The Brooking Street Bugle

Issue No. 121 (New Series)
ISSN 1321 - 1463

Publication Date: 25 February, 2005

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 Editor: Anita M. Hughes, RN Div 1

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. Members' 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

Vietnamese & Chinese Visitors for the Chinese New Year

On Saturday 12 February 2005 approximately 300 Vietnamese guests from the Quang Phuoc Temple in Footscray and 50 guests from the Chinese Elderly Citizens Group visited our Temple to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Our guests paid respect and made offerings of incense at many of our altars and about 10 of our Members offered them watermelon, biscuits, tea and cordial.

A number of our Vietnamese friends said they appreciated being able to visit our Temple again after several years' absence.

We invited them to come again next year.

Weekly Theravada Teachings on Monday Evenings

Venerable Wimalananda and Venerable Upatissa from the Sakyamuni Buddha Vihara in Berwick continue guide meditation at our Temple every Monday evening from 7.30pm. Please arrive by 7.15pm.

We thank the Venerables from the Sakyamuni Buddha Vihara for their ongoing teaching program.

3. Coming Events

Buddha Dhamma Teaching Program

We invite 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, and 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, daily necessities and books as dana for the Sangha.

On Friday evenings from 7.30pm 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) We have also listened to the CD series "Mahamudra" by Geshe Michael Roach.

Currently we are listening to taped teachings by the late Master John D. Hughes on Friday evenings.

Please feel free to invite Buddha Dhamma Teachers in the Mahayana tradition to come and give Teachings on Friday evenings.

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 program of Buddha Dhamma teachings at our Temple.

May Anita M. Hughes be well and happy.

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. All Members and Friends are welcome.

Our current Abhidhamma studies are based on "The Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma" by Dr. Mehm Tin Mon. Classes are free of charge.

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.

Coming Events at Other Centres

We have a white folder titled "Coming Events at Other Organisations".

Persons who are interested in these events can find the folder in the Sariputta Room, shelf next to PC1A.

Some coming events at other organisations are also published in the Brooking Street Bugle and uploaded onto our websites.

It is suggested that all Members keep track of what is happening at other organisations so that they know which are the important events to attend.

This will also help us to step up our PR programs. We want to continue to provide our Temple for future students so that they can learn the Buddha Dhamma for at least the next 500 years.

Visit of Ven Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche - Discovering Mahamudra - 25 - 27 February, 2005

Mahamudra, or chag gya chen po in Tibetan, is a term that indicates the nature of reality itself. It is used to refer both to the nature of the mind - described as a luminous emptiness, and to the great (maha) seal (mudra) which stamps all of conditioned existence with the seal of emptiness - "the underlying groundlessness, spaciousness and indeterminancy that imbues all of our experiences".
Mahamudra is also the name given to the system of meditation on the nature of mind that enables the practitioner to experience that nature for themselves.
In this weekend course Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche will introduce participants to the meaning and practice of Mahamudra.

Venerable Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche was born in the Northern Indian province of Himachal Pradesh to Tibetan parents and grew up in a monastic environment. Recognized as an incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, he received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. In particular he received the teachings of the Nyingma lineage, especially that of the Longchen Nyingthik from his root teacher, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Rinpoche also studied extensively under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyöshul Khen Rinpoche and the great scholar Khenpo Rinchen.

In 1989 Rinpoche moved to the United States with his family and in 1990 began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at the Naropa Institute. Rinpoche also founded Mangala Shri Bhuti at this time, an organization established with the vision of furthering the wisdom and practice of the Longchen Nyingthik lineage. Later, Rinpoche moved to southern Colorado and established the mountain retreat center, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling. Rinpoche currently spends much of his time there in retreat and guides students in long-term retreat practice. When not in retreat, Rinpoche travels widely throughout the world teaching and furthering his own education.

Cost: Full Members $115, Others: $130
Time: Commences Friday 7.30pm and ends 12noon Sunday
Venue: Maitripa Contemplative Centre, Healesville
For registration and inquiries ph 9387 0422 or fax 9380 8296
Email: e_vam@smartchat.net.au
Website: http://ww.evaminstitute.org.au

Odiyana Easter Retreat - Foundations of Buddhist Practice ­ March 25-28, 2005

With Lama David Christensen trained in the Nyingma/ Dzogchen School of Tibetan Buddhism.

The retreat will focus on the foundation practices of the Longchen Nyingthig, including instructions, teachings and Tibetan Yoga.

