The Brooking Street Bugle

Issue No. 123 (New Series)
ISSN 1321 - 1463

Publication Date: 2 May, 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.

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

Upajjhaya: Preceptor

2. Sangha News

Weekly Theravada Teachings on Monday Evenings

Venerable Vimilananda and Venerable Upatissa from the Sakyamuni Buddha Vihara in Berwick continue to guide meditation and give Dhamma Teachings every Monday evening at our Centre. Please arrive by 7.15pm. For further information, phone 03 9754 3334.

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

3. Coming Events

Pujas for 2005

Mahayana Pujas are taught by Master Francisco Francisco So. In 1979, John D. Hughes advertised for a Puja Master to train students in holding Mahayana Puja ceremonies.

We will hold 7 pujas a year and we need a minimum of five students at each Puja for the maximum benefit of the exercise.

1. 1st January
2. Labour Day - March
3. Easter Monday
4. Anzac Day
5. Queens Birthday
6. Cup Day
7. Boxing Day

Please write your name down as attending each Puja.

We need one person to co-ordinate lunch.

Each attendee is requested to bring: -

1. One lunch dish (speak to the lunch coordinator)
2. Round Fruit Offerings
3. Sweets (candy and biscuits)
4. Grape Juice

All are welcome.

Catering for 5 Day Bhavana course held 25 March 2005 to 29 March 2005

During the 5 Day Bhavana course held 25 March 2005 to 29 March 2005, Leila Igracki organised the catering of lunch and dinner. On Friday she was assisted by Celestina Guilliano. On Sunday she was assisted by Steve Economou. On Monday Julie O'Donnell and Anita Hughes made lunch so Leila could do the Sukhavati Puja prayer ritual. Thank you too all Members who helped with donating food and preparation of food serving of food and washing dishes.

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 are now being coordinated and taught by Pennie White. We thank Pennie for her efforts in this regard.

Evelin Halls will develop study notes for Abhidhamma classes to give to students, commencing by mid-year.

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.

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.

Junior Vice-President
Alec Sloman

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

We wish the Buddha Dhamma to grow in the hearts and minds of men, women, devas and devatas.

Our Centre has grown steadily over the past 25 years, allowing many beings their first access to Buddha Dhamma in this life and providing them with suitable conditions to learn and practice the Buddhist Path.

This year we will build the stumpholes for a new Meditation Hall and Library. The new Meditation Hall will be called the "The John D. Hughes Meditation Hall.

The plans for construction are with the Council at present, and approval is anticipated in the near future.

The merit made by helping to build this Meditation Hall and Library will be vast and will be experienced by those that participate for many lifetimes.

Our wish is to benefit all beings by building a Temple where the Buddha Dhamma can be taught in this Buddha Sasene. We are planning to finish the new Meditation Hall and Library by 2007.

We will invite three Buddha Dhamma Teachers to come to our new Meditation Hall to give Buddha Dhamma discourses. We intend to invite the Venerable Ajahn Phra Plien Panyapatipo, Geshe Michael Roach and Venerable Mahinda.

We request the Devas and Devatas of Building and Construction to please help us.

We request the Dragon King and Nagas to please help us.

Making the Causes for the New Meditation Hall

Strong causes were made for constructing our new meditation hall on day three of the March 2005 Bhavana course.

This involved laying out the boundary lines for the new meditation hall.

This important task was carried out by our Abbot and resident practitioner Anita Hughes with Members Julie O'Donnell, Frank Carter, Lainie Smallwood and Julian Bamford.

They used six small wooden stakes, from the 32 stakes used over fourteen years ago in a special ceremony to mark out the dimensions of the hall.

Puja sand was offered along the ground to mark the boundaries of the new meditation hall and incense was offered to all the heavenly devas and protectors to invite them to help us in this Noble project.

Some plants, including a lime tree, geraniums and ginger were removed from the garden where the building will be constructed.

These plants were relocated to No.11 Brooking Street, the home of Members Julie O'Donnell, Julian Bamford, Alec Sloman and melba Nielsen where the Members created a new garden including an altar for Quan Yin and ponds.

