Brooking Street Bugle On Line - BSB Issue No.60 (New Series)

THE BROOKING STREET BUGLE
Issue No. 60 (New Series)
ISSN 1321 -1463

Publication Date: 24 June 2001

Published and Printed by:
The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.
A.C.N. 005 701 806 A.B.N. 42 611 496 488
33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria Australia 3158. Telephone and Fax +61 3 9754 3334
e-mail address wbu@bdcu.org.au
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre

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

websites

www.bdcu.org.au	www.companyontheweb.com/buddhatext
www.bdcublessings.net.au	www.companyontheweb.com/buddhamap
www.bddronline.net.au	www.skybusiness.com/j.d.hughes
www.bsbonline.com.au	www.buyresolved.com.au

Editor: John D. Hughes Dip.App.Chem.,T.T.T.C., GDAIE
Vice-president, World Fellowship of Buddhists
Assistant Editor: Pennie White BA. Dip Ed

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMASAMBUDDHASSA

Buddha Rupa in our Centre's Ch'an Garden

The Prajnaparamita image, is one of three at our Centre. It is pictured in the reading Room with the Four Heavenly Musicians and Rare Tibetan hand written Dharma Scrolls.

Celebration of 60th Issue of Brooking Street Bugle (New Series).

We are pleased to have reached the 60th issue of the new series of the Brooking Street Bugle.

The Brooking Street Bugle is for free distribution.

There are two editions of this publication. One is text only in paper form. The second is illustrated with colour photographs and can be found on our website, www.companyontheweb.com/buddhamap. The copyright of both editions is held by the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Copies of either edition may be used for free distribution.

We are pleased that we can advise our interstate and overseas Members and friends in a cost efficient manner, of how we do things around here.

The Purpose of this Internal Publication

The purpose of this internal publication is to:

1. Advise Members and others of coming events

2. Monitor and report on all current activities of each of our Task Units at our Centre

3. Improve our Fundraising initiatives

4. Advise interested parties of our philosophy and practice, to improve our customer relations

5. Publish key speeches and reports on our progress

6. Show concrete examples of our five styles of cultivation

7. Provide accurate information to our website for free distribution

8. Provide advice of Occupational Health and Safety

9. To provide a basis for, a role model of modern Buddhist organisation methods for those interested in it.

10. To declare and celebrate milestones in our globalisation practice

INDEX

Glossary
Coming Events
Sangha News
Keynote Opportunities
Information Technology News
Fundraising Appeals and Special Projects
John D. Hughes’ News
Current Research and Development Interests
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
Corporate Governance & Reporting (CGR)
International Dhamma Activities (IDA)
Local Area Planning & Asset Management (LAPAM)
Members’ News
Sharing of Merit

Appendix one: Buddha Dhamma in Australia at the beginning of the 21st Century.

Photographs

1. GLOSSARY

Shakyamuni Buddha- The Sage of the Sakya Clan, Gotama Buddha The most recent Buddha on this earth.

Our new policy is to publish the full names of our Members from now on. We think this is more professional. They can be matched to the photographs on our web sites.

2. COMING EVENTS

24-06-01	Buddha Chanting	7.00am-7.30am
24-06-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am – 12 midday
24-06-01	Ch’an Class taught by Jan Bennett under guidance of John D. Hughes	1.00pm - 4.00pm
25-06-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
26-06-01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
27-06-01	Buddha Chanting	6.30am-7.00am
28-06-01	Buddha Chanting, First quarter Moon	6.30am-7.00am
29-06-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
01-07-01	Buddha Chanting	7.00am-7.30am
01-07-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am – midday
02-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
03-07-01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
04-07-01	Buddha Chanting	6.30am-7.00am
06-07-01	Buddha Chanting Full Moon	7.00am – 7.30am
06-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm – 8.30pm
08-07-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am - 12 midday
09-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
10/7/01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
11-07-01	Buddha Chanting	6.30am-7.00am
13-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
14-07-01	Buddha Chanting, Last quarter Moon	7.00am-7.30am
15-07-01	Buddha Chanting	7.00am-7.30am
15-07-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am – 12 midday
16-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
17-07-01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
18-07-01	Buddha Chanting	6.30am-7.00am
18-07-01	Lisa Nelson’s 23rd Birth Anniversary
20-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
21-07-01	Buddha Chanting, New Moon	7.00am-7.30am
22-07-01	Buddha Chanting	7.00am-7.30am
22-07-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am-midday
23-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
24-07-01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
25-07-01	Buddha Chanting	6.30am-7.00am
27-07-01	Buddha Chanting, First quarter Moon	7.00am-7.30am
27-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
29-07-01	Buddha Chanting	7.00am-7.30am
29-07-01	Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast	11.00am-midday
30-07-01	Dhamma Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
31-07-01	Prajna Paramita Teaching by John D. Hughes	7.30pm-8.30pm
07-09-01	Five Day Bhavana Course commences	All Day
11-09-01	Five Day Bhavana Course concludes	All Day
27-12-01	Five Day Bhavana Course commences	All Day
31-12-01	Five Day Bhavana Course concludes	All Day