In the beautiful setting overlooking Wilson's Promontory, health vegetarian meals are provided. Accommodation ranges from a dormitory marquee, one's own tent, local b&b's or caravan parks.

Venue: Longchen Osel Ling, 815 Ameys Track, Foster North
Cost: $175/$150

Contact Odiyana Centre, on Melbourne 03-9813-2431

Please refer to the white folder labelled "Coming Events at Other Centres" for further details about these and other events.

Please refer to the white folder labelled "Coming Events at Other Centres" for further details about these and other events.

4. Company Structure

Our Company Office Bearers and Management Team
(as of 7 August 2004)

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 B.A.

Directors of the Centre
Anita M. Hughes, RN Div 1
Evelin Halls B.A.
Julie O'Donnell

President
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.

Secretary
Anita Hughes RN Div 1.

Assistant Secretary
Julie O'Donnell

Joint Treasurers
Peter Boswell CPA and David Igracki

Financial Controller
Peter Boswell CPA

Assistant Treasurer
Frank Carter B.Ec.

Vice Presidents
Corporate Governance & Reporting
Evelin Halls B.A.
International Dhamma Activities
Pennie White B.A.Dip.Ed.
Local Area Planning & Asset Management
Frank Carter B.Ec.
Fundraising
David Ley, Architect (UK), BBlgs

Assistant Manager, Local Area Planning & Asset Management
Paul Tyrrell

Joint Managers, Occupation Health & Safety
Anita Hughes R.N. Div1
Frank Carter B.Ec.

Fuel Manager
David Igracki

Catering Manager
Leila Igracki

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

Librarian
Anita M. Hughes R.N.Div1
Assistant Librarian
Julie O'Donnell

Editors Buddha Dhyana Dana Review
Evelin Halls B.A.
Pennie White B.A. Dip. Ed.
Assistant Editor Buddha Dhyana Dana Review
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.

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

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

Executive Producer Buddhist Hour Broadcast
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.

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

Assistant Producers Buddhist Hour Broadcast
Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec.
Evelin Halls B.A.
Leanne Eames B.A. M.A.
Lainie Smallwood B.A. Business, B.A. Comm.

Director of Abhidhamma Teachings
Evelin Halls B.A.

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

Manager Enterprise Technology
Evelin Halls B.A.

IT Development Engineer
John Watson Senior CTS Engineer

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

5. Keynote Opportunities

The recent Tsunami tragedy brought out an unprecedented outpouring of Buddhist attitudes (karuna, maithree) and action (dana) among Sri Lankan Sangha and lay Buddhists alike. The temples along the Sri Lankan coast, small and big, opened wider their already open doors for those running away from the tsunami. Each temple became a centre of refuge, not only for Buddhists, but also for Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. Innumerable are the stories being told of acts of true Buddhist generosity in these temples. Monks gave their robes to bandage victims, looked after children and babies, fed them from the meager provisions they had, and comforted them. There can be no clearer example of true Buddhist attitudes than those in the remote Eastern province temple of Arantalawa. Here LTTE death squads had once hacked to death young Buddhist monks. Now, Arantalawa opened itself to nearly thousand refugees of whom the majority was from the Tamil community, among who must surely have been the very heartless assassins who hacked the young Buddhist monks. It was as if the times of the Buddha had arrived once again.

Hearing of the tragedy, fellow Buddhists around the world flocked into Sri Lanka to help. They came from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, as well as from the West. They rushed to the temples and other welfare centres; fed and clothed the needy, and arranged for medicine and medical camps. It was a coming together of Buddhist generosity both from Sri Lanka as well as from sister Buddhist countries and Buddhist communities around the world. It was as if in the Buddhist world unplanned, the Buddhist equivalent of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent had come into being spontaneously. Buddhists from Sri Lanka and several other countries who were exposed to this experience, have now felt that the time is appropriate to launch a Buddhist initiative on the lines of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

For this purpose, as well as a mark of deep respect for the Buddhists and temples, both Sri Lankan and international, who helped the needy at that time of disaster, an international conference of Buddhists is being organized in Colombo on March 19th and 20th, 2005. These dates roughly coincide with the three-month act of Dana (conferring merit) to the departed. It will bring together on one platform Sri Lankans and Buddhists from around the world who volunteered help this critical time in a spirit of ssaranadhyasa, another Buddhist value which means without any expectations in return.

You are kindly invited to participate in this unique international conference which will see the formal emergence of an international Buddhist humanitarian movement.

