Times for chanting vary, but monastics Hitting the board is also cultivation because generally chant each morning and evening. Chanting the mind of the person must be calm and stable, is frequently an integral part of Buddhist first contemplating that under the blessings of all ceremonies. Special chanting services provide Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, all are willing to hear participants with an extended period of spiritual the board signal. It is hoped that all Buddhas, cultivation through chanting. Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, saints, and sages The rituals practiced in the Bodhisattva Hall will come to the gathering to share the Dharma joy, have similar meanings to making offerings. Bowing and all sentient beings in the three lower realms and kneeling are performed to show humility, while when hearing the sound will stop suffering. as previously mentioned, chanting the sutras gives The person hitting the board must walk with the opportunity to learn, reinforce and reflect upon dignity and mindfully recite the Buddha’s name the teachings of the Buddha. It is Buddhist practice with contemplation. The board signal must be for all to chant morning and evening each day. calm and pleasing to hear, not too quick or slow, Similarly, the three prostrations performed by not too heavy or light. Usually, it is performed by Monastics and devotees represent The Triple Gem. walking around the temple once and ending at the 2 We are fortunate here at Chung Tian as we front of the Main Shrine. have the English Chanting Service on Sunday mornings, as well as the Chanting Services in Mandarin on Saturdays, together with many other special day services throughout the year all providing us with opportunity to be an active part of the Chung Tian Humanistic Buddhism community. There is another ‘instrument’ we have not mentioned, and that is the Wooden Board that is struck regularly at all corners of the courtyard. The Chinese name for this is '打板’ which literally means ‘hitting the board’. Although technically it is not

1 Sounds of the Dharma, Buddhism, and Music. Ven Master Hsing Yun 2006 BLP Glenmark Dr. Hacienda Heights Ca. 2Thanks to Elaine Pun for her assistance with information regarding the Wooden Board . Thanks also to Fran for going the extra mile for the photo of the Wooden Board. For Those wanting to learn more about Dharma instruments Venerable Master Hsi ng Yun’s book “Bells, Gongs and Wooden Fish” is an excellent resource. Available in the Temple Bookshop and Art Gallery. 4

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Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun

The spirit of Humanistic Buddhism encourages us to blend in with others instead of seeing the self and others as separate beings on opposite stances. All beings are connected as one, and everything in this world is related to us. We believe that the Truths of Dependent Origination and Middle Path, as realized by the Buddha, are in fact the Truths taught in Humanistic Buddhism. The inheritance of belief in these Truths symbolizes the faith of Humanistic Buddhism.1

Faith can be complex and diverse, yet everything becomes simple in Humanistic Buddhism, based on the belief that our buddha-nature can make anything possible. While the levels and categories of faith may vary, the teachings of all faiths can be harmonized by the concept of Humanistic Buddhism, which embraces all, and serves as a faith for humanity as a whole.1

Buddhism is often called “the middle path” because of the great rewards that can be gained by equal mindedness. When we are equal minded, we do not see a distinction between friend and foe, we do not notice resentment, and do not feel selfish. Deep equal mindedness is a positives state that rests in the knowledge that all beings are one and that generosity is the only natural state of the heart.2

1Humanistic Buddhism Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha, Master Hsing Yun 2016. P.xv. Fo Guang Cultural Enterprises Co. Ltd. 2 Buddhism Pure and Simple p 95. Master Hsing Yun 2001 Weatherhill. Inc. 41 Monroe Turnpike Trumbull Connecticut

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Meet Your BLIAQ Chung Tian Branch This Month- the Newsletter Editor(s)

For just over twelve months I have been the editor of this newsletter. I cannot claim all the credit

though, as my husband David does all the layout, graphics and work on the photographs as well as suggestions for some of the writing. Hence the accompanying photo shows us both, although he insisted on being portrayed in black and white thus giving me the glory of full colour. As well as editor, I am an occasional Dharma Class teacher, usually for the level three class covering the Eight Realisations. This month it is my turn to be in the hot seat and answer the questions we have put to your other committee members. So here goes:

I first came to Chung Tian in 2012, as my young grandson Darwei was one of a very small group of seven-year-olds learning Chinese after school. His teacher invited the children and their families to Chung Tian for an extension excursion. As a proud grandma I tagged along. I felt an immediate connection with the place, and shortly after enrolled Darwei here in the Sunday Bodhi Children’s class, bringing him each week for that first term. I usually joined in with the children’s Tai Chi, then during the other part of his classes I wandered around the Temple just soaking up the wonder of the place. The next term I enrolled in the Buddhism and Meditation classes myself. David followed shortly afterwards, and we have been coming here ever since.