Speed reading training class times can be made by appointment

3. SANGHA NEWS

Our Teacher John D. Hughes and many of our Members were most fortunate to attend the Teachings given by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche on Friday 22 June 2001 at Holy Redeemer Hall in Surrey Hills. The “Shakyamuni Buddha” Empowerment was taught by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and translated by his student Lama Choedak.

The Rinpoche was born in 1920 C.E. this life.

The event was organised by the Jamchen Buddhist Centre which is located at 19 Austin Street, Balwyn, Vic, 3103. Approximately 300 laypersons were present for the Shakyamuni Buddha Empowerment which was the Teaching given by His Eminence on this occasion.

Our Teacher recommended Members attend this opportunity.

20 Members who attended that evening were our Teacher, John D. Hughes and Members Anita Svensson, Frank Carter, Rodney Johnson, Leanne Eames, Lisa Nelson, Lenore Hamilton, Tim Browning, Clara Iaquinto, Jocelyn Hughes, Pam Adkins, Maria Pannozzo, Leila Lamers, Lainie Smallwood, Brendan Hall, Julie O'Donnell, David Igracki, Jan Bennett, Vince Cavuoto, Pennie White and Isabella Hobbs. All received blessings.

Members gave various gifts to the Rinpoche.

His Eminence is a pre-eminent Tibetan Buddhist master, a teacher to some of the greatest Tibetan spiritual leaders of our time, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Sakya Trizin. He is a fully accomplished yogi and lineage holder.

This is his 18th rebirth as a Trichen Rinpoche.

His Eminence, arrived in Melbourne on Thursday 21 June 2001. During his Melbourne visit, he will be giving three Dhamma Teachings from 22 to the 25 June 2001 to be held at Holy Redeemer Hall, corner Mont Albert Rd & York St, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127.

Several Members went to the Puja and subsequent Teachings.

Our Management thanks Lama Choedak and the Jamchen Buddhist Centre for organising this prime event in Melbourne and wish that they prosper and endure in the future. We appreciate the blessings that came to our Centre by this visit.

Saddhu Saddhu Saddhu

4. KEYNOTE OPPORTUNITIES

Speed Reading Training Recommended

Our Teacher, recommends all Members undertake our Speed Reading Course. This is provided free of charge to Members. Speed reading class times can be made by appointment.

Lisa Nelson has written a report called Speed Read to Win, Read Faster to Reach Your Goals in Record Time on the progress of Members undertaking the Speed Reading Classes. This file can be read on the LAN file reference: I:/cgr/sreadrp

5. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEWS

CD Writing on PC5A

We have a Hewlett Packard MultieRead CD- Writer 8200.

Anita Svensson, Lisa Nelson, Evelin Halls, Julian Bamford and Brendan Hall have successfully completed training on use of our CD-Writer software, Picture Easy 3.1 under the tutor of Rodney Johnson. We use Kodak CD-R Gold Ultima, 74 minute, 650 Megabyte disk for preference. We are seeking donations of blank CD’s.

Blessings Website

We found a new host for our Blessings website currently located at www.bdcublessings.one.net.au which is Oznet1. Julian Bamford organised this new host for our Blessings website.

Apology for downtime of our principal email

wbu@bdcu.org.au has been out of operation for 3 months due to technical error introduced at a changeover by one Member who is no longer with us.

Two of our Webmasters untangled the error. We will be endeavoring to answer the backlog of emails in the next two weeks.

ISP internet service provider-Unite

Evelin Halls and Julian Bamford have setup UNITE as our new ISP (internet service provider).

