Ashoka Pillar stands tall in Australia

A five-metre-high Ashoka Pillar now stands at a monastery located midway between Sydney and Canberra, in a celebration of the spread of Buddhism from India to Australia. The pillar stands on a pagoda next to a topographical world map showing the spread of Buddhism - one of the fastest growing religions in Australia.

Believed to be the first Ashoka Pillar in Australia, it has been installed at the Sunnataram Forest Monastery in the verdant surroundings of the Southern Highlands.

"This is a truly historic event. The Ashoka Pillar, whose Lion Capitol is the national emblem of India, symbolises the global relevance of the principles of truth, non-violence, tolerance and compassion," Sujan R. Chinoy, consul general of India in Sydney, said.

On one side, breathtaking views of the mountainous Kangaroo Valley and on the other one sees the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Little wonder the Sunnataram Forest Monastery attracts hundreds of people of all nationalities, especially on weekends, for meditation, relaxation and healing.

The monastery is dotted with carved sandstone "Life of the Buddha" panels, copied from the Sanchi Stupa in India, on display in the garden and under trees.

Artists in Thailand carved the Ashoka Pillar and monks and volunteers of the monastery built the supporting base from sandstone.

"This is to express our gratitude to Emperor Ashoka for his foresight in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha to different parts of the world. It has made it possible for us to practise the teachings of the Buddha in Australia today," says Kim McSweeney, secretary of the monastery.

He is also chairperson of the Gratitude Pagoda Project, which includes the world map and a museum.

Recorded in Australia’s 2006 census were 418,755 Buddhists a total of 8.9% of the population. Between 1996 and 2001, the number of people affiliated with Buddhism increased by 79%, reflecting the growth in migrants from India and other parts of Asia.