The Brooking Street Bugle

Issue No. 101 (New Series)
ISSN 1321 - 1463

Publication Date: 2 March, 2004

Published and Printed by the Chan Academy Australia.
Chan Academy is a registered business name of the
Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.
A.C.N. 005 701 806 A.B.N. 42 611 496 488
33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria 3158 Australia
Telephone and Fax: +61 3 9754 3334
E-mail address: wbu@bdcu.org.au
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre
Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University





Lifetimes of Learning
and the cultivation of Friendliness, Practicality, Professionalism,
Cultural Adaptability and Scholarship

Our websites:

www.bdcu.org.au
www.bddronline.net.au
www.bdcublessings.net.au
www.bsbonline.com.au
www.buyresolved.com.au

Editor: Leanne Eames, B.A., M.A.
Assistant Editors: Anita M. Hughes, RN Div 1,
David Ley, Architect (UK), BBlgs

Chan Academy Australia
Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Disclaimer

As we, the Chan Academy Australia, Chan Academy being a registered business name of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., do not control the actions of our service providers from time to time, make no warranty as to the continuous operation of our web site(s). Also, we make no assertion as to the veracity of any of the information included in any of the links with our web sites, or any other source accessed through our website(s).

Accordingly, we accept no liability to any user or subsequent third party, either expressed or implied, whether or not caused by error or omission on either our part, and member, employee or other person associated with the Chan Academy Australia, Chan Academy being a registered business name of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

May You Be Well and Happy.

The Purposes of this Publication

The purposes of this publication are to:

Inform Members and others of coming events.

Report on monitoring of current activities and policies.

Help Members and friends understand the benefits of using technology in our organisation for Teaching Buddha Dhamma.

Write in a style recognisable by those who use English as a second language.

Provide glossaries and definitions for key terms used for teaching Buddha Dhamma.

Improve, report and develop cash generating activities to promote Buddha Dhamma.

Show examples of Buddha Dhamma education within our five styles of cultivation in action.

Provide timely advice on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).

Declare, celebrate and record scheduled Buddhist educational events.

Provide accurate information via our websites on how we educate on Buddha Dhamma legally in Victoria, Australia.

Provide opportunities for Buddha Dhamma activities and ceremonies.

Assist our globalisation of Buddha Dhamma education policy.

Provide text for our online version of the Brooking Street Bugle at www.bsbonline.com.au.

Index

1. Glossary
2. Sangha News
3. Coming Events
4. Company Structure
5. Keynote Opportunities
6. Appeals and Special Projects
7. Current Research and Development Interests
8. Information Technology News
9. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
10. Corporate Governance & Reporting (CGR)
11. International Dhamma Activities (IDA)
12. Local Area Planning & Asset Management (LAPAM)
13. WBU News
14. Funds Appeal
15. Photographs
16. Transferring of Merit

Copyright Provisions

The Brooking Street Bugle is for free distribution. It contains Buddha Dhamma material and is provided for the purposes of research and study. It is also published online with colour photographs at www.bsbonline.com.au. Brooking Street Bugle On Line is a registered Business Name in the state of Victoria. Permission is given to make printouts of this publication for free distribution only with acknowledgements of the source, Australian Company Number ACN, Australian Business Number ABN and publication address. Please keep it in a clean place.

"The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts".
© 2002, Copyright. Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

1. Glossary

2. Sangha News

Venerable Dhammadharo and five other Venerable Monks visited our Centre at 5:00pm on 9 January 2003.

Members came to pay respect and make offerings to the Monks.

Venerable Dhammadharo spoke about the need to respect the Vinaya rules, and the importance of harmony between fellow practitioners.

We thank Venerable Dhammadharo for his great kindness to the Students of our late Teacher Master John D. Hughes.

Meeting of Thai Buddhist Monks held at Wat Dhammarangsee Temple, Forest Hill, Melbourne 30 January 2003 - 3 February 2004

Members of the Chan Academy Australia attended Wat Dhammarangsee Temple, 389 Springvale Road, Forest Hill, Melbourne several times over a four day period to make dana offerings to 35 Thai Buddhist Monks who were at the Temple for a biannual meeting.

The Monks in attendance were from Thai Buddhist Temples in Australia together with Monks visiting Australia from Thailand for the meeting. One of the purposes of the meeting was to discuss the development and future planning of the Australian Thai Buddhist Temples in this Thai Buddhist order.

Melbourne was very fortunate to host the meeting of Monks, the most senior of whom was Venerable Somdaj Pra Yanvarodom, Abbot of Wat Devasirindravas, Bangkok, Thailand. Venerable is President of Mahamakut Buddhist University in Thailand and the second most senior Buddhist Monk in Thailand.

On Saturday 31 January 2003 an examination on Buddha Dhamma was also conducted for laypersons as part of the meeting activities.

Buddha Relics

On 17 January 2004 Anita Hughes was presented with three (3) original Buddha Relics given to Frank Carter by Venerable U Pannathami on 11 December 1982, and one (1) Buddha Relic given to him by Venerable Manivong.

The Chan Academy Australia (Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.) now has six (6) Buddha Relics located in the Stupa on the main Altar in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

1. Original Buddha Relic given to John D. Hughes on 11th December 1982 in Sydney NSW by the Venerable U Pannathami Thera, at Wat Buddharangsee. This relic arrived at 33 Brooking Street on 19 December 1982.

2. Original Buddha Relics given to Julie O'Donnell by John D. Hughes, from the original stock given to John D. Hughes by Venerable U Pannathami.

3. Original Buddha Relics given to Frank Carter by Venerable U Pannathami on 11 December 1982

3. Coming Events

Puja

On Monday 8 March 2004 Francisco So will conduct the 'Chakra Samvara' Puja. The first session will commence at 9.30am to 11.30am and the second session will commence at 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

All Members and friends are welcome to attend and may bring Puja offerings such as flowers, round shaped fruit, incense, red grape juice and other suitable offerings.

For further information, please contact Julie O'Donnell on 9754 5606.

New Buddha Dhamma Teaching Program

We are inviting Members of the Sangha to come to our Temple to give Dhamma talks on Monday and Friday evenings as part of our Buddha Dhamma Teaching Program for 2004. Classes commence at 7.30pm.

We thank the Venerable Sangha for blessing our Temple, Members and Friends and accepting our request.

May the Buddha Dhamma be taught at our Temple.

Members and students are welcome to attend and are requested to bring suitable offerings such as flowers as dana for the Sangha.

On Friday evenings from 7.30 pm teachings are held from the Mahayana tradition. Sessions so far have included the playing of videotaped teachings of the late Master John D. Hughes on the Prajna Paramita (The Perfection of Wisdom).

Children's classes are scheduled to begin in March 2004. Plans at this stage are to run the classes on Sunday mornings.

Students and Members are invited to bring suitable offerings such as flowers, food, water, paper, and Buddha Dhamma texts as offerings.

We thank Mrs. Anita M Hughes for initiating this new program of Buddha Dhamma teachings at our Temple.

May Anita M. Hughes be well and happy.

Report on Dhamma Teachings by Venerable Nanda

On Monday 19 January 2004, Venerable Nanda, resident Monk from the Buddhist Society Victoria, Malvern East, visited our Temple.

A copy of the 'Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma' and 'A Lay persons Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules' were offered to the Venerable as well as copies of four recent Abhidhamma class notes.

Some of the topics he talked about were how careful we must be in our speech, and how just wrong word can cause upset and unnecessary suffering.

The Venerable spoke about the Teachings of the Buddha, the commentaries on the Buddha's Teachings, and the importance of stories and interpretations in teaching us what is what.

At the conclusion of the Dhamma talk the Venerable guided members in meditation in the main hall after providing meditation instructions. He spoke of the difficulty of meditation when there are noises, with the mind wants to run to each noise that is heard.

The instructions in brief were to:
1. Close the eyes and sit quietly to calm the mind
2. Picture in your mind the sitting posture and your crossed legs
3. Once stable move your attention to the breath
4. Once stable then return your attention to the posture.

Venerable Nanda explained at the conclusion of the meditation that the mind needs a construct or picture that it can fix on, not to become attached to, but rather, that will not cause the mind to wander due to the object being to vague or difficult to fix upon. With this meditation the meditator can identify the object on which it is natural for him or to concentrate, for example the in and out movement of the chest with the breath.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

The practice of requesting forgiveness

On Saturday evening 10 January 2004 a ceremony to request forgiveness for past negative actions was held at our Temple.

The ceremony commenced with chanting in Pali of:

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa
Five precepts
Triple gem refuge
Qualities and attributes of the Buddha, Dhamma Sangha
Kariyanametta sutta (in Pali then in English)

Members were seated around a single table in the dining hall. A glass bowl of water and lit candle were placed as an offering in the centre of the table.