Our email address wbu@bdcu.org.au stays as our main email address. This email is set up on PC4 in Study area 1.

Our second email address is anitasvensson@unite.com.au which has been setup on PC2A in Administration Office #One.

The UNITE web address is www.unite.com.au. Their help desk telephone number 1800 55 66 00, and operates from 8.00am to 11.00pm daily.

The ISP Plan costs $24.95 per month and is an unlimited access plan, to the internet and email.

Details on the email password, settings and user name can be found at file reference PC6 i:\ida\uniteisp and under UNITE ISP in the second draw blue cabinet Study Area 1.

Eudora Internal Email

Peter Boswell, our Accountant has restructured his practice due to ill health and will attend here every Tuesday. We added his name to the Members’ internal email. He logged onto the e-mail for the first time Tuesday 19 June 2001.

Regular visitors to the Centre have email privileges.

6. FUNDRAISING APPEALS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

Dhammarajika Collection Boxes

Nine donation collection boxes have been delivered to the Ishka Store warehouse last Friday by our Member, Tim Browning. They have been distributed to each store with an information package about the method of our collection of the donations as well as information about the Dhammarajika Monastery and the Orphanage.

Our thanks again to Michael Schlovsky who owns the Ishka business for his kindness in allowing these boxes to be placed in each store.

Each box is numbered and the store addresses are as follows:

Box 1: 362 Lygon Street, Carlton

Box 2: 146 High Street, Kew

Box 3: Shop B98., Chadstone Shopping Centre

Box 4: Shop 2058, Level Two, Highpoint, Maribyrnong

Box 5: 541 Riversdale Road, Camberwell

Box 6: Shop 9, Malvern Central Shopping Centre

Box 7: 300 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy

Box 8: 455 Bridge Road, Richmond

Box 9: 82 Church Street, Brighton

7. JOHN D. HUGHES NEWS

Our Teacher is making a rapid recovery from his recent operation. He takes ANDROCUR- a testosterone inhibiting medication daily. The prostate has been tested and found to be non malignant. He has ceased taking RENETIC because his blood pressure is now satisfactory.

John D. Hughes visited Cowes on Thursday 28 June and Friday 29 June 2001. The sea air and restful conditions were good for his respiratory system.

8. CURRENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INTERESTS

Julian Bamford B.A. App. Rec., our President is currently researching material for inclusion in the Annual President’s report with the help of Arrisha Burling B.A.

One of the Papers prepared for the International Conference on Religious Cooperation at Taiwan this September can be viewed as Appendix one of this edition of the Brooking Street Bulge.

We have a new website for the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review. Website address is www.bddronline.net.au Loading has commenced. We intend to load and edit back issues to this site.

Research and development for our new PHOTOLAN, hardware development and software continues.

Correspondence entry has been very time consuming for CGR Members. Evelin Halls and John D. Hughes are developing our new Corporate Governance and Reporting database. It will use Microsoft Access database software. The new data base is designed to save up to 90% entry time in terms of key strokes for our new operators.

9. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY NEWS (OH&S)

First Aid Training

Anita Svensson Registered Nurse Division 1 is available to provide first aid training to Members on Saturday mornings from 9.30 am to 10.30 am and Tuesday evenings after Prajna Paramitta Teachings.

10. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & REPORTING (CGR)

Colour Code: Red

CGR Manager: Anita Svensson

CGR Task Unit Members: Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford, Tim Browning, Frank Carter, Leanne Eames, Evelin Halls, Lenore Hamilton, Isabella Hobbs, Clara Iaquinto, Rodney Johnson, Lisa Nelson, Rilla Oellien, Lainie Smallwood and Amber Svensson

CGR Database

Evelin Halls and John D. Hughes are developing the specifications for the new CGR database upgraded to Microsoft Access Software.

CGR Task Unit Responsibilities: To handle correspondence; to adhere to legal requirements of corporate affairs, accounts, meetings, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S); to schedule events; to organise attendants for staffing the Centre; to maintain and structure databases; to maintain office supplies; and to communicate with government departments, Federal, State and Local.

Software Asset Register

It is important to track our software licences.

Frank Carter has verified that the current versions of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. software is currently installed on our Centre PC's details have been entered on our Asset Register.

The Company’s software is stored in the Suite 2A Software Store and each software item is labelled with it's Asset Register Number. The next step is to list the software on machines owned by John D. Hughes and John D. Hughes & Associates Pty. Ltd. that share the LAN network.