Objectives of the Conference

1. To help launch a worldwide relief organization with a Buddhist perspective.

2. To provide an opportunity for the Sangha and laity, both international and Sri Lankan, who have been actively engaged in Tsunami relief work to meet with one another and strengthen and reinforce their commitment to a central Buddhist idea, namely helping those in distress.

3. Facilitate effective cooperation between Sri Lankan and international Buddhist organizations and individuals engaged in disaster and relief work and enhance their capacity building.

Date: -20 March 2005 - Conference proper
21-23 March 2005 - Visits to Tsunami affected areas (optional)

Venue: Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)

Organized by: Buddhist Resource Centre, Sri Lanka and the Asian Buddhist Congress

Co-sponsors: Several international Buddhist organizations have pledged to co-sponsor the Conference. The full list will be notified later.

Participants:
1. Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, nuns and members of Buddhist organisations who were actively engaged in Tsunami relief activities.
2. International Buddhist monks, nuns and members of Buddhist organizations and other interested individuals involved in Buddhist acts of helping those in distress

Registration fee for international participants: - US$ 50 covers Tsunami Information Pack, lunch & tea for 2 days & transportation from hotel to conference hall

Hotel Accommodation for international participants:The conference organizers are negotiating for affordable hotel rates in the 3 stars to 5 stars range. These rates will be notified within the next week. Accommodation costs in addition to travel costs are to be met by the participants.

Temple Accommodation for international monks and nuns: Free temple accommodation could be arranged for a limited number of monks and nuns if nitimated well in advance.

Field trips to Tsunami affected areas:
These trips (including hotel accommodation) will be arranged at cost price.

Participation for Sri Lankan Buddhist monks and Nuns: Free

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME - TENTATIVE
Day No. 1
8. 30 Registration
9.00 Welcome & 2 minutes silence
9.05 Keynote Speeches
9.30 5 minutes statements by Co-sponsors of the Conference
10.20 Tea
10.30 Slide presentation ­ Description of damage by Tsunami
10.50 Slide presentation ­ What has been done so far
11.10 Discussion
12.00 Dana/Lunch (Vegetarian)
13.00 How Sri Lanka Temples responded to the disaster - Slides & Videos
15. 00 Discussion
15.30 Tea
15. 50 Personal stories from the affected ­ Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim & Christian
16.30 Discussion
17.00 End of Formal Sessions
17.00 Networking among local and international participants at different temples
Day 2
9.00 Proposal for establishment of a Worldwide Buddhist Relief Organisation
9. 20 Discussion Name proposed, Organizational structure
10.20 Acceptance of the Proposal
10.30 Tea
10.50 10 minute presentations ­ Short, mid & long-term rehabilitation needs
- Families & children (including orphans)
- Psycho-social rehabilitation
- Housing
- Health
11.30 Discussion
12.00 Dana/Lunch
13.30 Suggested projects
14.30 Discussion
15.00 Tea
15.20 Responses from participants for the future
16.00 Making connections
17.00 Closing ceremony
17.30 End
18.00 Networking continues at temples

Day 3, 4 & 5 Field trips to Tsunami affected areas

Conference Address
Buddhist Resource Centre, Sri Lanka
134/4 Indra Mawatha, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka
Telephone: 94-11-2587945 Mob: 94-77-6261374, Fax: 94-11-2696493,
Email: buddhistrc@yahoo.com

Chan Academy Australia 7 DAY PROJECT LIST

Prepared by Julian Bamford, President.

Published Monday 21 February 2005 for Monday 21 to Sunday 28 February 2005.

This Project List details current priorities and coming projects for our three Task Groups:
IDA - International Dhamma Activities
LAPAM - Local Area Planning and Asset Maintenance
CGR - Corporate Governance and reporting

Contents

1. Key Projects - Next Three Months
2. OH&S Priorities
3. Daily Priorities
4.Weekly Priorities
5.AAAA Priorities
6.AAA Priorities
7.AA Priorities
8.A Priorities
9.Coming Projects