The chanting was followed by each Member requesting forgiveness of those present, Members and Friends, for any bad karma caused through their actions in body, speech and mind.

Our President Julian Bamford guided the ceremony. Our resident practitioner Anita M. Hughes and Members Lisa Nelson, Pennie White, Julie O'Donnell, Frank Carter and Amber Svensson participated in the ceremony.

The ceremony is based on the practice of the Sangha who we are advised perform this ceremony at their temples every two weeks.

The ceremony will be held at our Temple every two weeks, including prior to commencement of all General meetings.

All Members are invited to participate in the ceremony in the future.

May the merit of this good action be a cause for increasing harmony and good fellowship at our Temple for the next 500 years.

May we be kalyanamitta friends.

Study of the Vinaya

Members Julian Bamford and Frank Carter have committed to studying and learning the Vinaya and the 227 rules of the Sangha Monk.

A regular study session is planned for Wednesday evenings at 8.00pm.

All members are welcome to attend and join in this important study program.

May this noble program of study and good actions create the good causes for our Temple to last in harmony and fellowship in the Buddha Dhamma for the next 500 years.

May we gather in harmony, work together in harmony and disperse in harmony.

May the Buddha Dhamma be taught at our Temple for the next 500 hundred years.

The references to be used are:

1. A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules. Compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako. Buddha Dhamma hermitage NSW, Australia, 1995

2. Sacred Books of the Buddhists Vol. X Book of the Discipline Parts 1 to 6. Translated by I.B. Horner. Pali Text Society, London 1982

3. The Buddhist Monastic Code. The Patimokkha Training Rules. Thannissaro Bhikkhu. USA 1994

We thank our Teacher and Founder, the late Master John D. Hughes, for establishing this Buddha Dhamma Temple, and the John D. Hughes Collection library and for creating the suitable conditions for us to study the Vinaya.

Vinaya Rules Study Class No.1

The first class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 8.30pm on 15 January 2004.

The class was held in the main hall, the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall. Participants were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The two students each did preliminary reading prior to the class.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995.

The procedure which will be followed by students at the commencement of each class is as follows:

1. Making of appropriate offerings such as flowers, water, incense made to the Buddha Dhamma Sangha.
2. Paying respect to Buddha Dhamma Sangha
3. Chanting namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa, five precepts, Triple Gem Refuge.
4. Sending metta (loving kindness) to the Buddha Sangha
5. Requesting the help of the Buddha Sangha in the study of the Vinaya
6. Sending metta (loving kindness) to the author/s of all text and reference materials used.

At the completion of each class Members transfer part of the merit made, and wish all beings to be well and happy.

The approach to learning the material was to read aloud from the text being studied.

An email report of each class will be sent to provide Members with practical guidance on some of the points studied in the weekly classes.

These are noted so that Members can become more aware of how conduct themselves with Members of the Theravadin Sangha.

Some of the points mentioned in the Question and Answer section of the text (pages 2-5) and discussed in the first class were:

Q. 'Is it acceptable for a person to offer basic necessities to Monks and Nuns, without first asking them?'

A. 'Generosity is a virtue highly praised by the Buddha. If it makes one happy to make an offering then one can do so without asking first.'

Please note that an appropriate time should be chosen to make the offering to the Monk. If in doubt Members ought to check with the Abbot or a senior student.

Q. 'It has been observed that in Burmese, Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Mahayana traditions, women are allowed to make physical offerings directly to the Monks. Yet Thai Buddhist Monks are not allowed to accept offerings from women. Is it because it is against the Vinaya rules or is it a different interpretation of the rules?'

A. 'The Vinaya rule specifies that if a Bhikkhu touches or is touched by a woman, it is only an offense if the Bhikkhu "be overcome by lust, with altered mind". However, the practising Bhikkhu knows that as his mind changes so quickly, he has to be extremely cautious about involving himself in doubtful situations. It is better to be safe than sorry, even if this may seem over-scrupulous.'

This is why in the Thai tradition extra caution is provided for both the Monk and the women making the offering. This is in the form of the Monks laying a cloth in front of them onto which the offering can be placed. Students may experience variations of this, for example the use of trays.

Vinaya Rules Study Class No. 2

The second class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 9.30pm on 22 January 2004.

The class was held in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The students were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995, from pages 6 to 12.

The topics studied were background information to the subjects of: Becoming A Novice Monk; Becoming a Bhikkhu; Forms of Address; Offenses; The Rains Retreat; Observance Days; The Patimokkha Rule; and Disrobing.

Some points discussed by the students and noted were:

1. The novice Monk (samanera) keeps ten precepts and 75 training rules.

2. To become a fully ordained a Monk must fulfill certain conditions: 'the candidate must be male and at least 20 years old. He must never have committed any grievous crimes and, if previously "ordained" he must not have been guilty of any Defeater Offenses or have entered some other religion without disrobing first.

He should also be of good reputation, fit and healthy enough to carry out the duties of a bhikkhu; not in debt; not subject to government service; and have permission from parents or guardian.'

3. With regard to committing offenses, 'The Lord Buddha would not set down a rule until the situation demanded it, and the Pali often supplies the "origin story" about how the different rules came about.

"In that case, bhikkhus, I will formulate a training rule for the bhikkhus with ten aims in mind: the excellence of the community, the peace of the community, the curbing of the shameless, the comfort of the well-behaved bhikkhus, the restraint of (defilements) related to the present life, the prevention of (defilements) related to the next life, the arousing of faith in the faithless, the increase in the faithful, the establishment of the true Dhamma, and the fostering of discipline."

The above quotation is from the Buddhist Monastic Code, on page 5 of the text given above.

4. With regard to different schools of Buddhism having different interpretations of the Vinaya:

"so it is best that we take to heart the writings of the Chinese pilgrims who visited India centuries ago. They reported that even after the early Buddhists had split into 18 schools, each with its own Tripitaka (Canon) and Patimokkha (Rule), and the Mahayanists had added their texts to the tradition, Bhikkhus belonging to the different schools could be found living together in the same monastery, practising and conducting communal business in peace and harmony. Theirs is a worthy example. We should not let our minor differences become a stumbling block on the way."

Vinaya Rules Study Class No.3

The third class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 8.45pm on 29 January 2004.

The class was held in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The students were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995.

The sections studied were:

I. Harmlessness Pages 13 - 14
II. Relationships Pages 15 - 19

I. Harmlessness

Through out its history Buddhism has been renowned for its tolerance and compassion towards all living beings and this is reflected in the Vinaya. (p13)

Murder

The 3rd defeater offense deals with murder (killing humans).

Vinaya Rule:
The bhikkhus rule reads: Intentionally bringing about the untimely death of a human being, even if it is a fetus, is (an offense of Defeat).

A human being is defined as being with the human fetus, counting from the time consciousness first arises in the womb.

Killing

Offenses dealing with the proper use of water that contains visible life.

If one pours fish and other water born creatures onto dry land they are obviously going to die.

Vinaya Rule: Using water, knowing that it contains living beings that will die from one's use, is an offense of confession.

Vinaya Rule:
If a bhikkhu knows that water contain living beings but still pours it out onto the grass or earth, it is an offense of confession.

Destroying Vegetation

The offense concerns destroying plant life. It originated because a bhikkhu cut down a tree even when a tree deva asked him to stop.

Vinaya Rule: Intentionally cutting, burning or killing a living plant is an offense of confession.

Destroying a living plant-for instance, felling a tree, uprooting a flower, burning grass - is an offense: as is picking fruit from a tree, a flower from a bush.

II. Relationships

Touching (contact with women)

If a bhikkhu touches a woman in sexual way he commits a very serious offense requiring formal meetings of the community and probation.

The scrupulous bhikkhu wants to remain above suspicion and so, if he can, he will avoid all physical contact.

It is important to note that, gross sexual misconduct is already part of the Five Precepts. The Eight and ten Precepts immediately refine this and then the Vinaya handles it with even greater subtlety.

To be at fault, the bhikkhu must usually do some action to bring contact with a woman while lust overcomes his mind. If he stumbles and bumps into a woman or vice-versa, or if he is accosted by a woman, as long as there is no intention to come into lustful contact there is no offense.

Matchmaking

Vinaya Rule: Should any bhikkhu engage in conveying a man's intentions to a woman or a woman's intentions to a man, proposing marriage or paramourage-even if only for a momentary liaison-it entails initial and subsequent meetings of the community.

Private Meeting of a Woman

When a bhikkhu intentionally sits alone with a woman in private it can lead onto more intimate behaviour or at least to misunderstandings from unexpected onlookers. To preclude such problems a bhikkhu needs a companion or chaperone a man a boy old enough to understand what is inappropriate conduct. Therefore, if a lay woman-or women, for according to the rule it does not matter how many there are-sees a bhikkhu sitting alone in a private place she should not go and sit with him but await a more suitable time.