We wish that the planning, funding and construction of our new meditation hall at 33 Brooking Street be completed with ease and in harmony for the benefit of many beings.

Bodhi Care Aged Nursing Home for Mind and Body

Regular planning meetings for The Bodhi Care Aged Nursing Home for Mind and Body, to be run as a Not-for-Profit organisation continue on Saturday afternoons.

Our Conceptual Solution to help ageing persons is as follows.

Our Philosophy

The First Noble Truth is that in life there is birth, sickness, old age and death. Our [philosophy is to come to full realisation about these facts and provide persons with the conditions to realise and live the second, third and fourth Noble Truths, as they are ageing. In so doing we believe we will provide persons with perfect conditions for a peaceful life as they are ageing in preparation for a peaceful death as expounded by Buddha Sakyamuni and thus further develop in ourselves philanthropic, benevolent and humanitarian qualities.

Our Vision

Our Vision is:

--to provide persons with a suitable environment to continue to make merit and develop wisdom towards their goal for enlightenment,
--to provide persons with the perfect conditions for them to die peacefully
--to create blessings and transfer of merit for persons as they are dying
--to create the opportunity for relatives to support and help their loved ones during their ageing and dying
--to help and encourage children to care for their parents
--to provide the opportunity for persons to make causes to be cared for and guided in their old age and death.

Our Mission

Our Mission is:

--to create and operate a Buddhist community living environment for ageing persons according to the teachings of the Buddha Sakyamuni
--to build a nursing home and independent living units and hospice
--to provide persons with the opportunity to continue learning the teachings of the Buddha and making merit in their old age.

For details of the next Nursing Home meeting, please contact Anita on 03 9754 3334.

Members who are interested in helping with the project are invited to attend these meetings.

Website sponsorship

We invite persons to sponsor our websites. This can be either a web hosting fee, or a domain name registration.

By doing this you help all present and future Buddha Dhamma students to access the Teachings of the Buddha via the Internet worldwide.

We would like to thank Owen Smith for sponsoring our domain name www.edharma.org.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

Please see Evelin, Frank or David Igracki for further information.

Sumi-e Program 2005

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

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.

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.

The next class will be held on 14 May, 2005. Please contact Julie O'Donnell for details on 9754-3334.

7 DAY PROJECT LIST

Prepared by Julian Bamford, President. Alec Sloman, Junior Vice President, Leanne Eames, Chief Information Officer.

Published 1 May 2005, for 1 to 14 May 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. BUILDINGS: Approval pending for Planning Permit for new Meditation Hall and Library.
2. BUILDINGS: Prepare and submit application for building permit for new Meditation Hall and Library.
3. DIGITISATION: Continue digitising recorded Buddha Dhamma Teachings by John D. Hughes.
4. WEBSITE FUNCTIONALITY UPGRADE: Develop catalogue and indexing system for bsbonline, bddronline, and blessings websites (invite Probono sourced Canberra IT)
5. WEBSITE FUNCTIONALITY: Develop catalogue and indexing create user interface, directory and indexing system for digitised audio files online and offline application
6. PHOTOLAN: Develop server for internal PHOTOLAN (Vlad)
7. LAN1: Complete server development and testing (John Watson)
8. PHOTOLAN: WFB: Create Online Buddhist Art Exhibition for WFB Standing Committee on Publications, Publicity, Education, Arts and Culture.
9. JDH COLLECTION: Upload 50 book references per month to our online catalogue at www.bdcu.org.au.
10. BODHI CARE Development Program: Develop timelines and critical milestones (Owen, Anita, Julian, Frank, and others) house on bdcu.org.au website (Owen)

OH&S Priorities:

1. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Fire Team Drill: Update Fire Fighting team manuals (Team: Frank, Julian and others)
2. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Refit protective wire at base of Amenities block and below verandah on North side. (Frank, Paul and others)
3. FIRE RISK REDUCTION: Clear Southwest corner (end of driveway) and caravan of weeds.
4. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT: Complete fitting of sprinkler pipe to kitchen/dining hall. (Frank, Alec and plumber)
5. ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Source software upgrade for our multiple license from Confirm Systems - Doncaster (Julian)
6. ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Reload ESIS software on PC1A D: drive and input Essential Services data for producing Annual Report. (Julian and others)
7.OH&S REPORT: Publish Monthly (Frank, Anita)