Software which is owned by the Centre but not in current use is stored in Suite 10A and at this time is not listed on the Asset Register.

When the contents of Suite 10A are sorted out further items of Centre software will be included on the Asset Register and some gifts may be given to suitable Members for company use at their homes.

CGR Do List

The Master Do List cascades to all other Do Lists including CGR.

This Do-List applies to all CGR task unit Members. The Do List for CGR commencing 21 June 2001 week ending 24 June 2001 has 13 AAA priorities, 9 AA priorities and 8 A priorities.

11. INTERNATIONAL DHAMMA ACTIVITIES (IDA)

Colour Code: Yellow

IDA Manager: John D. Hughes

IDA Vice-President: John D. Hughes,

IDA Joint Vice President: Julian Bamford

IDA Task Unit Members: Pam Adkins, Vince Cavuoto, Leanne Eames, Evelin Halls, Jocelyn Hughes, Vanessa Macleod, Julie O’Donnell, Rilla Oellien, Maria Pannozzo, Orysia Spinner, Amber Svensson, Anita Svensson and Arrisha Burling.

IDA Task Unit Responsibilities: to maintain WFB liaison; to arrange Dhamma and Prajnaparmita Teachings, chanting, pujas, translations; to maintain and preserve the John D. Hughes Collection; to organise audio and video recording 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 Buddha Dhyana Dana Review and Brooking Street Bugle; to write and broadcast “Buddhist Hour” Hillside radio scripts; to organise and teach Ch’an classes.

Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast

To view previous Buddhist Hour radio scripts please visit our website at www.bdcublessings.one.net.au/radio.html.

The weekly “Buddhist Hour” radio broadcasts can be heard at 11.00am Sundays on Hillside Radio 87.6FM and 88.0FM and 1620 AM in Victoria, Australia.

The 'Buddhist Hour' radio show is broadcast live on Internet radio at www.gbradio.com on Sundays from 11am to 12pm. This means that persons from all around the world are able to hear the Radio Broadcast that consists of chanting and Buddha Dhamma texts.

Lisa Nelson and Julian Bamford share the position of Program Producer.

Thank you Brendan and Jeanette Grainger at Hillside Radio and to Great Britain Radio and their technicians and webmasters.

Audio Tapes and Mini Discs for the recording of the Radio Broadcast

10 TDK 74 minute Mini Discs and 10 TDK 90 minute Audio Tapes were purchased from JB HiFi in Camberwell. The sales person advised that these are the best in stock.

We are seeking to use broadcast quality master tapes. Pam will contact Brenden Grainger at Hillside Radio to seek his advice and Julian will surf the Net.

We have found one supply source who have master tapes that we are considering purchasing. Frank Carter is dealing with this matter.

If you can help us locate Master quality tapes please contact us on 9754 3334.

Ch’an Academy Classes

CH’AN CLASSES 1pm – 4pm		SUMI-E CLASSES 10am – 3pm
Under the guidance of Master John D. Hughes the classes are taught by Julian Bamford and Jan Bennett		Taught by Master Andre Sollier
		Winter
Winter	Sunday 24 June 2001		Saturday 14 July 2001
	Sunday 29 July 2001		Saturday 18 August 2001
	Sunday 26 August 2001	Spring	Saturday 15 September 2001
Spring	Sunday 30 September 2001		Saturday 13 October 2001
	Sunday 28 October 2001		Saturday 10 November 2001
	Sunday 25 November 2001	Summer	Saturday 8 December 2001

Please contact Julian Bamford on 0400-267-330 for further information or to make a booking for all Ch’an Academy classes.

Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Vol 10 No.3

Evelin Halls and Frank Carter posted the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Volume 10 Number 3 on Monday 18 June 2001.

The Australia Post Depot where we have been posting the Review for the past three years is closing so we will be posting future issues from the Ferntree Gully Business Centre, 22 Edina Road, Ferntree Gully.

The cost of posting the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Volume 10 Number 3 is $871.80 for 983 items. This is a saving of $1184.88 compared the cost of posting the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Volume 10 Number 2 which cost $2056.68. Distribution increased by 121 items. This is an increase of 12 items for Australia and 109 items posted overseas.

This was our first issue in abstracted form. There was a time delay in learning the new technology of abstracting the BDDR Online to the form required for the Review.