Key Projects - Next Three Months
1.BUDDHA DHAMMA CHANTING & OFFERINGS ­ 6.00AM DAILY
2.BUILDINGS: Approval of Plans and issue of Planning Permit issued for New Meditation Hall and Bedrooms (Anita, Frank).
3.BUILDINGS: Relocate garden in readiness for new building.
4.BUILDINGS: start digging stump holes for new building in April
5.FUEL REDUCTION ­ Continue Fire Risk reduction in garden
6.DIGITISATION ­ of recorded Buddha Dhamma teachings
7.PHOTOLAN: Complete development of software application
8.PHOTOLAN: Implement hardware requirements
9.PHOTOLAN: WFB: Create Online Buddhist Art Exhibition for WFB Standing Committee on Publications, Publicity, Education, Arts and Culture.
10.BUILDINGS: Continue buildings and property maintenance
11.BODHI TREE: Complete fixing of protective roof on top of surround.
12.JDH COLLECTION: Catalogue books/journals on Organise
13.JDH COLLECTION; Upload references to online catalogue
14.WEB: Upload more digital photographs with captions.
15.WFB: write position paper on digital publishing of newsletters (Julian and others)
16.WFB: write position paper on international exchange student programs with WFB (Julian, Pennie and others)
17. Start written plan for Bodhi Care (tentative name) Private Aged Nursing Home for Aged and Dying ­ and commence market research for funding submission October 2005 (Anita, Julian and others).

OH&S Priorities:
1.FIRE RISK: Chant Quails Protection to protect against fire.
2.FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Fire Team Drill ­ update Fire Fighting team manuals (Team: Julian, David I, Celestina, Julie, Alec, Anita, Frank)
3.FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Refit protective wire at base of Amenities block and below verandah on North side.
4.ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Source software upgrade for our multiple license from Confirm Systems - Doncaster (Julian)
5.ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Reload ESIS software on PC1A D: drive and input Essential Services data for producing Annual Report. (Julian and others)
6.OH&S REPORT: Publish Monthly (Frank, Anita)

Daily Priorities

1.Do daily offerings to the Deva of Buildings
2.Buddha Dhamma chanting in main hall and offerings to altars daily at 6am and 8.00pm.
3.Water Bodhi tree ­ between 5.00am and 8.00am and 8.00pm and 11.00pm
4.Clean amenities block, floor, toilets and basin.
5.Clean main hall, reading room, library and entrance hall.
6. Sweep front path and East and South Gate entrances.
7.Feed birds and the ducks when they come (all Members).
8.Collect mail, enter in database and action as required.
9.Check external emails for messages and accounts to action.
10.Remove dead flowers and offer fresh flowers on altars.
11.File books into library shelves (Celestina and others).

Weekly Priorities

1.DUSTING AND CLEANING: 1 HOUR EVERY DAY
2.SWEEP FRONT PATHS AND GATES: EVERY DAY
3.PUBLICATIONS: Write and publish BSB Sunday weekly (Leanne and others)
4.WEEKLY PROJECT LIST: Publish each Sunday (Julian, Alec)
5.ONGOING: Transcribe John D. Hughes audio teachings for Buddhist Hour and websites.
6.MONDAY: Sitting meditation guided by member of the Sangha. 7.30pm. Prepare hall. Bring flowers to offer.
7.TUESDAY: Abhidhamma. Commence with chanting @ 7.30pm.
8.abhidhamma offerings: bring A4 Paper (Reflex) x 2 reams per week to offer.
9.FRIDAY: Reading of Buddhist Hour script. Complete editing, program production and up load of Buddhist Hour script to blessings website.
10.FRIDAY: Buddha Dhamma study class - 8.00pm.
11.SATURDAY: Fortnightly: Thangka painting class - 7.30pm
12.SUNDAY: BUDDHIST HOUR: File Buddhist hour scripts, running sheets and introductions (Alec and others)
13.MEALS: Organise for Anita and family (Julie, Leila, Celestina and others).
14.ONGOING: Source goods for sale at weekly our Camberwell Market stall. (Frank, David Ley & others)
15.Mow lawns (Peter Boswell).
16.Put out garbage bins on Sunday nights (Alec, Joel & others).
17.Vacuum and dust Sariputta Room and clean adjoining bathroom (Daily attendants.
18. ONGOING: maintenance and updating of our 12 websites (Evelin and webmasters: train up new webmasters; Alec, Travis)