Daily Priorities

1. Do daily offerings to the Chief Deva of the Temple and the Nat House.
2. Buddha Dhamma chanting at 6.00am daily.
3. Clean amenities block, floor, toilets and basin.
4. Vacuum dust and clean main hall, reading room, library and entrance hall.
5. Sweep front path and East and South Gate entrances.
6. Feed birds and the ducks when they come (all Members).
7. Collect mail; enter in database and action as required.
8. Check external emails for messages and accounts to action.
9. Remove dead flowers and offer fresh flowers on altars.

Weekly Priorities

1. MONDAY: Sitting meditation guided by member of the Sangha. 7.30pm. Prepare hall. Students to bring flowers to offer to Sangha.
2. TUESDAY: Abhidhamma class. Commence with chanting @ 7.30pm. Students to bring A4 Paper (Reflex) x 2 reams per week as offerings.
3. FRIDAY: Reading of Buddhist Hour script. Complete editing, program production and up load of Buddhist Hour script to blessings website (email to Evelin on Friday evenings).
4. FRIDAY: Buddha Dhamma Prajnaparamita study class at 8-9.00pm.
5. SATURDAY: Fortnightly: Thangka painting class - 7.30pm
6. SUNDAY: File Buddhist hour scripts, running sheets and introductions (Alec and others)
7. SUNDAY: Write and publish Brooking Street Bugle - post one copy to Victorian State Library (Leanne and others)
8. SUNDAY: Organise for Anita and family (Julie, Leila others).
9. SUNDAY: Put out garbage bins on Sunday nights (Alec & others).
10. ONGOING: Transcribe John D. Hughes audio teachings for Buddhist Hour and websites.
11. ONGOING: Source more high quality goods for weekly Camberwell Market stall. (Frank, David Ley & others)
12. ONGOING: Mow lawns (Peter Boswell).
13. ONGOING: Tidy, vacuum and dust Sariputta Room and clean adjoining bathroom (Daily attendants)
14. ONGOING: Maintain and Update our 13 websites (Evelin and webmasters)
15. LIBRARY: File books into library shelves (Celestina and others).