Have I always been a Buddhist? No, but I have always had an affinity with eastern religion and philosophy, and I felt that somehow the religious teachings I had as a child, were not quite the full or even the real picture. It was not enough and didn’t give me the answers I needed. I wasn’t even sure what the questions were that I should be asking, yet I somehow knew I would find them one day. Obviously, I have, (well most of them).

What is my most memorable moment at Chung Tian? There are two really. One was when I did my first meditation class with Venerable Miao Lai. At the end of the meditation she spoke to us and said, “Please think of this Temple as your Spiritual Home.” That resonated with me, and also with David. We very much wanted to do just that as it seemed to fill a void in our lives. The second very special experience was when we took the Five Precepts in November of 2014, I found the service and particularly the chanting that seemed to fill the entire Temple, quite moving.

A little more about me? I am a vegetarian and do not eat any kind of meat or fish. That has been a total commitment since the Five Precepts and has not been at all difficult as I am also an animal lover- whatever their kind. Feathers, fur, scales, shell, skin, fin, legs or wing. All are sentient beings. Although I must confess that for a long time, I had difficulty viewing a spider as a sentient being that I should protect and respect. No doubt some of you who have been in my classes would know that, however I think I have overcome that hurdle now!

My interests? are genealogy, music, and restoring the hundred-year-old Queenslander that has been our home for more than forty years. My greatest passion is writing, and that has been my sanity saver for many years, although there are those who know me well who would say it’s not working! I like to think I have a good sense of humour and my favourite role of all time is that of grandmother. I should add that the poison I struggle with most is pride.

So, there you have it – your editor in an abbreviated nutshell. With Metta Hilary Lennon

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Branch Vice-President Diary Notes It is almost the end of the year and The Temple is already planning major events for the beginning of next year. Many of our branch members are preparing for some of these, especially the Neighbourhood Cultural Day, Chinese New Year and the new event of the Local Council Markets. Please do consider trying to donate your unwanted books for the branch’s book stall, as it has proved a great success in previous years.

As mentioned last month, Ralph has kindly provided a link to the lecture given recently at our temple by Venerable Miao Guang. For those who were not able to attend, I do encourage you to view this. Venerable Miao Guang is a most entertaining and knowledgeable speaker who dealt with profound concepts of Buddhism explained in a simple but informative way. Please click this link to access the talk and do subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLciGmn7L9lp62vNbD5BfXFsncAEWsC2Ju

Some of the events for you to note in your diary for next month and into 2020 include:

• 2019 BLIAQ AGM 9th November at 2 P.M. • 2019 Taking Refuge in the Tipple Gem Service Sunday 17th November • 2019 Local Council Markets event 15th December, part of which will be in our Temple grounds. • 2020 New Year’s Day Pilgrimage 1st January 6 A.M. At the Temple • 2020 CNY eve 24th January from 6 P.M. • 2020 CNY day 25th January from 10 A.M. • 2020 Neighbourhood Cultural Day 2nd February 09.30 till 3.30 P.M. • 2020 Oceania Conference Auckland N Z, 26 June till 28 June.

A reminder too that term four classes are now underway, and the final class will be November 24th.

Hoping to see many of you at our Sunday morning English Chanting Services.

Omituofo Gary

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Visit to Chung Tian

Refreshing and Healing

I recently felt the need to spend some quality time with mum after my being unwell for about a week. I thought ‘what better place to refresh than a visit to Chung Tian and the Waterdrop Tea House’ (AKA "the office"). We sat inside and enjoyed a nice hot cuppa together with the conversation flowing easily, as it always does between my mum and myself...... I'm very fortunate to have both my mum and a great friend and support. Mum doesn't visit the temple regularly so we were able to talk about the changes that will be happening here with the next stage of building etc. I love being able to share with her like this. We went for a walk, stepping into the old tea room where mum had a read of the newsletter folder (that is there for people to keep up-to-date with the English Newsletter) and I had a cursory brush up on some notes by having a quick read through the "What is Buddhism" handbook. I actually got quite involved, so I grabbed a copy of the free booklet to bring home and finish reading. I will let you all know what I re-learn!!!

Then we walked through the courtyard, looked at the noticeboards, especially the first which displayed a copy of the Chung Tian Branch English Newsletter. On the other side currently is a vibrant display of posters (provided by the branches attached to the Temple) showing activities that each branch has been involved in throughout the year. So much has taken place, with everyone busy, involved, and obviously enjoying the opportunity for friendship and camaraderie with peers.