Now we have learnt the technology of using the software that abstracts articles, we will find it easier to issue three 40 gram Volumes planned for this year at two monthly intervals.

Next year, we intend to issue four 40 gram issues of the Review. Funds are needed.

We will issue Vol 11 No.1 about August this year.

Fundraising for this issue should commence now.

Since we save over $2000 per issue for printing and postage, the cost saving per issue is significant.

If a benefactor wished to give us $5000 dollars or more for printing and publication we could very easily go to an abstracted 80 page issue.

If a benefactor was to give us about $20,000 we could print the full online version with photographs.

May the Dhamma be propagated in electronic and paper versions so that our Teacher's words of advice meet more persons. We have already taken steps with our “Buddhist Hour” broadcasts to increase the number of persons who can benefit from our Dhamma Dana.

Our work doesn't have any time off at all, it is something we have to do 24 hours per day.

We must be very observant when editing our publications and we must become sharp with everything we do by paying attention to the small rules of writing.

As Ajaan Mun once said: logs have never gotten into people eyes but fine sawdust can and it can blind you.

BDDR Postage comparison:

BDDR Vol 10 No.2 = $2056.68 (Australia $ 265.68 for 324 items)

(Overseas $1791.00 for 538 items)

(Total $2056.68 for 882 items)

BDDR Vol 10 No.3 = $ 871.80 (Australia $ 157.30 for 336 items)

(Overseas $ 714.50 for 647 items)

(Total $ 871.80 for 983 items)

We printed about 1400 copies of Volume 10 Number 3. Many copies were given to His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche on His Melbourne visit.

We are now considering publishing four abstracted Volumes of the BDDR, rather than three issues each year.

Our Teacher wants to thank all those persons who helped in the preparation and fundraising for BDDR Vol 10 No.3 which was posted on Monday 18 June 2001.

As we say on page 1 of the Review "The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts".

Donations Wanted

Donations are needed now. If anyone could donate high quality A3 paper suitable for printing, we would be pleased to receive such a gift. Gifts are not tax deductible.

To make a monetary donation, please see page 13 of this issue for our General Funds Appeals form.

May Devatas and Devas and Friends continue to help us to print our next issue on time.

Our Websites

www.bdcu.org.au

www.bdcublessings.one.net.au

www.skybusiness.com/j.d.hughes

www.companyontheweb.com/buddhamap

www.companyontheweb.com/buddhatext

www.johnhughes.citysearch.com.au

www.buyresolved.com.au

www.bddronline.net.au

12. LOCAL AREA PLANNING & ASSET MANAGEMENT (LAPAM)

Colour Code: Green

LAPAM Manager: Frank Carter

LAPAM Task Unit Members: Stuart Amoore, Julian Bamford, Jan Bennett, Frank Carter, Vince Cavuoto, Brendan Hall, Lenore Hamilton, Isabella Hobbs, David Igracki, Leila Lamers, Lyne Lehmann, Lisa Nelson and Philip Svensson,.

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

Quartz Rocks for the base of the Reclining Buddha

Building a white quartz wall around the Reclining Buddha base is an art that requires Ch’an technique. The quartz rocks adds a dimension of durability and beauty to the Southern Wall.

Three trailer loads of rocks including quartz rocks have been donated to the Centre by Sue Eagle.

The quartz rocks were separated and used to build a Southern wall around the base of the Reclining Buddha. Members Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Amber Svensson, Julie O'Donnell and Rodney Johnson delivered the rocks to our Centre.

Our Teacher, John D. Hughes planned the design work.

Work continued on the wall around the base for the Reclining Buddha on Saturday 23 June 2001. Members who helped were, Julie O’Donnell, Lenore Hamilton, Rodney Johnson, Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Lisa Nelson and Vince Cavuoto.

A massive wooden plank placed on the south side, about a metre from the concrete wall, holds the quartz rocks to prevent them tumbling down. Marble on top of the plank forms an offering table. Plants were added with soil at select places among the stones. The plants include Primula lollipops, Primula ruby queen, Sweet William, Wee willie dwarf and ferns and ground cover.

#Photographs available

Wood Supplies

Heating costs in Victoria are very high. We rely on donations of firewood to save on heating costs.

Wood for the fire is cut into small pieces so we can keep the fire burning without kindling.

In cold weather the fire burns up to 23 hours each day in the combustion heater in Suite 3. It warms the whole area.