AAAA Priorities

1.WBU: complete WBU Associated Institution annual activities report and forward to WBU by 26 February.
2.WFB: send email to seek confirmation of current subscription and receipt of past issues of WFB Review (Julie, Peter)
3.FIRE RISK REDUCTION: Weed Southwest corner and around caravan.
4.FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Fit sprinkler pipe to the north side of the new private kitchen/dining hall. (Frank and others)
5.FIRE RISK REDUCTION: Refit the wire mesh around the underside of the main house.
6.DIGITISATION ­ install indexing system for recorded JDH
Collection teachings on PC13A (Lee Robilliard, Frank Carter)
7.DIGITISATION: continue writing of recorded Dhamma teaching
summaries and indexing (Summary & Indexing Team)
8.HEAVENLY MONKS: Sew new robes for images at Eastern Gate) before Chinese New Year visits (Feb).
9.GARDEN: Paint Southern Gate Heavenly Dhamma Garden welcome (Melba)
10.GARDEN: Topiarise tree adjacent to Southern gate (Helen)
11.GARDEN:Thin black bamboo near Quan Yin pond (Julian & others)
12. GARDEN: Relocate some bamboo to north side of Suite 10A.
13.CHAN ACADEMY: issue media release to local papers for Sumi-e program for 2005 with Andre Sollier. (Julian, Alec)
14.Andre Sollier Life Story complete and load to BDDR Online
Vol. 15. No.1 (Leanne, Julian)
15.IT/LAN2: Complete testing and install Server for LAN1
database (John Watson, Frank tracking)
16.IT/LAN2: Insert the correct code for LAN2 email addresses (John Watson).
17.IT/LAN2: Set up email addresses for new members.
18.IT/LAN2: Continue upgrade and PC maintenance program (Frank, Vladimir and others).
19.IT/LAN: Reload ISYS and Word onto PC 13A - post completion of LAN2 upgrade. (Evelin)
20.BUDDHIST HOUR: Complete Chan painting for Hillside FM broadcast studio (Melba) for display by beginning of February.
21.BUDDHIST HOUR: Take new photograph of current radio team and upload to BDCU Blessings website. 22.FUNDRAISING: Create Chan Academy Australia display for Camberwell market stall (David Ley, Melba, Julian, Julie and others)
23.FUNDRAISING: complete documentation for Fundraising permit (send l with copies of letters from Dhammarajika and Ven. Shastri) Frank.
24.FUNDRAISING: Gather new stock for Camberwell market stall. (David Ley, Frank and others)
25.FUNDRAISING: March collection of Dhammarajika monies from ISHKA (David Ley, Lainie, Julie)
26.FUNDRAISING: Send report on Dhammarajika Collections received through ISHKA stores to ISHKA Fitzroy office with copy of Ven. Suddhananda's thank you letter (David Ley).
27.FUNDRAISING: Provide Dhammarajika Collection box at ISHKA - Knox and Brighton stores (David Ley).
28.FUNDRAISING: Print blessing flags for sale. (Kate and others).
29.FUNDRAISING: Make Mala Beads for market (Leila & others)
30.PUBLICATIONS:Print 15 copies of each issue of Brooking Street Bugle for dhamma dana (Leanne and others).
31.PUBLICATIONS: Print 70 copies of BDDR for Dana (Frank)
32.WEB: Write email on site visitations - from weekly site meter reports (Alec and others)
33.WEB: Upload John D. Hughes Funeral Celebration photographs to bddronline.net.au (Evelin and others).
34.WEB: Upload Founder's Day 2003 photographs to BDDR Online website with captions (Julian and others)
35.WEB: Train new webmasters (Evelin with Travis and Alec) .

AAA Priorities

1.EASTERN GATE: Oil Chan Academy sign.
2.CHAN HALL: Oil Chan Academy Sign.
3.WEB: Complete payment methods and schedules for website hosting fees and domain registrations (Julian).
4.WEB: Save all website files onto Zip disk; all websites onto CDs; make copies of website onto CDs; update coming events; upload weekly Buddhist Hour radio scripts (Evelin)
5.WEB: BDDR Online: write editorials; appeals; Buddha Dhamma texts and information (Evelin, Anita and others)
6.WEB: BDDR Onlne: continue uploading Photographs
7.WEB: BDDR Online: Prepare BDDR Online print versions by copying and pasting HTML files into text files.(Evelin)
8.WEB: EDHARMA.ORG: Upload audio file, texts etc (Alec)
9.WEB: Longhair Australia News (Evelin)
10.WEB: BDDR Online: prepare and upload new issue; update bdcu.org search engine weekly; maintain site meters; check external emails for due website payments (Evelin)
11.LAPAM: Box all eaves with cement sheeting (Paul and others)
12.WEB: WFB Conference 2002: add names and descriptions for photos on bddronline (Julian, Pennie, Julie and others).
13.WEB: Upload photographs of building construction to Brooking Street Bugle and add captions (Webmasters).
14.DECLUTTER: Suite 11 and suite 11(Geology Museum).
15. Sort, print and file Abhidhamma class notes x 5 copies for Library (Evelin, Leanne and others).
16.PUBLISHING: Write editorials and articles for the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review (BDDR Editors, Pennie and others)
17.FUNDRAISING: Contact Enlightened Business Institute regarding likelihood of workshops for March 2005 (Julian).