AAAA Priorities

1. NEW MEDITATION HALL: Produce site elevation drawings for Meditation Hall.
2. WEBSITES: Update website addresses on all sites with new domain www.buddhaview.org (Evelin and others)
3. SUITE 4: build new step for entrance to Suite 4 (Alec and Frank)
4. BUDDHIST HOUR: Presenter Training Program: Leila Igracki from 22 May for 12 weeks, Leanne Eames/Lainie Smallwood
5. POSSUM: Removal from Library wall and relocation
6. KITCHEN: Fit adjustable shelves in pantry (Frank, Alec & others)
7. CONTACT DIRECTORY: Create an Up to date telephone directory of contacts.
8. BDCU Brochure: Update and print (x100) with new website www.buddhaview.org (Alec)
9. WBU: Complete WBU Associated Institution annual activities report and forward to WBU by 4 March. (Julian, Alec, Anita)
10. WFB: Send email to seek confirmation of current subscription and receipt of past issues of WFB Review (Julian, Alec)
11. BUDDHIST HOUR: Frame Chan painting by Melba for Hillside FM broadcast studio (Melba) for display by March.
12. BUDDHIST HOUR: Take new photograph of current radio Team and upload to BDCU Blessings website by March 17.
13. BUDDHIST HOUR: Purchase stock of digital mini-discs and 90 minute audio tapes.
14. CHAN ACADEMY: Issue media release to local papers for Chan Academy School of the Four Seasons and Sumi-e Program for 2005 with Andre Sollier. (Julian, Alec, Melba and Students)
15. Andre Sollier Life Story: Complete and load to BDDR Online Vol. 15. No.1 (Leanne, Julian) Check progress with Andre.
16. DIGITISATION: Install indexing system for recorded JDH Collection teachings on PC13A (Lee Robilliard, Frank Carter)
17. DIGITISATION: Continue writing of recorded Dhamma teaching summaries and indexing Team)
18. GARDEN: Thin black bamboo near Quan Yin pond (Julian, Alec, Others)
19. GARDEN: Topiarise tree adjacent to Southern gate
20. GARDEN: Weed around Southern Gate entrance
21. GARDEN: Southern gate - fix light to shine on flag pole and flag.
22. GOLDEN PAVILION: Replace lights in night lamps. (Paul)
23. IT/LAN2: Complete testing and install Server for LAN1 Database (John Watson, Frank tracking)
24. IT/LAN2: Insert the correct code for LAN2 email addresses (John Watson) Frank tracking Progress.
25. IT/LAN2: Set up email addresses for new members. (Alec and others)
26. IT/LAN2: Continue upgrade and PC maintenance program (Frank, Vladimir and others).
27. IT/LAN: Reload ISYS and Word onto PC 13A - post completion of LAN2 upgrade. (Evelin)
28. FUNDRAISING: Create Chan Academy Australia display for Camberwell market stall and other PR uses (David Ley, Melba, Julian, Julie and others)
29. FUNDRAISING: Complete documentation for Fundraising permit (send with copies of letters from Dhammarajika and Ven. Shastri) Frank.
30. FUNDRAISING: Source more second-hand, saleable stock for Camberwell market stall. (David Ley, Frank and others)
31. FUNDRAISING: Collection of Dhammarajika monies from ISHKA Stores: Fitzroy, Richmond, Highpoint, Chadstone (David Ley)
32. FUNDRAISING: Send report on Dhammarajika Collections received through ISHKA stores to ISHKA Fitzroy office with copy of Ven. Suddhanada's thank you letter (David Ley).
33. FUNDRAISING: Build Dhammarajika Collection boxes x 2 for ISHKA Knox and Brighton stores (Paul T).
34. FUNDRAISING: Print 100 blessing flags for sale. (Kate and others).
35. FUNDRAISING: build display shelves for Camberwell Market stall (Paul T)
36. PUBLICATIONS: Print 50 copies of BDDR for Dana (Frank).
37. WEB: Complete payment methods and schedules for website hosting fees and domain registrations (Julian).
38. WEB: Send LAN2 email for website visitations (Alec, Lainie and others)
39. WEB: Upload John D. Hughes Funeral Celebration photographs to buudhaview.org (Alec and others).
40. WEB: Upload Founder's Day 2003 photographs to BDDR Online website with captions (Julian and others)
41. WEB: Train three new webmasters (Evelin).
42. WEB: Scan and upload letter from Ven. Shastri to BDDR online. (Evelin)

AAA Priorities

1. KITCHEN: Fit metal frame/architrave to main window (Alec, Frank)
2. GARDEN: Take humus to tip (David I)
3. GARDEN: Collect rocks from Pedro (Frank)
4. TOOLS: Sort and tidy trailer(Frank, Alec & Paul)
5. TOOLS: Sort and tidy cabinet (Frank, Alec & Paul)
6. SUITE 11: Declutter
7. BUILDINGS: Clean gutters (David I)
8. 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)
9. WEB: BDDR Online: write editorials; appeals; Buddha Dhamma texts and information (Evelin, Anita and others)
10. WEB: BDDR Online: Uploading photographs of projects and events.
11. WEB: BDDR Online: Prepare BDDR Online print versions by copying and pasting HTML files into text files.(Evelin)
12. 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)
13. PUBLISHING: Complete Longhair issue Vol. 3 No. 1 (file reference: LAN2 I:/longhr3no1) (all Longhair editors)
14. WEB: Reset BDCU newsletters and upload to BDDR website. (Alec and Evelin and others)
15. WEB: EDHARMA.ORG: Upload J.D.H. teaching audio file, texts etc (Evelin)
16. LAPAM: Box all eaves with cement sheeting (Paul and others)
17. WEB: WFB Conference 2002: Add names and descriptions for photos on bddronline (Julian, Pennie, Julie and others).
18. WEB: Upload photographs of building construction to Brooking Street Bugle and add captions (Webmasters).
19. Sort, print and file backdated Abhidhamma class notes x 5 copies for Library (Evelin, Leanne and others).
20. FUNDRAISING: Contact Enlightened Business Institute regarding planning for future workshops during 2005/2006 (Julian and David Ley)