Talking Privately

Vinaya Rule: Teaching more than six sentences of Dhamma to a woman, except in response to a question, is (an offense of confession) unless a knowledgeable man is present.

The Lay Guide notes: One can see from the origin of this rule that the point is not that women cannot be taught Dhamma but that it should be done in a way that is completely open and above misinterpretation.

It may appear strange that a rule should forbid completely private interviews with a bhikkhu alone. Yet if one reflects on how things have regularly gone wrong in such private spiritual counseling, it is easier to see that being safe is better than being sorry.

If a Monk is to speak more than a few sentences to a woman one should always try to call another monk, novice or layman to come within hearing. (quote from Ajahn Brahmavamso notes)

Staying Together

Vinaya Rule: (summary)
Lying down at the same time in the same lodging with a novice or laymen for more than three nights running is an offense of confession.

There are different interpretations of what is meant by same place or same lodging. The commentary suggests that if the building is divided into units that are not connected and each has a separate entrance, then each unit counts as a separate place. Therefore apartment blocks would be allowable.

Vinaya Rule: If a bhikkhu sleeps in a place where there is a surrounding wall and under the same roof with woman, even for one night, it is an offense of confession.

Travelling Together

Vinaya Rule: Travelling by arrangement with a woman from one village to another is an offense of confession.

Ajahn Brahmavamso's notes state that: "It seems reasonable...to...allow a journey with one or more women as long as there is at least one male accompanying the Monk, as long as the journey is not too long. For example, a women driving two Monks in her car to an invitation in the next village seems no more reprehensible than two monks sitting down talking Dhamma to the women.

Vinaya Rules Study Class No.4

The fourth class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 9.20pm on 4 February 2004.

The class was held in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The students were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The students paid respect to the Buddha Dhamma Sangha bowing in front of the main altar three times, followed by chanting:

namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa
Five precepts in Pali,
Eight precepts in English (no slander, no gossip or idle chatter, no harsh speech)
The Triple Gem.

The students sent metta to the Heavenly Sangha and requested help with their study of the Vinaya.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995.

The section studied was:

III. Possessions and Offerings Pages 20 - 24

'The term 'bhikkhu' is defined as 'almsman', or 'mendicant'. He is one who depends on others for his material needs. This relationship of 'right livelihood' incurs responsibilities: the bhikkhu must receive and use the offerings in the right way while the lay devotee needs to make material offerings in the right way.'

Topic 1. What does a Bhikkhu Need?

Topic 2. Does a Bhikkhu Beg?

'The Buddha made it clear that bhikkhus should avoid begging if possible.' But it is noted that 'in times of great need a bhikkhu is allowed to beg for his basic requisites, for example, if his robes were stolen he may ask any lay person for one replacement robe.'

Topic 3. How to Help a Bhikkhu - invitation (pavarana)

'Normally a bhikkhu will not ask for things but wait for something to be offered. This is exemplified in the alms round. The bhikkhu makes no request, does not even look at people, although he may quietly wait to see if an offering is to be made, before moving on.'

The Buddha allowed a bhikkhu to accept pavarana or 'invitation'.

The invitation can be in the form for example of offering to supply medicines to a bhikkhu should he ever become ill. It should be noted there are rules that govern the duration for which the invitation extends.

The rule states:
"A bhikkhu who is not ill may accept (make use of) a four month invitation (pavarana) to ask for requisites. If he should accept (make use of it) for longer than that - unless the invitation is renewed or is permanent - it is an offence of Confession."

'When the invitation is more vague - for example, a lay person may just say, "if you need anything, Banta, let me know" - the bhikkhu should not exceed the spirit of the invitation.'

Topic 4. What does a Bhikkhu possess?

The Buddha said that there are four necessities of life: clothing, food, shelter or lodging, or medicine.

However, most bhikkhus will have more than this - ranging from items like soap and tooth paste, candles and matches, a pen and books, a watch or clock, a flashlight or torch, to more sophisticated things appropriate to their environment.

Topic 5. Receiving Gifts

The rule states:
"Should any bhikkhu knowingly divert to himself gains that had been intended for a Community, it is an offense of Confession with Forfeiture."

The four requisites or necessities:

(1) Clothing

'The basic clothing that the Buddha originally suggested was made from discarded cloth (rags) sewn together and dyed.'

There are rules for how the robe is made including the cutting and sewing of a predetermined number of panels in the design of paddy fields as seen from a mountain.

The robe offering time (Kathina).

The month following the three months of the rains retreat - sometime in the October-November period - is the traditional time for renewing bhikkhus robes.

Vinaya Rules Study Class No.5

The fifth class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 9.50pm (approximately) on 20 February 2004.

The class was held in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The students were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The students paid respect to the Buddha Dhamma Sangha bowing in front of the main altar three times, followed by chanting:

namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa
Five precepts in Pali,
Eight precepts in English (no slander, no gossip or idle chatter, no harsh speech)
The Triple Gem.

The students sent metta to the Heavenly Sangha and requested help with their study of the Vinaya.

At the end of the class reading the students shared the merits with all beings.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995.

The section studied was:

(2) Edibles Pages 24 - 26

Alms Food

'An alms round is not considered begging for the bhikkhu does not solicit anything but is ready mindfully to receive any alms that lay people may wish to give.'

'A whole section of the 75 Sekhiya Training guidelines is concerned with how a bhikkhu receives and eats his alms food.'

Rule. I will receive alms food appreciatively. (Sekhiya #27)
Rule. I will eat alms food attentively. (Sekhiya #31)

Footnote No.68 from text.

'There is a daily "Recollection" about this that urges the bhikkhu to reflect on why he is eating alms food: "not for fun, not for intoxication, not for fattening, not for beautification, but only for the maintenance of the body, for the continuance of the Holy Life".

Rule. When eating alms food I will look only into the bowl. (Sekhiya #32)

'This is also why the bhikkhu should not be expected to talk while he is eating for this will distract his attention.'

Rule: I will not make up an overlarge mouthful of food; nor open my mouth until the portion of food has been brought to it; nor put my fingers into my mouth; nor speak with my mouth full; I will not eat stuffing out my cheeks; shaking my hand about; scattering grains of rice about; putting out my tongue; making a champing sound; (or drink) making a sucking sound; licking my hands; scraping the bowl; eat licking my lips; I will not take hold of a vessel of water with my hand soiled with food".

Footnote 69: "Nowadays, bhikkhus often seem to use plates and cutlery, however, forest bhikkhus will usually keep to the old traditions - which is also part of the dhutanga practices".

The Four Sorts of 'Edibles'

Nutriment - intake is also regulated by way of time. Anything that a bhikkhu can put into his mouth is classified in four groups, which specify the limits during which he can consume or store them:

(i) Food - Limited from Dawn to Noon (Yavakalika)
(ii) Fruit Juices - Limited to one day (Yamakalika)
(iii) Medicines or tonics - Limited to 7 days (Sattahakalika)
(iv) Other medicines - for all ones life (Yavajivika)

Footnote 70. "When different kinds of edibles are mixed their category will usually change with that of the shortest life span. For example, ginger can be used as a herbal "lifetime" medicine for stomach ailments. However, grated ginger that has been used for food preparation is classed as 'food' and therefore should not be kept overnight or used a medicine.

Vinaya Rules Study Class No.6

The sixth class in the study of the Vinaya Rules was held at our Temple, Chan Academy Australia, at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey 3158 Victoria, at 8.45pm approximately) on 26 February 2004.

The class was held in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The students were Julian Bamford and Frank Carter.

The students paid respect to the Buddha Dhamma Sangha bowing in front of the main altar three times, followed by chanting:

namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa
Five precepts in Pali,
Eight precepts in English (no slander, no gossip or idle chatter, no harsh speech)
The Triple Gem.

The students sent metta to the Heavenly Sangha and requested help and guidance with the study of the Vinaya (Monks rules).

At the end of the class reading the students shared the merits with all beings.

The text studied was "A Lay Guide to the Bhikkhu's Rules" compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako, 1995.

The section studied was:

(2) Edibles (part two - continuing from Vinaya Rules Study Class No.5. Pages 26 - 30

(i) Food

The Buddha laid down the rule that:

Rule: "Should any bhikkhu chew or consume staple of non staple food at the wrong time, it is (an offence of Confession)"

This 'wrong time' is defined from noon until dawn the following day.

Footnote 72. Noon or midday is when the sun is at its zenith of highest elevation in the sky, mid way between sunrise and sunset and not necessarily 12.00 hours clock time, which may change depending on the season. However, many communities will keep to 12noon as a set time limit.

A bhikkhu is still at fault even if he genuinely miscalculates the time or mistakes an item of 'food' for a 'medicine'.

An ill bhikkhu has no exemption from this rule and so he likewise should not take food in the afternoon.

