A person endowed with three things is to be recognized as a wise person. Which three?
Good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct, good mental conduct.
A person endowed with these three things is to be recognized as a wise person.
Lakkhana Sutta, Anguttara Nikaya III.2
Who’s the Buddha?
Although our main theme is the Buddhist Temple of Foz, let’s talk a little about this historical figure that influenced the course of history in Asia and won adepts in the West.
The above quote is found in one of the many works with speeches that his followers collected from what is called Siddhartha Gautama, Shakyamuni or simply Buddha.
Siddhartha Gautama was a prince of a noble family in Nepal, flourishing between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, who after renouncing his titles and a life of abundance and wealth, set out in search of the answers that worried him.
Due to his accumulated knowledge, he is also called Shakyamuni or the Sage of the Shakyas Clan, the clan to which he belonged, being one of its most famous members.
He became Buddha or “Enlightened One” after seeking various methods or “paths” to find the truth. He systematized his knowledge in The Four Noble Truths, being the center from which all other Buddhist teachings radiate.
His teachings are all gathered in the Pali Canon also called Tipitaka or “Three Baskets”, bringing together teachings on the most diverse topics. Many of these teachings are available on the internet and in English, for example here.
THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF FOZ DO IGUAÇU
In Foz do Iguaçu there is a Buddhist Temple, considered the second largest in Latin America, behind only the Zu Lai Temple in São Paulo.
There are two ways to get to the temple: by car or public transport, you choose. And best of all, admission to the Temple is free.
By public transport, just take bus line 103, which takes you to the Porto Belo neighborhood. He will leave you there. To arrive by car, just take Avenida Tancredo Neves, heading towards Itaipu Binacional. Using Google Maps it is very easy to get to the temple.
The official name of the Buddhist temple is Chen Tien or Temple of Heaven. It was built in 1996, through a joint effort by the Chinese community in the region to create a space and cultivate the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
WHAT IS THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE
The temple is basically a huge garden, with several statues that represent different aspects of Buddhism. But the one that stands out the most is a smiling yellow Buddha, representing Maitreya Buddha, who will renew Shakyamuni’s teachings when the world has forgotten his teachings.
Outside you can take as many photos as you want, but inside the temple it is forbidden. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy souvenirs for your friends and family.
Even if you don’t have any religion, or if you don’t have Buddhism, the tour will be very pleasant and different from everything you will see in the Triple Border.
If you come in the summer, come prepared: bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear caps or hats, because the sun is unforgivable, as the place is wide and open. But there are some trees for you to rest and get some air.
HOW TO GET THERE
Check out all the information you need to get to the Buddhist Temple.
Address: Rua Dr. Josivater Vila Nova, 99 – Jardim California, Foz do Iguaçu – PR, 85867-504
Phone: (45) 3524-5566
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Tickets: Admission is free. Inside you can buy special souvenirs.
How to get there: if you go by car, just use Google Maps; to arrive by bus, take line 103 – Porto Belo, at the Foz Urban Transport Terminal.
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