By the end of our visit I felt refreshed and revived. Even after mum and I left, the feelings of freshness and calmness carried on. It was so different after my previously feeling quite unwell and vulnerable to the stressors of today. Being surrounded by the "vibe" of my temple home had (as always) been a healing and reassuring gift.

Amitoufo Kim Perryman

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Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple Activities for November 2019

Date Day Time Program 9 Nov. 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service (Diamond Sutra)

Sat 2:00pm BLIAQ AGM 10 Nov. 13:30pm- Chung Tian Choir Concert Sun 3:00pm 11 Nov. (Lunar Mon 11:00am Bright Light Dharma Service (Grand Offering) 15/10) 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service (Vows of Samantabhadra 16 Nov. Sat Bodhisattva Sutra) 1:30pm BLIAQ Monthly Presidents Meeting 17 Nov. Sun 2:00pm Taking Refuge in Triple Gem 23 Nov. Sat 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service (Chanting Buddha’s name) 26 Nov. (Lunar Tue 11:00am Bright Light Dharma Service (Grand Offering) 1/11) 30 Nov. 10:30am Buddhist Chanting Service with Merit Transfer to the Sat Deceased Wed 9:30am-12:00pm English Basic Class Every week Thur. 9:30am-12:00pm English Progressive Class Fri 9:30am-12:00pm English Intermediate Class Wed 9:30am-11:00am Every week Sat 9:00am-10:30am Chung Tian Tai Chi Class Sun 8:30am-10:00am 2nd & 3rd 10:30am- Thur. Buddhist Chanting Service (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan) week/month 12:00pm

10:30am- 4th week/month Thur. Group Study (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan) 12:00pm 9:00am-12:00pm Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Classes Chung Tian School City Centre Children/ Teenagers Chinese Every week Sat 1:30pm-4:30pm Classes (South Bank) Chung Tian School Adult Chinese Class Every week Chinese and Cantonese Buddhist Classes Term 4 Not on 9 Sat 1:30pm-3:00pm Nov. Every week Sat 1:30pm-3:30pm Children Painting Class Gold Coast Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Every week Sun 9:00am-12:00pm Classes (Gold Coast Fo Guang Yuan) Chung Tian School Children/Teenagers Chinese Classes 9:00am-12:00pm English Buddhist and Meditation Classes (Level 1-Level 4) Every week Sun 10:00am- English Children/Teenagers Buddhist Classes 11:00am Every week Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm Buddha’s Light Scout Group Activities Every week Sun 1:30pm-3:00pm Chung Tian Choir Regersal Every week Sun 9:00am-9:40am English Chanting Service

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2019 Term 4 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple

Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Level: Level 2 Level: Level 3 Day: Sunday Day: Sunday Day: Sunday Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Time: 9:00am-10:00am (Meditation) Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) 10:10am-11:00am (Buddhist talk) 11:10am-12:00am (Meditation) Cost: 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $30 per term - Booking required $30 per term - Booking required Cost: $30 per term - Booking required

Bodhi Class For Children Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Ages: 4 - 12 years Ì To book for the Buddhist Class Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am classes, an application form Level: Level 4 (Free for BLIAQ members) Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Day: Sunday must be completed and returned Cost: $30 per term Date 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 to the Chung Tian Temple’s Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. Time: 10:00am-11:00am (Meditation) reception together with full Ì Children are taught Buddhist morals and 11:10am-12:00am (Buddhist talk) payment at least a week prior ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are Cost: $30 per term – booking is required backed by fun activities which include: simple to the course commence date. meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories and Ì For all enquiries please Tai Chi Class virtues, craft activities and team-building games. contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday Day: Every Wednesday to Sunday, or email: Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Teenager’s Buddhist Class [email protected] Where: Chung Tian Temple Ages: 13 - 19 years or see www.chungtian.org.au Cost: Free donation Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Thank you Tai Chi Class Date: 20 Oct 2019 – 24 Nov 2019 Day: Every Saturday Cost: $30 per term Time: 9.00am – 10.30am Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family Where: Chung Tian Temple will be free. Cost: Free donation Ì The intermediate Dharma class builds on Tai Chi Class and expands the basic foundations of Buddhist Day: Every Sunday learning, aiming for a practical approach and Time: 8.30am – 10.00am solutions to challenges issues faced by young Where: Chung Tian Temple people today. Cost: Free donation

Please send items & suggestions for inclusion in the newsletter to: [email protected] with the word “Newsletter” in the 10 subject. If referring to another person by name (or photograph) in your submission, please ensure you have their permission to do so. A special thank you to Peter Wu, Fran & 惜寬 for their photographs, also to Kim for sharing recent special moments at the Temple.