AA Priorities

1. KITCHEN: Paint inside of new cupboard, sink/stove area (David I)
2. GARDEN: Seal Australia Pond and Quan Yin pond (Frank, Alec and others)
3. HEAVENLY MONKS: Sew new robes for images at Eastern Gate) before Chinese New Year visits (Feb).
4. GARDEN: Paint Southern Gate Heavenly Dhamma Garden welcome (Melba)
5. WEBSITES: Upload more digital photographs with captions.
6. PHOTOGRAPHS: Sort, label and index Digital photograph CD-ROMs (Julian and others).
7. JDH COLLECTION: Catalogue books/journals on Organise
8. WEB: BDCU Blessings: check capacity and upgrade as required for uploading of MP3 files.
9. WEB: Convert mini-disks of Buddhist Hour to CD's, convert to MP3's and upload to BDCU Blessings website.
10. DIGITISING: convert audio recordings of Buddhist Hour broadcasts not recorded on mini-disks.
11. BUILDINGS: Continue buildings and property maintenance
12. Build new store for lawn mower.

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. Complete sanding and painting dining hall ceiling.
6. LAPAM: Seal the main house from possums and rats. (Paul, Frank and others).
7. Repair stone wall adjacent to Suite 10A.

COMING PROJECTS

1. Register with IBM On-demand community for assistance with nominated projects. (IT/Websites) (BDCU/WFB/WBU)
2. WEBSITES: Develop internal web and application hosting capability:
3. FUNDRAISING: work on plans for bottling and selling blessed water (Frank and others).
4. WFB: Start planning for our Delegates and Observers for bi-annual conference 2005 tentatively to be held in India.
5. GRANITE WALL: Fix polished granite pieces as a wall face to cement sheet skirt around dining hall.
6. Buddha Dhamma TV program - Contact Channel 31 for broadcasting in 2005 (Julian)
7. Develop John D. Hughes Museum recording our Founders Heritage - his life, vision and activities (Anita and others).
8. PHOTOGRAPHS: Print and frame selection of photographs of John D. Hughes and Members of Sangha on Founders Day 2003.
9. Write position descriptions, associated competencies and role responsibilities (Julian, Anita and others).
10. Create earthen relief of story of JDH & Anita .
11. Complete upgrade to our BDCU Database (Evelin, Lee, Mitra).
12. Sand and paint barge board on South wall.
13. Repair Asoka Lion.
14. Carry out maintenance on Northern Bell Tower.
15. WFB: write position paper on international exchange student programs with WFB (Julian, Pennie and others)
16. Produce colour prints of photographs of John and Anita Hughes (Frank, Julian and others).
17. Complete stamping of Monk ordination certificates (Julian, Alec, Andrew, Travis and others).
18.Setup 2nd Internet PC (17A) using PC (See Evelin)
19.Record Buddha Dhamma Chanting by Members direct to CD-ROM for fundraising.
20. Repaint Venerable Narada's head with gold paint
21. Publish World Fellowship of Buddhists Standing Committee on Women newsletters and reports on our website.
22. Find new Members with more time to take on our activities and projects.
23. Attract suitable international persons to join Centre as Members.
24 .Become more active in helping the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
25. Set up a Standing Committee on Women at our Centre.
26. Publish a history of our Centre.
27. 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.
28. Publish a history of Buddha Dhamma in Australia.
29. Write executive summary's for each publication in JDH Collection and publish online with catalogue on BDCU website.
30. Establish an internet radio service.
31. Establish a Buddha Dhamma television station in Melbourne
32. Establish an Accommodation and Conference Centre for visiting Venerable Monks, Nuns and visiting Teachers to provide teachings.
33. Establish a Retreat Centre at Phillip Island, Victoria.