Offering Edibles

Rule: should a bhikkhu take into his mouth an edible that has not been given - except for water and tooth-cleaning sticks - it is an offense of Confession.

How to make an offering.

In general anything that goes into the mouth, food or 'medicines', should be properly given. That means it should be:

a) given by means of the body, (e.g. given hand), or by something attached to the body, (e.g. a spoon), or by throwing, (e.g. tossing a lump of sticky rice into the bowl).

b) given so that the donor and the bhikkhu are (literally) within arms reach (1.25metres) of each other.

c) received by means of the body, (e.g. received in the hand), or by something attached to the body, (e.g. the monks bowl or, in Thailand, the monks receiving cloth).

d) the offered food should not be so heavy that an average size man cannot lift it.

e) the donor makes a gesture (of respect) when making the offering.

Storing Food

"After formally receiving food a bhikkhu is not allowed to store it away for another day."

This is a measure to prevent the bhikkhu becoming attached to his favourite tastes.

Rule: "eating food that a bhikkhu - oneself or another - formally received on a previous day is an offense of Confession.

"After the daily meal - often the monks of the community will gather to share this - all that days excess food may be distributed among whoever is present so that nothing is wasted or left over.

Footnote 80: 'The commentary allows the person or novice to collect anything remaining from the bhikkhus meal and keep it in the approved storeroom. As long as the bhikkhu has completely abandoned all possession of that food, a lay person or novice may, on their own initiative, re offer it the following day and the Monk may accept and eat the food.

Meal Invitations

Rule: 'Eating a meal (snacks are not included) before going to another meal to which one was invited, or accepting an invitation to one meal and eating elsewhere instead is an offense of Confession except when one is ill or at the time of giving cloth or making robes.

"There is, however, an allowance for the bhikkhu to 'share' or transfer his invitation to another bhikkhu or novice so that he can accept a new one. Even so, it is considered good manners first to contact the original donors about this.

Rule: 'eating a meal to which four or more individual have been specifically invited - except of special occasions - is an offense of confession.

It is important to note that this is to prevent an unexpected larger number of bhikkhus arriving at the place of the donor/s for dana.

Rule: 'do not accept the invitations of those who mention the names of the foods to be offered.'

The inviter who understands this, makes invitation just in this way: "I invite you receive alms food" or "I invite you take lunch".

Meat

The Buddha forbade bhikkhus from eating meat and fish under the following circumstances:

Rule: 'if a bhikkhu sees, hears, or suspects that it (the meat or fish) has been killed for him, he may not eat it.

Footnote 85:
"He should also not eat raw or under cooked meat, or the flesh of elephants, horses, dogs, snakes, lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, or human flesh.

Offering Fruit: Kappiya

Fruits with seeds that can germinate, and roots that can be planted again, should be made 'allowable' or 'kappiya' for bhikkhus. An un-ordained person can do this by touching it with fire, by drawing a knife over it, or by marking it with a fingernail. The says 'Kappiyam karobi' (make this allowable) which is answered with, 'Kappiyam Bhante' (it is allowable Venerable Sir).

If there are many oranges, and if they are all together and touching, making one fruit 'allowable' makes them all allowable.

There is no need for this ceremony with seedless fruit or if the seeds are unripe so that they cannot regenerate.

Also, if the bhikkhu carefully eats certain sorts of fruits - for instance, mangoes, plumbs, peaches, prunes, etc. - without damaging the seed, stone or pips, then there is no offense.

Abhidhamma Classes

Abhidhamma classes continue every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.

Chanting takes place in our Hall of Assembly prior to the class at 7.15pm to awaken the participants' minds and to prepare them to learn Abhidhamma. All Members and Friends are welcome.

All Abhidhamma class papers are uploaded to our online journal, the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, at www.bddronline.net.au and www.bdcu.org.au. They can be found in Volumes 12 and 13 of the BDDR Online.

Classes are free of charge to students.

Students are requested to bring suitable offerings each week to the Abhidhamma Teachings, including flowers, Basmati rice and two reams of Reflex A4 paper. Recycled paper is not suitable as it jams in our printers.

New students are enjoying these classes and longer-term students are maturing under these teachings.

Our Chan Academy Australia dress code for Abhidhamma Classes is white.

Engaging Buddhism in Australia

On Monday 12 January 2004 Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, Buddhist Federation of Australia visited our Temple to meet with Anita Hughes, resident practitioner, Julian Bamford, President, Julie O'Donnell and fellow Members to brief us on the forthcoming Australian Buddhist General Conference.

The three day Conference titled Engaging Buddhism in Australia was held on 20-22 February 2004 at the Victoria University, St Albans Campus, St Albans Melbourne Australia.

The program for the Conference can be viewed online at www.quangminh.org

At the meeting the Venerable briefed those present on the theme and background to the conference, the organisations and speakers involved and how people can assist to help make create and run a successful event.

Following a request for assistance with the running of the Conference, our President attended an organising committee meeting at the Conference Venue on Friday 16 January.

The evening was chaired by the program coordinator Ratchell Wass, with assistance from Ven Thich Phuoc Tang.

Also in attendance was Dr. Ranjith Hettiarachi, Founder Buddhist Foundation of Australia.

The meeting discussed and clarified priority tasks and resource needs in preparation for the conference. These included:

Attendants for the Sangha
Volunteer helpers, and rosters: ushers, attendants, rapportuers
Layout of the stage, appropriate offerings and altar
Technical support for lighting, sound, speakers, recording
Parking and direction signage
Travel directions for getting to the venue
Recording on video and audio tape
Promotion and distribution of brochures
The conference program and speakers
Decorations and displays
Accommodation
Floorplan and layout of facilities
Registration desk and entrance decorations
Catering, meals and refreshments.
Sales of tickets by Centres and friends of the Conference

Our Members will assist, within our resources with a number of tasks. In particular attending to the Members of the Sangha, rapportuering for the recoring of proceedings.

Two further organising meetings will be held prior to the Conference. 1. in the first week of February 2. dress rehersal for all volunteers during the week leading up to the conference.

On 22 January 2004, Anita Hughes, Julie O'Donnell and Evelin Halls offered a mandala to help the Australian Buddhist General Conference. The mandala is located on the altar in the Reading Room. The Vibhajjavadin Devas and Devatas were requested to help.

A successful Conference where participants work together in harmony creates causes to have future Conferences in Australia, for example, it helps to make causes to have a World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference in Melbourne in the future.

Our Members ought to operate with a strong base of precepts for their own protection as well as to help the conference.

Our objective is to work for the Buddha following the vision of the late Master John D. Hughes. There is nothing "new" to do; the path is already there.

The Conference was a great success.

Visit of Vietnamese Buddhists on Saturday 24 January, 2004

On Saturday 24 January 2004 a group of Vietnamese Buddhists, about 70 in number visited our Temple as part of their one day pilgrimage for Chinese New Year 2004.

We welcomed the group who last visited our Temple in 2000 and invited them to visit again and again.

The visitors were greeted by the display of many Buddhist Flags and signs saying 'Happy New Year - We wish you long life, health, happiness and prosperity'.

They travelled in two buses to visit our Centre, with parking provided in the Matson Drive car park at the rear of the DRCCC. They were met by our President Mr Julian Bamford and Vice President Mr Frank Carter who guided them to the Temple.

They were welcomed at our Temple's Eastern Gate by Mrs Anita M. Hughes. Also welcoming the visitors were Members and friends Julie O'Donnell, Lisa Nelson, Pennie White and friend Michelle.

The visitors paid repect to Buddha at the various altars in the Heavenly Garden, the Buddha Rupa, Reclining Buddha, Buddha Stupa, Padmasambhava Altar and at the main altar in the John D. Hughes mediation Hall.

Members offered refreshments of tea, cordial and watermelon were offer to the visitors.

A welcome and talk was given by Anita Hughes to inform the visitors of the illness and death of John D. Hughes.

A copy of Buddhist Hour Broadcast script No.313 titled: What is Buddha Dhamma was offered to each visitor as well as brochure detailing an introducton and programs offered at our Centre and business cards.

The names and signatures of many of the guests were recorded in our visitors book.

Photographs of the visit were taken by Ms Pennie White. The photographs will be upload to our websites.

We thank all the Devas, Members and Friends for helping to make this visit of our Vietnamese friends in the Buddha Dhamma a happy and most successful occaision.

Happy New Year

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

Visit of Chinese Women's Association on Sunday 1 February, 2004

The Chinese Women's Association visited our Temple on Sunday 1 February for Chinese New Year 2004.

The group of ninety persons had travelled from Yun Yang Temple in Narre Warren as part of their one-day pilgrimage to Buddhist Temples.

The group was last at our Temple in 2000.

We wish our visitors Happy New Year - long life, health, happiness and prosperity.