There are 3 large piles of wood to be collected from the house of Pam Adkins and Isabella Hobbs.

One trailer load of wood is to be collected from the house of Julian Bamford.

13. MEMBERS’ NEWS

Our Members , Pam Adkins and Lenore Hamilton are preparing for a Ten Day Vipassana Retreat at the Vipassana Centre in Woori Yallock from 30 June 2001 to 10 July 2001. We have written a radio broadcast on this topic to help them prepare for this practice.

Our Member Julian Bamford has a new email address which is: julianbamford@unite.com.au

14. SHARING OF MERIT

We regularly share merit with the local deities. They help us on all our projects.

Diffusion of Metta or Loving Kindness:

Sabbe Satta;

(May all sentient beings),

Avera Hontu;

(Be free from enmity),

Abyapajjha hontu;

(Be free from ill will ),

Anigha hontu;

( Be free from suffering ),

Sukhi attanam pariharantu;

(Live a happy life ).

MAY ALL BEINGS BE WELL AND HAPPY

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

General Funds Appeal

Please return .......

To make a donation please complete and return this form to : The Secretary, Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria, 3158. Please make all cheques payable to “Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.”

Thank you for your kind contribution. The gift of Dhamma excels all others.

May you be Well and Happy.

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

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

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

.......................................................................................................................................................

Receipt Required YES / NO

Gifts are not tax deductible.

Buddha Dhamma in Australia at the beginning of the 21^st century

Author of this paper is Master John D. Hughes, Dip.App.Chem.,T.T.T.C., GDAIE

Vice-president, World Fellowship of Buddhists, Founder of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Co-Author of this paper: Pennie White BA. Dip Ed. Student and Member of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

The author wishes to thank our Centre’s librarian Vanessa Macleod BA MA for her research assistance.

The operation of three Regional Centres of the World Fellowship of Buddha Dhamma in Australia including 500 Buddha Dhamma Temples scattered within travelling distance in the major suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney supports the conclusion that Buddha Dhamma has become firmly grounded in Australia.

We prefer to use the Pali term Dhamma spelling rather than the Sanskrit form Dharma.

Many people living in Australia have attained the level of true mark of Buddha Dhamma, (Dhamma Eye) whereby they have attained stream entry or better access (sotopan).

Australia offers a vigorous immigration program (including refugees) which has led to almost a quarter of Australian citizens being of foreign origin and the development of a country with a "Multiculturalism" feel amongst its people. The official language spoken in Australia is English however every Australian citizen has the right to practice their religion in their native tongue without fear of oppression. Also there is no legal objection in this country to practitioners using traditional symbolic icons in the precinct of or on the facade of their Temple if the Temple is in the correct zoning class.

Some "Bodhisattva vow holders" have travelled to this land to set up Dhamma and are aware of its culture. It is interesting to note that evidence exists that some such persons have experienced rebirth in this land or have been naturalised to hold Australian citizenship.

In this new century, Buddha Dhamma as practiced today in Australia offers a more complete understanding of the true path than was available to those practicing or sympathising with Buddha Dhamma in Australia last century.

Local and visiting Teachers of high grade help this understanding. With all these factors it is not surprising that more Monks and Nuns from all schools (gotha) of religions are immigrating to practice their religion in this land.

The future development of Buddha Dhamma practice in Australia appears to be a prosperous one as it appears that at least 10 per cent of the 500 Buddha Dhamma organisations are committed to accelerate the development of Buddha Dhamma by instructing the general public.

The Director of the multi-denominational Christian Research Association and Uniting Church Minister, Philip Hughes, says that about 1.5 million Australians (11 percent of the population) regularly practice one of the forms of Buddhist meditation. The same percentage regularly attends Christian churches. (1)

It is thought that the total number of regular church goers is more or less static. Against a general population increase of over 1 percent a year, church going is still declining in some areas and expanding in other areas. Census data shows the fastest growing response to the question on faith, 17 percent, is 'no religion'.

Many Buddha Dhamma organisations provide welfare service to its Members, in particular ethnic communities. They promote harmonious relationships between their Members and Australians in the local areas. During Buddhist events, government officials are welcomed to attend to share our cultural heritage and traditions. Also, members of Buddhist organisations are given access to resources and services provided by the Australian Government and non- Government agencies.

