South Australia’s first Buddhist burial garden opens

South Australia’s first dedicated Buddhist burial area – complete with a 4m high Buddha statue – will officially open at Enfield Memorial Park this Sunday (April 3).

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia, will unveil the new Buddhist Garden in front of more than 400 people.

The special event will feature a lion dance, fire crackers and an official blessing by senior leaders of the various Buddhist sects, including the Most Venerable Thich Nhu Hue, transforming the garden into pure land.

Adelaide Cemeteries Authority CEO Robert Pitt says the new Buddhist Garden will meet the specific burial needs of the state’s emerging Buddhist community, but says anyone can be interred in the garden regardless of faith or ethnicity.

“The Buddhist community in South Australia has been longing for a sacred burial area and special place of remembrance, so the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority is delighted to be able to help,” said Mr Pitt, adding there will be 115 burial sites, including vaults, as well as 280 cremation memorial sites within the Buddhist Garden.

“We have worked collaboratively with the Buddhist community over the past two years to establish the garden within Enfield Memorial Park. This has ensured an authentic and culturally inclusive design, including special items such as an incense bowl and offering table to enable Buddhist customs and traditions to be carried out.”

Mr Pitt said Bodhi trees – also known as “wisdom trees” – will be planted by the community, while a circular road has been built around the garden to enable funeral processions to circumnavigate the Buddha statue three times prior to interment, in accordance with Buddhist funeral customs.

“We feel privileged to provide such a special place for the Buddhist community,” said Mr Pitt. “The Buddhist Garden is evidence of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to meaningful community engagement and to provide all cultural and religious groups with a place to gather and remember.”

The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority (www.aca.sa.gov.au) is SA’s leading provider of cemetery, burial and cremation services, and is responsible for the operation of West Terrace Cemetery, Enfield Memorial Park, Cheltenham Cemetery and Smithfield Memorial Park.

Further information: Contact Tony Amato, ACA Marketing and Communications Team Leader, on 8139 7438 or 0403 010 131.

Issued by Hughes Public Relations: Contact Kieran Hall on 0422 147 151 or kieran@hughespr.com.au.