They travelled in two buses to visit our Centre, with parking provided in the Matson Drive car park at the rear of the DRCCC. They were by our President Julian Bamford, Vice President Mr Frank Carter, and Member David Ley, who guided the visitors to the Temple.

They were welcomed at our Temple's Eastern Gate by Member Lisa Nelson, and attended to by Members Julie O'Donnell, Rodney Johnson, Evelin Halls and son Ryan, David Ley, Leanne Eames, Amber Svensson, Frank Carter and Pennie White.

The visitors paid respect to Buddha offering incense at altars in the Heavenly Garden, the Buddha Rupa, Reclining Buddha, Buddha Stupa, Padmasambhava Altar and at the main altar in the John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

Members offered refreshments of tea, cordial and watermelon to the visitors.

Many visitors were offered copies of brochure and were invited to sign our Visitors book.

Photographs of the visit were taken by Members Amber Svensson and Julian Bamford. The photographs will be upload to our websites in the future.

We thank all the Devas, Members and Friends for helping to make this visit of our Vietnamese friends in the Buddha Dhamma a happy and most successful occasion.

Happy New Year

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

Coming Events at Other Centres

There are several coming events at other centres listed below. If you would like any further information, there is a white folder located on the white stand at the entrance of The Anita Room.

The folder contains information brochures and application forms for coming events at other centres.

1. Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche will teach "Mahamudra Meditation: Shamatha and Vipashyana" at the Kagyu E-Van Buddhist Institute at 673 Lygon Street, Carlton North, 3054, on April 3-4.

Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche was appointed as Abbott of Rumtek monasteryand has been the personal teacher of the four principle Karma Kagua lineage holders.

Please see the white folder for details of the Kagyu Ev-Van Buddhist Institute full teaching program for January-April 2004.

2. Venerable Master Sheng Yen will visit Australia in April 2004. He will teach at Deakin University Toorak Campus on 24 & 25 April 2004. The first talk will be on Chan and Mental Health and the second talk will be on Chan andBuilding Pure Land on Earth. For further details please see the white folder.

4. Company Structure

Our Company Office Bearers and Management Team

Founder
The late John D. Hughes Dip. App. Chem. T.T.T.C. GDAIE

Resident Practitioner
Anita Hughes R.N.Div1

Abbot
Anita Hughes R.N.Div1

Assistant Abbots
Julie O'Donnell
Evelin Halls Dip. F.L.C.
Peter Boswell C.P.A.

Director of Abhidhamma Teachings
Evelin Halls Dip. F.L.C.

Assistants of Abhidhamma Teachings
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.
Pennie White B.A.Dip.Ed.

Directors of the Centre
Julie O'Donnell
Evelin Halls Dip. Foreign Language Correspondence
Peter Boswell CPA

Office Bearers
President Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.
Secretary Anita Hughes RN Div 1.
Treasurer Peter Boswell CPA

Assistant Secretary
Julie O'Donnell

Assistant Treasurer
Frank Carter B.Ec.
David Igracki

Vice Presidents
International Dhamma Activities
Pennie White B.A.Dip.Ed.
Corporate Governance & Reporting
Evelin Halls Dip.F.L.C.
Local Area Planning & Asset Management
Frank Carter B.Ec.

Chief Information Officer
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.

Financial Controller
Peter Boswell C.P.A.

Manager Occupational Health & Safety
Anita Hughes R.N.Div1
Frank Carter B.Ec.

Manager Enterprise Technology
Evelin Halls Dip.F.L.C.

IT Technical Support
Kamfatt Lin B.Sc (Eng),MCP, CNA, MCSE, MCDBA

IT Development Engineer
John Watson Senior CTS Engineer

Editors Buddha Dhyana Dana Review
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.
Evelin Halls Dip. F.L.C.
Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.

Executive Producer Buddhist Hour Broadcast
Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.

Producer Buddhist Hour Broadcast
Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.

Assistant Producers Buddhist Hour Broadcast
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.
Peter Boswell C.P.A.
Evelin Halls Dip. F.L.C.
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.
Lainie Smallwood B.A. Business, B.A. Comm.

Editor Brooking Street Bugle
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.

Assistant Editors Brooking Street Bugle
Anita Hughes R.N.Div1
David Ley Architect (UK), BBlgs

Editors Longhair Australia News
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.
Evelin Halls Dip.F.L.C.
Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.

Joint Librarians
Anita Hughes R.N.Div1

Assistant Librarian
Julie O'Donnell

General meetings held last Friday of each Month

One of the duties and responsibilities of each Members is to attend General and Annual General meetings. We must ensure that a quorum of seven Members is met. Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. General Meetings are held on the last Friday of each month at 8:00pm.

The next monthly General Meeting will be held on Friday, 26 December, 2003 at 8.00 pm.

All Members are welcome.

5. Keynote Opportunities

Seeking assistance with our website development

Our Centre the Chan Academy Australia is an e-learning organisation and a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

We are seeking help with the development and maintenance of our websites which provide Buddha Dhamma publications and information for a global audience of Buddhist scholars and interested persons.

We currently have five websites, and a sixth site called www.edharma.com in development. They have been developed and maintained by team of volunteer webmasters.

Through our online publishing we have hundreds of documents, including our flagship publication the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, the Brooking Street Bugle, weekly Buddhist Hour Broadcasts scripts, online library catalogue and about 3000 digitised photographs, images and graphics of blessings online.

Most of our sites contain search engines. We track site visit with meters on most websites, and have achieved steady increases in site visitation since inception of our first website www.bdcu.org.au.

As part of our risk management strategy our websites are hosted with website hosts in Australia and the USA. They are backed up regularly and burnt to CD's. Each of our websites are linked.

We plan to digitise many thousands more photographs taken at the Centre of projects our Founder and Members have been involved in over three decades, in Australia and overseas.

We seek the help from suitably qualified persons who would like to assist us with the tasks of creation, editing, loading, proofing and updating of online content. The persons we seek will join our team of volunteer webmasters.

A working knowledge of HTML coding, experience with online graphics and image optimisation, graphics software and an understanding of web useability, accessibility, navigation, and user friendly web design is sought.

We presently use web development and graphics software tools First Page, CuteFTP and Irfanview. Familiarity with these applications will be an advantage.

The search for assistance with our websites is being sought through the ProBono online registry of professional volunteers registry.

New Assistant Accountant

In response to our request placed on the ProBono Volunteer Website we have been offered help in processing our accounts by a qualified accountant, who is completing studies in accounting and works doing their cost accounting.

The new volunteer will work over the next 5 months approximately 8 hours per week helping us to upgrade our accounting system to the latest MYOB software. Peter Boswell has kindly purchased this accounting package for the Centre.

For the period until the end of the 2003 - 4 financial year we will continue to run our existing accounting system Quickbooks as we introduce MYOB and ensure that it is stable and reliable. At the start of the next financial year we cease using Quickbooks.

David Igracki who has been making all our data entries on Quickbooks will then become assistant to the new volunteer in making the data entries in MYOB.

We are setting aside a small area in Suite 4 in which we will put a new Pentium 3 desktop computer for the new volunteer to use.

We thank her for her kind offer of help and we welcome her to help us run our Buddha Dhamma Temple.

New webmaster assistance through ProBono professional volunteers

Through the online ProBono professional volunteers facility we have recieved details of three persons who have registered interested in assisting us with our websites.

Additionally they each have other skills/experience in, for example, IT and computer programming and fundraising.

Thankyou to Frank for submitting the notices to the PROBONO websites and coordinating the initial contact.

Do you want to make big merit? Check our new website "Do List"!

Prepared by Evelin C. Halls
12 February 2004

Do offerings to the Vibhajjavadin Devas and Devatas of Learning.

We want to preserve the Buddha Dhamma for at least 500 years.

Build photolan - Tiraj, Evelin, all other webmasters on availability
Set up edharma website - Evelin, Owen, Anita, all other webmasters on availability
Save all website files onto Zip disk - Evelin
Burn all websites onto CDs - Evelin
Make 10 copies of website CDs and store in John D. Hughes Collection - Evelin
Store 9 copies in John D. Hughes Collection - Evelin
Store 1 copy in Evelin's house for backup- Evelin
Keep updating our coming events - Evelin; backup: Pennie
upload weekly Abhidhamma papers- Evelin; backup: Pennie, Leanne
Upload weekly Buddhist Hour radio scripts: - Evelin; backup: Pennie, Leanne
Upload previous Buddhist Hour radio scripts: Leanne; backup: Pennie, all other webmasters on availability
Upload Brooking Street Bugle: - Leanne; backup: Evelin, Helen, all other webmasters on availability

The BDDR Online needs:
Title photos
Editorials
Appeals
Buddha Dhamma texts and information
Photographs
- all BDDR editors: Evelin, Julian, Pennie, Anita

Longhair Australia News:
Prepare and upload new issue: all Longhair Editors
Update bdcuorg search engine weekly (via Cpanel): Evelin; backup: Pennie
Look after website counters: Evelin; all other webmasters on availability

Prepare BDDR Online print versions by copying and pasting HTML files into text files, eg. Doc or RTF file format, including page numbers and an index for the print version with page numbers: all webmasters
(see BDDR Vol. 13 No. 3 as example, stored on PC4, file name bddr13no3.sdw)

Stay tuned in the mandala for future tasks.