6. Appeals and Special Projects

"A Fair Go for All" for the Opening Ceremony of the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

The following celebratory message, dated 21 April 2004, was sent to Dominique Yu, President of the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival, Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria, Australia Inc.

Celebratory Message

"A Fair Go for All"
for the Opening Ceremony of the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival.
Promoting Understanding, Harmony and Respect

10.30am Sunday 24th April 2005.
from the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre, Associated Institution World Buddhist University
Member Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria

Venerable Sangha, Members of Parliament, Religious Leaders, community representatives, the protectors who guard this event, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

We are honoured to be present here today at such a noble gathering that holds the intrinsic nature of "A fair go".

We begin with a statement of good will. We believe we have things to discuss together that could lead to collective action that could bring many blessings to many folk, within this troubled world.

We have requested for the ancient Noble ones to guide us in this task here today. We do this with quiet supreme confidence that the merit of their deeds can appear within this Buddha's Day Celebration and Festival to bless us all.

From a Buddhist perspective, we know about rebirth and know in some lives we are born of this religion and in other lives we are born into a different religion. Provided we have had a series of human births we already have some innate sense of each others' religion because of these past causes.

We need not shift from our own religion to another religion to be able to cooperate with one another. But with the negative forces of the world driving persons towards atrocious acts, of which the recent terrorist acts in various parts of the world are merely some examples, we must unite to conquer what Buddhists call "mara" and Christians call "demonic forces".

The best way to conquer is to propagate the peaceful pursuit of our own religions and convert persons lacking in morality to our respective viewpoints.

May the propagation of morality become a national issue in our respective communities so that future generations will remember us with affection.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun wrote: 'Some friends are like great mountains. They are capable of supporting forests and animals on their slopes. They are tolerant of everything that passes over them and will allow anyone to live near them. They do not object to bad weather, and even after years of violent storms they remain largely unchanged.'

All of us should seek to be like this, and if we are fortunate enough to find friends like this, we should treat them with the utmost respect and consideration. Patience, tolerance, compassion and the ability to be a good friend are the traits of a Buddha and when they appear in people, they should be revered just as if they were aspects of the Buddha, for that is what they are.

Master Hsing Yun said that 'it is important that all of us strive to be like the mountains and earth in our friendships, and it is important that all of us fully appreciate these qualities in others wherever we discover them.' There is little in life that is more important than the people we choose to call our friends. These are the people who help us grow and whom we are bound to help in return.

The Buddha once advised his Monks, "One should keep close company with a spiritual friend (kaliyana-mitta) less one falls into the habit of doing evil. By keeping close contact with a spiritual friend one is finally convinced of one's considerable growth in learning, dana, insight - knowledge and wisdom. When you have found a true friend, you have found the best thing in life and life will no longer seem so evil.

'Each of our actions comes from a concept, and concepts', wrote Master Hsing Yun, 'are capable of redirecting the course of history. He notes: 'I believe even more that religion is capable of redirecting the course of life.'

So let it be our mission to get every man, woman and child to lay the seeds of compassion, the seeds of wisdom, and by so doing we lay the seeds of harmony and peace in the world.

So the impossible dream may not be so far away if we can wish all persons to be given 'a fair go'.

As we say in Australia, 'Give people a fair go'. It is the basis of our multiculturalism. It is impossible to translate the full meaning of 'a fair go' in your respective language, so you will have to search your own language for the vernacular speech of developing fairness that undoubtedly exists at grassroots levels.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness through cultivating harmony and true and wise friends.

May you be well and happy and free from harm and successful in your pursuit of what we here in Australia call 'a fair go' for all.

Thank you very much.

May you be well and Happy at this Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival.