The Prime Minister of Australia, sent one of his Ministers to our Centre for our celebration of Versak. and wrote to us on Versak this year. We are grateful that the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honorable Mr. John Howard has sent the following message to our Centre in Celebration of Versak:

“It gives me great pleasure to provide this message in support of the celebration of Versak, the Lord Buddha’s Day.

Buddhists are renowned for the value they place on peaceful co-existence and the importance they attached to their search for harmony between the physical and spiritual aspects of life. This festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Sakyamuni Buddha is a wonderful opportunity to further promote these beliefs and to honour the memory of Lord Buddha’s compassion.

Over the past century, Australia has fostered a truly multicultural society that respects and encourages communities to pursue their individual cultures and beliefs within an Australian context. It is my hope that Australia continues in this direction and maintains a society in which equality, mutual understanding and respect remain as fundamental tenets of our way of life.

I send my best wishes to all members of the Buddhist Community participating in this festival and congratulate the organisers on what I am sure will be a highly successful event”.

Helen Shardy, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, wrote to the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) on the occasion of Versak 7 May 2001. She writes,

“Without doubt Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions. During the last decade the number of Buddhists in Australia has grown by almost 300 percent. There are now some 65,000 people of Buddhist faith in Victoria and about 200,000 in total around Australia.

This community forms a valuable and widely respected part of Victoria’s cherished multicultural way of life. However, the Buddhist community’s recent growth belies the religion’s long history in Victoria.

Buddhism was first introduced during the Victorian Gold Rush of the 1850’s when Chinese miners arrived in their thousand bringing their faith with them. In fact, Chinese Buddhists were among the first multicultural community to come to Victoria following European settlement.

Since then, Buddhism with its universal message that the solution to the problems of existence lie within each individual, has inspired many Australian politicians, thinkers and artists. Three times Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin was one of those impressed by the faith.

In 1880, Deakin wrote about the “infinite tenderness and boundless compassion” of Buddhist doctrine. In 1951, the first formal Buddhist Society was founded in Sydney but real growth did not begin until the increase in Asian immigration during the 1980’s.

This influx of practicing Buddhists firmly established the faith in Victoria where there are now more than 100 Buddhist groups or associations.

As Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs it seems to me that Buddhism and the concept of Multiculturalism have much in common. Both call for harmony, acceptance and respect as a means to creating a better and richer society but perhaps the broader community still has something to learn from the tenets of Buddhism.

We must all work to maintain our diverse and happy community. This should not be an onerous duty but rather one that we all accept with joy and pride.

On behalf of the Leader of the Opposition and the Victorian Liberal Party I wish you all the best for today’s celebrations.

Helen Shardey

Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Housing and Multicultural Affairs”

Today, Buddha Dhamma practitioners are less marginalised within the dynamic growth of Australian society.

Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 1996 show that 1.1% of Australians report they are "Buddhists".

This 1996 census reported that in Australia there are 199,812 practicing Buddhist in Australia and 62, 784 are in Victoria. This means 31% of Australia’s Buddhist live in Victoria.

This means that there are 40% more Buddhists than Jews in Australia, and Buddha Dhamma is the third largest and fastest growing religion in Australia.

The census question on religion is not compulsory to answer.

It is likely that around 14% of Australians or more are inclined to Buddhist teachings. The evidence is that record attendances of more than 14,000 persons is normal when Monks give public lectures.

Because we are a regional centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists for decades we have engaged with different nationalities. Buddhist multiculturalism is a fact of Australian life at our Centre.

Records at our Centre confirm there is a correlation between becoming proficient at Bhavana, making merit towards the education of others and excelling at tertiary studies. Most of our students obtain distinctions or high distinctions in their tertiary studies.

We think it is likely that Buddha Dhamma Bhavana will be taught widely in Australia to enhance study performance within the decade.

The official policies on education are secular for constitution reasons.

As the social welfare's needs are being satisfied at the Buddhist Temples it is anticipated that over the next decade a new primary objective will be to achieve social function by providing bhavana training and scholarship opportunities for all of the congregation. This shift is considered essential if the origins of Buddha Dhamma culture is to be preserved as our children are attending mainstream educational institutions, which do not currently teach forms of Buddha Dhamma with rigour. Professor De Silva of Monash University is of the view that it is unlikely that bhavana will enter any Australian University curriculum.

We look forward to the opening of Buddhist high schools.