AA Priorities

1.PUBLISHING: Complete Longhair issue Vol. 3 No. 1 (file reference: LAN2 I:/longhr3no1) (all Longhair editors)
2.LAPAM: Extend the retaining/protective wall at the east end of the Chan Hall. (See Frank)
3.PHOTOGRAPHS: Sort, label and index Digital photograph CD-ROMs (Julian and others).
4.WEB: BDCU Blessings: check capacity and upgrade as required for uploading of MP3 files.
5.WEB: Convert mini-disks of Buddhist Hour to CD's, convert to MP3's and upload to BDCU Blessings website.
6.DIGITISING: convert audio recordings of Buddhist Hour broadcasts not recorded on minidisks.
7. Build new store for lawn mower.
8. Source another lawn mower.
9. Complete sanding and painting dining hall ceiling.

A Priorities

1.Write and implement our Members Orientation Program
2.Develop position descriptions for office bearers (Julian and others)
3.Replace ceiling baffle inside wood heater in Anita Room.
4.Repair leak in Quan Yin Pond and Australia pond
5.LAPAM: Seal the main house from possums and rats. (Paul, Frank and others).
6.Repair stone wall adjacent to Suite 10A.
7.FUNDRAISING: work on plans for bottling and selling blessed water (Frank and others).

COMING PROJECTS

1.Buddha Dhamma TV program - Contact Channel 31 for broadcasting in 2005 (Julian)
2.Develop John D. Hughes Museum recording our Founders Heritage - his life, vision and activities (Anita and others).
3.PHOTOGRAPHS: Print and frame selection of photographs of John D. Hughes and Members of Sangha on Founders Day 2003.
4.Write position descriptions, associated competencies and
role responsibilities (Julian, Anita and others).
5.Create earthen relief of story of JDH & Anita .
6.Complete upgrade to our BDCU Database (Evelin, Lee, Mitra).
7.Sand and paint barge board on South wall.
8.Repair Asoka Lion.
9.Carry out maintenance on Northern Bell Tower.
10.Produce colour prints of photographs of John and Anita Hughes (Frank, Julian and others).
11.Complete stamping of Monk ordination certificates (Julian, Alec, Andrew, Travis and others).
12.Set up 2nd Internet PC (17A) using PC (See Evelin)
13.Record Buddha Dhamma Chanting by Members direct to CD-ROM for fundraising.
14.Repaint Venerable Narada's head with gold paint
15.Publish World Fellowship of Buddhists Standing Committee on Women newsletters and reports on our website.
16.Find new Members with more time to take on our activities and projects.
17.Attract suitable international persons to join Centre as Members.
18.Become more active in helping the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
19.Set up a Standing Committee on Women at our Centre.
20.Publish a history of our Centre.
21.Publish a new biography of our Founder "Celebration of Buddha Dhamma Work ­ John D. Hughes 1955 to 2003" to contain the contributions of John D. Hughes, Founder of Buddhist Discussion Centre.
22.Publish a history of Buddha Dhamma in Australia.
23.Write executive summary's for each publication in JDH Collection and publish online with catalogue on BDCU website.
24.Establish an internet radio service.
25.Establish a Buddha Dhamma television station in Melbourne
26.Establish an Accommodation and Conference Centre for visiting Venerable Monks, Nuns and visiting Teachers to provide teachings.
27.Establish a Retreat Centre at Phillip Island, Victoria.

Sumi-e Program 2005

Dates for sumi-e classes for 2005 with Master Andre Sollier are:

19 February, 19 March, 22 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 August, 17 September, 15 October, 19 November, 10 December

Each sumi-e class commences at 10am and runs until 3pm with a one hour break for lunch. Students are welcome to bring food for lunch, and flowers for offering to the Teacher.

Students should arrive at the Centre by 9.30am to be seated in the hall ready for the class to commence at 10am.

Student fees are $66 per class (including GST) with all painting materials supplied.

Payments should be made in cash or cheque made payable to Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

For bookings please telephone Mr Julian Bamford on 0400 267 330 or call the Chan Academy Australia on 03 9754 3334.