Anita Hughes RN Div1 and Secretary, and Julian Bamford BA App.Rec and President, Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

References

Working Title: Paper for International Conference on Religious Cooperation held in Taipei, Taiwan, 18 to 21 September 2001. An Australian meaning of 'A Fair Go For All' by John D. Hughes, Dip. App. Chem., T.T.T.C., GDAIE. Vice President, World Fellowship of Buddhists. 2001 www.bddronline.net.au

World Council of Churches website at www.wcc-coe.org. The Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. New York 28-31 August 2000.

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, Volume 6 No. 1, 1996, Recollection by Dharma of the Danda of Venerable KING ASOKA pp. 38 - 45.

Flinders Petrie, Professor, The Religion of Egypt, pp. 92 - 93.

Ku K, Encyclopaedia of Buddhism, Volume II, Fascicle 2, published by The Government of Ceylon, 1967, p.183

1997, David Scott in his "The Study of Buddhism: Issues and Challenges"

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, Volume 7 No. 3, 1997, p 6.

Ven. Karuna Dharma and Dr. Michael Kerze, An Early Journey, The Los Angeles Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue.

Ven. Dr. Havanpola Ratanasara, The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue: A Buddhist Perspective, http://www.zip.com.au/~lyallg/ratana.htm

Msgr. Michael Fitzgerald, M Afr, Developing Dialogue, The Los Angeles Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue.

Lumbini: "A Symbol of Unity in Diversity - The Foundation of World Peace" A Paper submitted for the Second World Buddhist Summit, held 30 November - 2 December 2004 at Lumbini, Nepal, the sacred Birthplace of Lord Buddha - the Great Apostle of Peace. Chan Academy Australia - Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. 2005. www.bddronline.net.au

Ven. Master Hsing Yun. 'Being Good - Buddhist Ethics for Everyday Life'. Weatherhill New York USA 1998.

Bamford, Julian.'Fellowship and Friendliness' Founder's Day Celebration. 9 September 2004. Chan Academy Australia - Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. 2004. www.bddronline.net.au

Mothers Day 2005 Flower Stall

Our Easter Flower Stall held at the Mobil Service Station at Boronia raised $258 profit for the Centre.

This site has been made available again on Mother's Day and we intend to run a second stall at Healesville to increase our profit. Mother's Day is the most profitable day of the year for flower stalls and we could raise $2000 from both stalls.

Members please plan some time to help on Mother's Day to enable us to run both sites.

Thank you to all Members who helped on our Easter Flower Stall at Boronia. Also we thank the Devas and God of Wealth for helping us at our flower stalls this year.

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 3 April 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $73.85, Raffle $58, Bangladesh Stand $11.20

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

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 10 April 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $55, Raffle $72, Bangladesh Stand $33.55

The sales team for the day was Leila Igracki, Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Alec Sloman.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 17 April 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $63.10, Raffle $72, Bangladesh Stand $11.45

The sales team for the day was David Ley, Xiou Yen, Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Alec Sloman.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 24 April 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $35, Raffle $34, Bangladesh Stand $19.40

The sales team for the day was David Ley, Xiou Yen, Frank Carter, Melba Neilsen.

The Camberwell Market Stall held on Sunday 1 May 2005 generated the following returns.

Profit $193.70, Raffle $54, Bangladesh Stand $19.81

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

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.

8. Information Technology News

ISYS

Evelin has installed ISYS Version 6 on PC13A in the Hall to enable us to search LAN1.

ISYS belongs to Anita M. Hughes and John D. Hughes & Associates Pty Ltd. Anita has a license for 2 users. If we wish to install ISYS on LAN 2, we have to pay for a LAN license.

ISYS was uninstalled from PC7A due to licensing restrictions.

Please consult with Evelin Halls, the Centre's Information Technology Manager, prior to loading any software.

Buddhaview website address

The new URL for our Photolan website "Buddhaview" is http://www.bdcu.org.au/buddhaview

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

Monthly Occupational Health and Safety Report
April 2005

Prepared by Frank Carter Joint Occupational Health & Safety Manager, 29 April 2005

1. Injuries reported

There were no injuries reported for April 2005. Several persons scratched their finger opening the private bathroom door.