Buddhist Hour tapes and mini disks purchased

We have purchased tapes and mini disks for recording the weekly Buddhist Hour Broadcast.

30 Fuji Tapes at $28.80
30 Panasonic Mini Disks at $53.70

By purchasing larger quantities at sale prices we save a lot of money each week.

Our weekly tapes usually cost 3 tapes at around $3 each and one mini disk at $3 = $12

Our weekly cost is now reduced to 3 tapes at $1 each and mini disk at 1.79 means our weekly cost is down to $4.79. This is a saving of $7.21 or 60% per week.

We now have enough tapes for 10 weeks and enough mini disks for 30 weeks of broadcasts!

May we preserve the Buddha Dhamma Teachings.

Attendant Roster

The Temple Attendant Roster is in a blue spiral folder labeled "Chan Academy Australia Roster Folder & Buddha Dhamma Teaching Program 2004".

Temple Attendants are especially needed during business hours from Monday to Friday.

If you would like to be a Temple Attendant please add your name to the roster folder is located on the desk of PC1A in the Anita Room.

Daily Buddha Dhamma Chanting for John D. Hughes

Buddha Dhamma Daily Chanting is held in the Main Hall of Assembly for John D. Hughes at 8.00 pm each evening for 100 days from Saturday 29 November, the day on which he passed away. May his good fortune continue in his current birth for himself and others.

Please remove all dead flowers from the main altar before commencement of chanting.

Thank you.

Chan Academy Sumi-e Program 2004

The theme for this year's Chan Academy Australia Sumi-e program taught by visiting Master Andre Sollier will be decided shortly.

The first class for this year will be held in March, on a date to be advised.

For details visit our websites at www.bdcu.org.au or www.buyresolved.com.au or for class bookings, purchase of materials or enquiries, please contact Julian Bamford on 0400 267 330.

Classes are held in the Chan Hall among rare calligraphy, Chan and Sumi-e masterpieces. All classes run from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

The cost of each class is $66.00 including GST. The class fee includes all materials.

Students may purchase painting materials from our Centre.

An opportunity exists for the right person to train under Julian Bamford as an organiser of these classes. Julian Bamford has eight years' experience in this position.

Tea and Coffee-Making Practice

In order to protect our merit Members should place at least $1 in the money jar per cup of tea made.

We can become more aware of the merit we consume by paying attention to this plan for conserving our merit.

6. Appeals and Special Projects

Chan Academy Summer Raffle drawn

The Summer raffle was drawn on 17 February 2004 at 9:15pm by Pennie White and scrutinised by Peter Boswell.

1st prize winner of $600 of plants and garden products is Pat Benson and second prize winner of quality Australian skincare products was Tim McNeilly.

Winners were notified by telephone at 9:30pm by Pennie White.

Both winners purchased their tickets at the Camberwell Market.

The winners were published in the Age newspaper on 21 February 2004.

811 tickets were sold for a total profit of $1,622.00. Thank you to all who sold raffle tickets.

The first prize in our Summer Raffle of $600 of plants and garden products was delivered to the winner Pat Benson on 25 February 2004 by Frank Carter.

Pat was delighted with the prize as she is an enthusiastic gardner. Also Pat is a Buddhist and expressed her intention to visit our Temple with her daughter in the coming weeks.

The raffle second prize of $200 Australian skincare products was delivered to winner Tim Mc Neilly on 22 February 2004.

Buddha Dhyana Dana Review

Frank Carter is printing selected issues of the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Online for our John D. Hughes Collection library, and to distribute to guests.

The issues are printed directly from the BDDR websites www.bdcu.org.au and www.bdcublessings.net.au

Please see Frank Carter if you would like to assist with this project.

Photocopier

The Centre still wishes to source a photocopier, as our old photocopier is beyond repair. Anyone wishing to donate a photocopier please see Frank Carter, or call him on 0408 303550.

"Feed a Buddhist" Program

All beings depend on nutrients - fine or course - to stay alive.

All students need nutrients to progress. Most students do not have mental power. To have mental power students must offer food and drink.

Our late Teacher John D. Hughes created a "Feed a Buddhist" Program for Members to make the causes needed in this area.

This is a devamanussanam Temple. It is user pays.
User pays is the Law of the Universe for devas and humans. We make suitable offerings and requests of the many beings who come to help us. We make food for the Devas. That is what they pay us for. The devas pay us by gifts and protection.

Camberwell Market Stall

Thank you to the Chief God of Wealth and all other Devas and Devatas and Members who help us with the Camberwell Market Stall.

This is an important fundraising and PR activity, attracting prospective buyers with the two white tents, colourful blessing flags, flowers, display of Chan prints and gift cards and well presented array of goods for sale.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 28 December 2003 generated the following returns.

Profit $67.05, Raffle $160, Bangladesh Stand $17.00

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter, and Kate Ryan.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 4 January 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $Nil, Raffle $34, Bangladesh Stand $1.80

The stall was closed from 9.30 onward due to the weather conditions.

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter, and Evelin Halls.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 11 January 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $368.65, Raffle $60, Bangladesh Stand $19.85

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter, and Evelin Halls.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 18 January 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $36, Raffle $184, Bangladesh Stand $20.20

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter, and Lainie Smallwood.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 25 January 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $267.10, Raffle $138, Bangladesh Stand $4.55

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, and Frank Carter.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 1 February 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $58, Raffle $166, Bangladesh Stand $12.60

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, and Frank Carter.

To offer help or to make a donation, see Frank Carter.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 8 February 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $59, Raffle $78, Bangladesh Stand $12

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter and Evelin Halls.

On 15 February 2004 we will not have the market stall set up at our usual position however we will still attend the market to sell raffle tickets.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on 15 February 2004:

Raffle: $ 26.00, Bangladesh stand: $13.90

The sales team for the day was Evelin and the devas and devatas.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 29 February 2004 generated the following returns.

Profit $281.20, Raffle $130, Bangladesh Stand $10.25

The sales team for the day was Julian Bamford, David Ley, Frank Carter and Lainie Smallwood.

Storage of Camberwell Market goods

Thank you to our neighbour Mavis, who has kindly provided storage space for our market stall goods.
Would Members and friends please look for another suitable location to store these goods off site. Please contact Frank Carter.

Kallista Market Stall

Our Kallista Market stalls are held on the first Saturday of each month.

7. Current Research and Development Interests

8. Information Technology News

PC4 monitor replaced

We now have a Compaq monitor on PC4. The Dell Monitor on PC4 had stopped working so it was replaced with a Compaq monitor we had stored in Suite 10A.

The old PC4 monitor was placed in Suite 10A with the sign "not working".

Photos with captions

We want to upload all photographs with text onto our websites. We record everything: names, dates, places, times and a description of events with the photos, that is: who, what, where, when and what.

Database backed up

Today 12 February 2004 our Access Database was backed up. The backup file is located on PC1A D:/DatabaseBackup/bdcudata

The D: drive of PC1A is a separate disk to our I:drive for the LAN, which that we can retrieve our database from the D: drive if we need to. Data should be backed up at least weekly. Please see Evelin to find out how to back up data.

BDDR Commemorative Issue

The Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Volume 13 No. 3 is a commemorative issue that contains information and photographs from Julie's Mongolia visit, as well as our annual reports, Abhidhamma classes, and more.

As requested by Julie, this BDDR was especially prepared for printing and will be absolutely beautiful when printed.

The file is ready for printing and is located on PC4. The file name is bddr13no3.sdw.

If you want to print, you must open the file with Star Office.

Julie, if you would like text with the Mongolia photographs, it can be easily typed in just like in a normal document. I am more than happy to help.

I suggest we acquire a new color ink cartridge for PC4 before printing.

New PC in Suite 4

A new PC has been installed in Suite 4 for the accounts.

The PC was donated by Helen Appleyard and George Costas. It is a Celeron 333 and has a CD Rom & CD Burner fitted.

The software is WIN 98 donated by Frank Carter, the CD burning program Nero and the latest version of MYOB 13 which was kindly donated by Peter Boswell.

The computer will be used by Sylvia for the company accounts.

It has an old version of VET installed. When we are upgrading VET next time would the person doing the upgrade please include this machine.

The key to Suite 4 is kept in Suite 2A and is on a keystring with a large wooden map of Australia.