PhotoLAN near completion

On Friday 4 February, Tiraj Adikari demonstrated the Beta version of our new PhotoLAN application. The application is loaded to the bdcu.org.au website for testing and development purposes. It is not presently accessible for public use.

We thank Tiraj Adikari for his generosity, skills and dedication over the past year in working to design and write the software and bring the PhotoLAN software application to fruition.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

We aim to complete the software application by 12 February 2005.

On Saturday 5 February, the application was demonstrated to our IT maintenance and development team consisting of Frank Carter, Evelin Halls, Vladimir Karnovik, Julian Bamford, Lee Robilliard and Alec Sloman.

Tasks to be carried out over the next three weeks include:

1. Building of PhotoLAN server and loading of PhotoLAN software.
2. Beta testing the PhotoLAN software application.
3. Finalising design and content for PhotoLAN/website
within our image and style guidelines.

The PhotoLAN server is being built by Vladimir Karnovik. Users of PhotoLAN will access photos through our internal web browser in a similar manner to the way we access internal email.

The public version of PhotoLAN will be located on our new website to be called: www.buddhaview.org. The web version of PhotoLAN and our Internal PhotoLAN will be identical.

The DNS for this website will be run from the bdcu.org.au website in the same mode as the www.edharma.org website. We shall request Owen Smith for his assistance in setting up this domain name and website DNS.

The internal PhotoLAN and the www.buddhaview.org website will be managed by Alec Sloman as webmaster. Photos and text will be loaded to our internal PhotoLAN first and then uploaded to the website.

As webmaster, Alec will train interested members in using the application to upload photos and text to the internal PhotoLAN and website.

Chan Painting Teachings

Melba Nielsen is teaching the basics of Chan Painting to those who wish to learn. Class participants are learning to paint the Four Friends - bamboo, chrysanthemum, plum blossom and the orchid.

The 2005 Chan Program is uploaded on our website www.bdcu.org.au. You can find it by clicking on the link "2005 Chan Painting Program" on the home page.

Thangka Painting Classes

Thangka painting classes are held at our Centre every second Saturday evening, commencing from 7.30 pm. Subjects include Green Tara, Vajrasattva and Padmasambhava. Members are enjoying learning the techniques of thangka painting, guided by senior Members and referring to some of our library resources on this subject, as well as the joy and the merit of this activity.

For details about class dates, please contact Julie O'Donnell on 9754-3334.

6. Appeals and Special Projects

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 our white tents and colourful blessing flags. Goods for sale include Chan prints, gift cards, plants and second-hand goods.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 13 of February 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $130.50, Raffle $92, Bangladesh Stand $33.35.

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

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 20 of February 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $154.25, Raffle $58, Bangladesh Stand $20.95.

The sales team for the day was David Igracki, Leila Lamers, Frank Carter, and Alec Sloman.

Chan Academy Australia Summer Raffle 2004

Our Chan Academy 2004 Summer Raffle was drawn on Friday 18th February 2005 at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd

The first prize of $500 of plants was won by Thea Rechner with ticket number 0533.

The second prize was won by Fletcher with ticket 0450.

This raffle raised $1062 for the Centre over an 11 week period. Nearly all the tickets were sold at Camberwell market.

Valentine's Day Flower Stall 2005

Our 2005 Valentine's Day Flower Stall was held on 14 February at the Mobil Petrol Station on Boronia Road in Wantirna.

Our stall was run from 12.30 to 7.00pm by 8 of our Members. The result was a net profit for the Centre of $684.

This year we used a different approach for Valentine's Day by not hiring a refrigerated van and substituting some red sims carnations mixed with gyp for roses.

The result was about a 40% improvement in profit over last year with much less work organising and preparing for the event.

We also had the good kamma to be able to use the refrigerated cool room at the Mobil garage to store some roses in until later in the day.

We added a new product to our range as Leila showed us how to make hand made red roses. These were sold for $5 per each and we sold about 12 in total.

Thank you to all Members who helped make the stall a great success with profit about 10% higher than our target.

7. Current Research and Development Interests

JDH Digitisation Project

The Digitisation Paper on digitisation of the John D. Hughes Collection of audio recordings is currently being developed. See the Information Technology section for details.

Information Communication Technologies at the WBU

Ms Pennie White will be reporting on the research hconducted at the World Buddhist University on their use of Information and Communication Technologies.

8. Information Technology News

PhotoLAN News

Tuesday, 22 February, a meeting was held by Frank Carter, Julian Bamford and Alec Sloman to discuss the next stage of revision of the PhotoLAN internal system and website front page.