2. Hazards Identified: Potential and actual

Seal the main house roof from possums and rats.
Repair the sensor light at Suite 10A
Remove the hazards identified during the recent Fire Fighting Drill.
Replace the low voltage lights on the Buddha Rupa Pavilion
Finish cleaning the gutters
Make a new step for Suite 4

3. Hazards Removed

A retaining wall was built at the East end of the Chan Hall.
A length of rotting wood on the rear verandah was replaced.
The water spray pipe was fitted to the kitchen dining room wall.
The latch on the private bathroom door was replaced.
A power board was fitted in the kitchen away from water areas
Light globes were replaced as required
Some gutters were cleaned
LAPAM do list completed

4. Our Fire Fighting Program

Identification of fire risks matters to be attended to was written down after our Fire Drill in January.
The plumber is to solder the pipe fittings on the water spray pipe
The contents of the humus pile is to be taken to the tip.
The roof eaves need to be fireproofed
A new extension ladder needs to be obtained.

5. First Aid Kit

Please Note: We are not allowed to provide medications as first aid. Our first aid kit does not contain medications. Members must bring their own Panadol, sunscreen, etc.

6. Resuscitation Kit

Anita Hughes is the only Member trained to use this equipment.
We encourage other Members to undertake First Aid Level 3 certificate, which will train them in the use of this equipment. This will be especially beneficial in a bush fire situation where smoke inhalation is a major problem.

7. Occupational Health & Safety infrastructure improvement.

Members who see any OH& S items which need attention please either mention this to Frank Carter or Anita Hughes.

8. New OH&S Publications

Occupation Health & Safety Report April 2005.

9. Current Projects

Obtain a new extension ladder
Gutters to be cleaned
Make a new step for Suite 4
Finish fitting the water spray pipe
Contents of humus will be taken to the tip
Replace the light globes on the Buddha Pavilion

10. Future Projects

11. Essential Services Report

Preliminary work commenced.

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 30 May, 2005 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.

Through the continued efforts of many students, we have now completed transcribing all 19 discourses given by John D. Hughes during a 5-Day Bhavana course in June 1988.

Most recently transcribed is a teaching by John D. Hughes entitled 'Meditation on Hate, Greed and Ignorance' which was recorded on 6 August, 1984.

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 9 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.

Preparations for New Meditation Hall and Library Construction

On Saturday 2 April 2005 work was commenced to move the Western Gate to a new location outside the area of the proposed new meditation hall and library building.

Two 60 cm holes were dug for the uprights of the gate and 75 X 100mm hardwood was purchased to reinforce the old uprights. One new hardwood upright was cemented into place on Saturday to be used as an anchor for the structure when it was moved to the new location.

On Sunday 3 April the gate was lifted out of its old holes and lowered into the new holes. Wooden braces were fixed to the sides of the gate to stablize it until the cement had set. Once the gate and uprights were levelled bolts were used to fix the old uprights to the new ones and the cement was poured into the two holes.

Offerings of incense, money, perfume and jewels were mixed in with the cement as an offering to the nagas and dragon protectors.

Members who helped with this work were Anita Hughes, Julie O'Donnell, David Igracki, Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Max Svensson, Lainie Smallwood, Lainie's Father and boyfriend Toby, Matt.Olson, and David Halls.

Thank you all for your help.

Construction of Safety Barrier along Chan Academy East Wall

A safety barrier extension has been constructed along the wall at the East end of the Chan Hall to prevent persons falling into the excavated edge around the building.

Frank Carter and Alec Sloman built the wall following the same design used by John Hughes when the first part of the safety barrier was built some four or five years ago.

Alec Sloman is helping with building works at the Centre to create causes to help build the new meditation hall and library.

13. Members' News

Member pursues his goal of ordination as a Buddhist Monk

Junior Vice-President Alec Sloman is currently planning his transition to life as a Tibetan Buddhist Monk under Geshe Michael Roach of the Diamond Mountain Monastery in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.

We wish Alec complete success.

Thank you for Puja

Evelin Halls would like to thank all Members and Friends that came to do the Medicine Buddha Puja for the health of her son Ryan on Sunday 27 March.

We wish Ryan good health.

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.