PhotoLAN news update

On 15 February 2004 our PhotoLAN designer commenced development of PhotoLAN. Our designer is the project manager for the PhotoLAN website design and testing.

The project timeline is for completion of the pilot site for PhotoLAN is 30 April.

The test site will be a fully operational online image gallery.

The site is divided in to 2 parts.

1. General section where visitors can view, and search for images.

2. Administrative section where PhotolLAN administrator can upload, view, delete, move and edit images and content.

New images can be uploaded to the server through the web interface and the project managers main objective is to achieve goals given below.

1. User friendly interface
2. Easy maintainability
3. Fast download time.
4. Browser independence.

On 29 February 2004 the project reached stage two.

Completion of uploading the file section of the site to the bdcu server for testing during the first week of March 2004.

The test site will be titled: tiraj_bdcutest.

Following a satisfactory testing of the site, our designer will proceed to work on Stage 3. Development of search and image display functionality. (i.e.thumbnails)

Work on our database

We are currently working on the improvement of our Access database. A database assistant has kindly offered her skills to help us in doing that.

If you have any suggestions what could be improved, please inform Evelin. For example, we are thinking of improving search facilities and to ease the generation of reports.

Any feedback is most welcome.

Name tags

If you wish to print name tags, there is a new file you can use to do so located at LAN2 I:/nametags.doc

New materials for BDDR

If you come across any suitable material for the BDDR Online, please bring this to Evelin's attention so that the data can be uploaded.

May you well and happy.

VET update

Today 12 February 2004 Evelin telephoned Computer Associates and ordered a CD version of the VET Anti Virus Program. We will get a free copy of the VET.

However, Computer Associates informed us that in the near future, they not provide VET CDs anymore. The new versions and updates need to be downloaded via the Internet.

There are some issues with having the VET installed on a LAN, so we must consult John Watson if we wish the VET on our LAN machines.

Currently, we have the VET on the C: drives of the individual machines and update the program individually. Only PC4 updates itself automatically as it is an Internet machine.

We have yet to work out the most practical way for future VET updates.

PLEASE NOTE: ANY FILES THAT COME FROM OUR INTERNET MACHINES MUST BE VETTED BEFORE THEY CAN GO ON OUR LAN. You can do this by just scanning the floppy disk.

Evelin will install the new VET onto our new PC via the CD when it has arrived.

Win Zip

We have two registered versions of Win Zip.

Win Zip is installed on PC4A and PC1.

Please note that Win Zip can also "zip up" files, that is, save files as a zip file (.zip) or as self-extractable file (.exe).

For example, we have been able to "zip up" our entire Access database onto a floppy disk; normally this file would be way too large to fit onto a floppy.

So please note that Win Zip is a handy tool available if you wish to transfer data that is too large to fit onto a floppy disk.

Our Win Zip Registration details are filed in the blue metal filing cabinet in Suite 2.

VET update on PC1A

We received a CD with a new version of the VET anti-virus software in the mail today (February 16, 2004).

The VET was installed on PC1A today. Our other machines that need the VET installed or updated will be attended to as soon as possible.

The new VET CD is stored in Suite 2A.

Sitemeter

The total recorded individual visits to our various websites as at 31 January 2004 is 24,491 with 153 visits during the past 7 days. This includes visits to specific pages such as the Blessings Radio page.

9. Occupational Health and Safety News (OH&S)

Occupational Health and Safety Bulletins (OH&S Bulletin) provides a communication channel for the flow of information about OH&S matters to all Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. and are a record of our OH&S matters.

Members create and develop OH&S Bulletins in accordance with relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidelines.

We publish our OH&S Bulletins within the Brooking Street Bugle print version as well as on our BSB Online website. We will issue an annual special edition of the BSB for Occupational Health and Safety that contains our up-to-date OH&S Handbook. We will run an annual OH&S orientation program that each Member will undertake.

Previous OH&S Bulletins are stored in a red folder in the library filing cabinet FCA2.

OH&S is an urgent matter.

OH&S is everyone's business.

Fire measures for summer 2004

The Quails Protection

In the World there is the quality of virtue, truth and purity and compassion too
I, according with truth, shall make an unsurpassed truth-asseveration
Reflecting on the power of the dhamma and calling to mind the conquerors in the past
Depending on this power of truth
I made a truth-asseveration:
'Here are wings which do not fly, here are feet which do not walk, and mother and father have fled away
Jataveda the fire: Go back!
This act of mine I made with truth,
The great blazing crested flames avoided sixteen lengths of land like fire that has to water reached.
For truth, my equal there is not. This is my perfection of truth.

Fire Reduction was carried out every day of the December Bhavana Course 2003.

Lisa Nelson weeded around the Stupa, the Australia Pond, the wood shed area and the Western fence line around Suite 4.

Fire Risk Fuel Reduction

Fuel reduction was carried out in the North East corner of the Temple garden (wood store area).

Timbers werestored in the wood sheds and garden waste bundled for removal to the tip.

The area along the perimeter fence has been cleared of climbing weeds and leaf litter.

Colourbond roofing offcuts, spouting, metal bracketing has been relocated to the metals storage area behind Suite 10. (Northern fenceline)

The work was carried out on 27 & 28 December 2003 over approximately 3 hours by Julian Bamford.

Removal of long grass, leaf litter and garden waste was carried out along the western boundary fence adjacent to the rain water tank.

The fuel reduction work is 30% complete.

Further weeding is required, as well as the removal of timber from tree removal to the wood storage area.

The work was carried out during late November over about 2 hours by Julian Bamford.

Pruning of trees, shrubs and bamboo in front of Suite 10 and Suite 10A was carried out to reduce fire risk on 26 December over 1.5 hours by Julian Bamford.

The stand of black bamboo on the South side of Suite 10A has been cut at a height of around 3.5 metres, removing lengths of up to 3metres.

The bamboo was tied back with rope. Bamboo leaf litter around the base and along the South wall of Suite 10 was removed, and the bamboo offcuts were stored near the wood storage areas.

Further work, estimated to take around 2 hours, is needed to remove the dry and dead bamboo stalks from within the bamboo stand, which will then be used in the bamboo protection wall along the North east corner of the Temple grounds.

This work was carried out on 26 December 2003 over 3.5 hours by Julian Bamford.

Trimming of the vines and hedges along the outside of the East fenceline was completed on 27 December 2003 over 2 hours by Julian Bamford.

The area behind the tool trailer was cleared of excess ground cover and wandering dew over 1.5 hours by Julian Bamford.

Fire fuel reduction is now estimated to be approximately 60% complete.

Work yet to be completed to finish fire risk reduction in this are:

1. Empty fuel and paint drums of water and leakage
2. De-clutter and sort equipment for ease of access (i.e. ladders) and disposal of items where appropriate
3. Repair or replace lawn mower store
4. Complete removal of excess garden greenery
5. Trim bushes and trees of excess foliage

10. Corporate Governance & Reporting (CGR)

Colour Code: Red
CGR Manager: Pennie White
CGR Vice President: Evelin Halls
CGR Task Unit Members: Julian Bamford, Peter Boswell, Frank Carter, Leanne Eames, Lenore Hamilton, Lisa Nelson, Lainie Smallwood, Anita Hughes, Amber Svensson.

CGR Task Unit Responsibilities: Adhere to legal requirements of corporate affairs; accounts; communicate with Federal, State and Local government departments; organise GST payments; supply Australian Tax Office with Business Activity Statements; provide timely managerial information to ensure profits are made; provide quarterly Profit and Loss Activity Statements; arrange for the audit of accounts at a professional level to meet the Statutory requirements of the Gaming Commission of New South Wales (NSW).; arrange General meetings and maintain statutory minutes for these meetings; monitor and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policy; provide first aid facilities; organise attendants for staffing the Centre; correspondence; schedule events for our Teacher; structure new databases and train persons to maintain them; train personnel to operate CGR functions; refreshment supply; fund and organise Dana for the Sangha visiting the Centre; create goodwill with our neighbours; and with local newspapers to advise the community of upcoming events.

Copyright Information

The Arts Law Centre has advised us that it is legal to sell secondhand products which have copyright associated with them.

Products such as secondhand CD's, records, tapes, books and software can all be sold without copyright restriction or royalties under the Copyright Act.

The Arts Law Centre can be contacted on 1800 221 457 and provides free legal advice to the arts industry on matters such as Copyright Law.

11. International Dhamma Activities (IDA)

12. Local Area Planning & Asset Management (LAPAM)

Colour Code: Green
LAPAM Manager: Frank Carter
LAPAM Vice President: Frank Carter
LAPAM Task Unit Members: Julian Bamford, Peter Boswell, Frank Carter, Brendan Hall, Evelin Halls, Lenore Hamilton, David Igracki, Rodney Johnson, David Ley, Brent Kerr, Lisa Nelson, Amber Svensson.