Revisions were proposed using a printed draft of the website.

The meeting resulted in the decision to send Alec Sloman to work with Tiraj person to person, as written instructions would have been exhaustive.

Next VET update due 27 March 2004

It is recommended to update our LAN machines at least every 3 months with the latest update files.

Next VET update due: 27 March 2004

PC13A, PC5A and PC15A have also been updated with the latest VET - now we have all computers running the latest VET.

NOTE: Our Internet machine automatically updates itself whenever we are online.

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

Hazards Identified­ Potential and actual

Seal the main house roof from possums and rats.
Refit the wire mesh around the underside of the main house.
Extend the retaining wall at the East end of the Chan Hall.
Repair the sensor light at Suite 10A
Remove the metal strips on steps leading up to the kitchen dining room.
Prune the rose bush in the driveway.

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 monthly 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.

General Meetings Held Last Friday of Each Month

The next General Meeting will be held on Friday 25 February, 2004 at 8.00pm. All Members are encouraged to attend.

11. International Dhamma Activities (IDA)

IDA Colour Code: Yellow
IDA Manager: Evelin Halls
IDA Vice-President: Pennie White
IDA Task Unit Members: Anita M. Hughes, Julian Bamford, Peter Boswell, Helen Costas, Leanne Eames, Leila Igracki, Julie O'Donnell, David Ley, Lainie Smallwood, Amber Svensson, Paul Tyrrell, Celestina Guiliano.

IDA Task Unit Responsibilities:

To maintain WFB liaison; to maintain WBU liaison; to arrange Abhidhamma Teachings; chanting, pujas, translations; to maintain and preserve the John D. Hughes Collection; to organise audio and video recordings of teachings and events; to develop and maintain the Centre's IT systems, data warehouse, LAN and web sites; to train Members to become Webmasters; to develop e-commerce; to produce, edit, publish and distribute the BDDR and BSB, to write and broadcast "Buddhist Hour" radio scripts; to organise and teach Chan classes.

JDH Collection Audio Tape Digitisation Project

Members continue to transcribe and check teachings by Master John D. Hughes. An archive version is created from each tape, which is then edited for uploading onto our http://www.edharma.org website. Click on the link to "Teachings" to find the audio files in mp3 format ready for download.

The teachings are also used as the basis for our weekly radio broadcasts on the Buddhist Hour at 88.0FM.

We are currently working on Tape 8 of this series.

We are planning to load many more audio and text files of the Teachings of John D. Hughes.

John Hughes' Teachings audio files on Internet

Mp3 files with John D. Hughes Buddha Dhamma teachings are loaded on our website www.edharma.org.

You can find the audio files by clicking on the "Teachings" link. Persons can download the mp3 files onto their computers and burn them onto CDs. You can also listen to the teachings online.

PC4 at the Centre is equipped for online listening. Just click on the particular mp3 file, and the Windows Media player will automatically open and you can hear the teachings. With our new broadband connection and the upgraded PC, the audio quality is high.

Any person who has access to the Internet with a PC set up to listen to audio files can now hear John's teachings.

Thank you to all beings, humans, devas and devatas who have helped to make this possible. Please continue to help us.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

Articles for the BDDR

All Members please help us to write articles about Dhamma activities that we can use for the BDDR.
If you come across any material that would be suitable for inclusion in the BDDR, please pass it along to our webmasters.

Thank you to all who have helped with our websites, and please continue to help.

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, Evelin Halls, David Igracki, 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.

Fire Refuges

Designated fire refuges do not exist in our area anymore.

However, we were advised by the local fire authority, that we have the option to go to the DRCCC, as our Centre is very close to it, even if it is not a designated fire refuge.

We were advised to listen to the local radio and read the local papers for advice. If there is a fire, we must watch out for amber drops especially on high wind days.

13. Members' News

Member to undertake Diploma of Education studies

This year Evelin Halls will undertake a Postgraduate Diploma of Education (full time) at Monash University, Clayton. Evelin will specialise in LOTE (Language other than English) for German and Information Technology/ Computing.

The degree (Dip.Ed.) will fully qualify Evelin to teach German and IT at secondary schools or in adult education.

14. Funds Appeal

Donations

Donations may be sent to:

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

Please state your name/organisation, address and indicate whether or not you require a receipt.

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.

Gifts are not tax deductible.

15. Photographs

Photographs will be uploaded at a later date.

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.