LAPAM Task Unit Responsibilities: To maintain and develop the buildings and gardens of the Centre; to undertake new construction works; to refurbish the Centre buildings; and to look after equipment and supplies.

New Store for Building Timber

The three level rack for storage of building timbers has been de-constructed.

The timber has been sorted into three categories.

1. Suitable for building uses - stacked in one level along the South side of the woodshed.
2. Suitable for fire - no cutting necessary - stored in West wood store
3. Suitable for firewood - needs to be cut to firewood length - East wood store

The bamboo previously stored on the rack is to be used for a bamboo protection wall along the Eastern fence - northern end.

Timber stacked behind the East wood store has also been sorted into the above categories.

The work was done on 26 and 27 December over 3 hours, by Julian Bamford.

Building Permit

The building permit for the new kitchen dining room was issued on 11 July 2002.

There is a two-year time period for construction under a building permit before an extension must be applied for.

Progress on the building is proceeding according to schedule.

Below is detailed the daily work plans for the new kitchen and dining hall [needs to be rearranged into chronological order].

The new kitchen cupboard and benchtop for the gas hotplates and storage space was designed and framework construction completed on 31 December 2003.

The bench frames have been painted with white primer and sealed with buff colour matte finish acrylic paint.

Cement sheet has been fitted to the walls behind the cupboards and painted within the cupboard framework.

The wall oven has been mounted onto the purpose built dexion stand (located in the South east corner of the kitchen).

The benchtop gas burner unit and metal housing has been cleaned.

The work was carried out by: Frank Carter, David Halls, Amber Svensson, Rodney Johnson and Julian Bamford.

New Bamboo Fence

On New Year's day 2004 a New Bamboo Fence (stage 1) located at the North end of the Brooking Street fenceline was completed.

Existing fence wire was removed, and some plants relocated to make space for the fence. Ginger plants have been plant at either end of the fence.

The fence measures 2.5 metres long (estimate) x 900mm high (estimate).

The bamboo was sourced from the old Eastern gate fence and the trimming of the black bamboo stand in the North West corner of the garden.

Stage 2 will be a removable section of fencing adjacent to the new fence. This will utlise the same design features of the new fence and bamboo cuttings. The removable function is to allow for ease when delivery of timber is made to the wood store area.

Peppercorn rent

The Peppercorn Rental due to the Landlord for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2004 was offered to Anita Hughes on 11 February 2004

Moving Plan

We wish to inform the Devas, Devatas and our Members that we will make the following moves:

Anita will move into the new Dining Hall
The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Office and Internet work station will move into the Sariputta Room

We request the Devas and Devatas for their help.
We request our Members to help.
Before moving anything, we will make the appropriate offerings to the Devas and Devatas including the Deva of Transformations (this altar is in the Store)

Timeline

Start moving Saturday 28 February 2004
Finish moving by Saturday 6 March 2004

Note: it is important to finish by Saturday 6 March because on 7 March 2004 we will be busy performing a ceremony

Saturday 28 February 2004:

Move everything out of the Sariputta Room into the Dining Hall, including pictures and PC11

From 10.30am to 3.30pm:
Anita, Amber, Evelin, Pennie, Julie, others
Move all small items and place temporarily into Anita Room:
clothes (empty all wardrobes and drawers)
Move images
Move pictures
Empty shelves
Exception: the Dragon King altar will stay in the Sariputta Room

Frank, Julian and Simon can do plastering in the New Dining Hall until 3.30 pm

3.30pm: Julian, Frank, Simon and Rodney (give him a call on the day) and others on availability, move furniture from Sariputta Room into Dining Hall
From 5.30pm: Sort clothes and the other items temporarily stored in the Anita Room into Dining Hall
Clean Sariputta Room when empty
Sunday 29 February 2004:

From 3pm:
Move filing cabinets FCA7 and FCA6 from the Anita Room into Sariputta Room
Move the Chief God of IT altar into Sariputta Room
Move blue metal filing cabinet and grey filing cabinet FCA3 from Suite 2A to Sariputta Room
Note: the LAN 1 and LAN 2 servers will stay where they are
Move filing cabinet FCA1, FCA4 and FCA5 from in front of the Amber Room into Sariputta Room
Move fining cabinet with the 'Fundraising' label located in the Library to Sariputta Room
Move Library filing cabinet from in front of the Amber Room into the Library
Move CGR shelf and CGR items from Suite 2A to Sariputta Room
Move the Fourteen Devas and Devatas of Organisational Development altar from top of Suite 2A to Sariputta Room

Note: please place filing cabinets in Sariputta Room in order according to cabinet numbers and alphabet

Monday 1 March to Friday 5 March 2004:

Keep working on moving items into their place, clean, offerings, look after the altars, check and track that things are proceeding according to this plan

Friday 5 March 2004:

Evening (Frank and Julian): move the PC1A and PC4 desks and chairs from the Anita Room into the Sariputta Room
place PC1A and PC4 on the floor of the Anita Room just for the night
move desk items to Sariputta Room

Saturday 6 March 2004:

Sariputta Room ought to be cleaned and ready including PC desks set up
11 am (time to be confirmed): Kamfatt and Evelin will come to move PC4 and PC1A and set up PC4 and PC1A in the Sariputta Room
PC1A will be reconnected to LAN 2
PC4 will be reconnected to the Internet

Telephone Lines

We currently have 3 telephone lines (2 Telstra, 1 Optus)

Line 97543334 will be moved to the Sariputta Room
The internet phone line used by PC4 will be moved to the Sariputta Room
The Anita phone line will be moved from the Sariputta Room to the New Dining Hall
We would like to acquire a fourth phone line for private use for Max, Joel and Amber

We need to ring Telstra to make an appointment to have the phone lines moved

Stay tuned for future dates:

Set up PC10A in Sariputta Room (PC is currently disassembled and stored in Suite 4. PC 10A is a LAN 1 machine complete with software which we wish to have available as ISYS research work station in the Sariputta Room.
There already exists a LAN 1 cable in the Sariputta Room.

Conclusion

At this stage we plan to have four work stations in the Sariputta Room:

Work Station 1: CGR (PC1A on LAN 2); filing cabinets and shelves with CGR items

Work Station 2: Internet (PC 4A with external email- stand alone PC)

Work Station 3: Research (PC 10A on LAN 1)

Work Station 4: PHOTOLAN (we will set up a new machine; must be fast with much disk space)

Workstations 1 and 2 and will be operable in the Sariputta Room by 6 March 2004

Workstation 3 and 4 will be operable in the Sariputta Room by June 2004

Altars that will be in the Sariputta Room:
Dragon King altar
Fourteen Devas and Devatas of Organisational Development altar
Chief God of Information Technology altar

We will have all filing cabinets in the correct locations.

We will have a clear mandala of where we do what. This will help the Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. in their task to carry out Master John D. Hughes' vision.

Placement of filing cabinets

Please move BDC(U) Ltd. Filing Cabinet FC2A out of the Library and place it in the Sariputta Room.

Move the Library Filing Cabinet OUT of the Sariputta Romm and place it in the Library in the space where Filing Cabinet FC2A was.

The Devas and Devatas of organisation development altar's new location

The Fourteen Devas and Devatas of Organisational Development altar is now located in the Sariputta Room on top of filing cabinet FC1A.

The following offerings of were made by Evelin on behalf of all past, present and future Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. and Chan Academy Australia:

Fresh flowers
Water
Articles of Association of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. printout from our website
Memorandum of Association of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. printout from our website
Moving plan

The above mentioned Devas and Devatas have requested our Members to familiarise themselves with the Articles of Association, or, if they are already familiar with the Articles, to revisit the Articles of Association to help ensure the running of our Organisation for at least 500 years within the Buddha Dhamma mandala.

13. World Buddhist University News

Annual Report of World Buddhist University Associate Institution Our Centre is an Associate Institution of the World Buddhist University (WBU).

This year the meeting of the WBU Council will be held in Taiwan on 22 February BE 2547 (2004).

On 2 February 2003, we emailed the Annual Report of Associate Institution (from 10 December B.E. 2545/2002 - 9 December, B.E. 2646/2003).

14. Funds Appeal

Donations

To make a donation please provide the following details and send to:

The Secretary, Chan Academy Australia,
Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.,
33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria, 3158.

Please make all cheques payable to "Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd."

Thank you for your kind contribution.

The gift of Dhamma excels all others.

May you be Well and Happy.

I / We wish to contribute funds as follows: $....................

Name / Organisation ................................................................................................

Address .............................................................................................

Receipt Required YES / NO

Gifts are not tax deductible.

15. Photographs

Photographs will be uploaded shortly.

16. Transferring of Merit

We regularly transfer merit to the Mahasangha and local deities. They help us on all our projects.

We offer blessed water and food to the deities at the NAT House.