The most critical policy decisions for the 21st Century needed by Buddhist ethnic groups is how can they preserve (even in a modified form) the best of their country's Buddhist culture when their own children are reaching high educational qualifications as second generation Australians in secular educational facilities.

The building of Australian Temples comes in waves, first some Tibetan, then Thailand, then many Vietnamese, then Cambodia, then Sri Lanka and now Taiwanese. In the future more Korean Temples are likely to appear.

As part of their Buddha Dhamma practice, the author's disciples are encouraged to make merit by lending a helping hand to their friends and others. They are taught to meet often, assemble in harmony and disperse in harmony.

They are taught to perform in the five styles of friendliness, practicality, professionalism, scholarship and cultural adaptability, of our organisation and not be too old fashioned in the practical sense because they have to use a leading edge computer based administration and research systems at our Temple.

Our lemma is Lifetimes of Learning, so all Members of our organisation are encouraged to make causes for this life and further lives, to cultivate wholesome minds that lead to these five styles when they interact with others.

We propagate this idea to the public at large from our broadcasts and eight websites(2).

We need to think of diplomacy less as a profession than as a set of skills - like a Masters of Business Administration - that will be undertaken by a variety of persons, from a range of different backgrounds, for many different purposes and for a variety of lengths of time (3).

Our Members are taught to act as go-betweens, friends and advisers to the committees of many Australian Temples, and help them to define themselves, and to integrate the superior parts of their culture into Australia felix.

To do this, we need to believe that Buddha Dhamma and good information can help persons cope with the rapid changes which are appearing as post-Cold War internationalism appears in the APEC region.

Australia, as a trading nation, depends on the prosperity of its trading partners. While, the short term outlook for the region is production and trade may slow down for a year or so the medium term appears to be optimistic and cooperation is learnt.

Fortunately, multicultural, regional and multilateral organisations' values are replacing some segments of the earlier parochial monarchist Australian national culture.

The conditions of communal stability (4) was explained to Venerable Ananda by Buddha at Digha-Nikaya appear to be well met in 70% of Australian Buddhist Organisations.

The seven conditions are:

To assemble repeatedly and in large numbers
To assemble in harmony and disperse in harmony, so long as they do the business of the Order in harmony.
Introduce no revolutionary ordinance, break up no established ordinance, but live in accordance with the appointed charges
To honour the elder brethren, men of many days and long ordained, fathers of the Order and men of standing in the Order
To not fall subject to that craving which arises and leads back to rebirth
So long as there shall be brethren who are fond of the forest life and lodging
To establish themselves in mindfulness with the thought "Let goodly co- mates in the righteous life come hither in the future, and let those that have already come live happily".

We hope the other 30% can get past their teething difficulties within and reach the next decade, out to the local community and international community as soon as possible. If they don’t do it today, they will regret it tomorrow.

1. The Age, (2000) News Extra, p 1 & 7: Australian Newspaper, Melbourne.

2. www.companyontheweb.com/buddhamap

www.companyontheweb.com/buddhatext

www.johnhughes.citysearch.com.au

www.skybusiness.com/j.d.hughes

www.bdcublessings.one.net.au

www.bdcu.org.au

www.buyresolved.com.au

and one more website www.bddronline.net.au will be available within two weeks.

3. Gyngell Allan, The Australian's Review of Books, Vol. 3 Issue 5 June 1998, pub. The Australian newspaper ref. article "The go-betweens: a Review of Diplomacy in the Next Century", by Abba Eban pub. Yale Uni. Press pp.4-6.

4. Some Sayings of the Buddha, translated by F.L. Woodward. Introduction by Christmas Humphreys. 1973 Pub Oxford University Press First published by OUP 1925 at p.69

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Pictured sitting on the steps of the Golden Pavilion in front of the Phra Chaiyaporn Pasurt Buddha Rupa image (from left to right) are:

Chi Hai Nguyen, Thanh Nha, Duc Minh Le, Kim Chi Nguyen, Tu Trinh Dao, Kim Yen Nguyen, Chi Phi Nguyen who visited our Temple on 24 June 2001

The Buddha Rupa. Pictured are:

Chi Hai Nguyen, Thanh Nha, Duc Minh Le, Kim Chi Nguyen, Tu Trinh Dao, Kim Yen Nguyen, Chi Phi Nguyen

Pictured by the Phra Jariyaporngsavang Reclining Buddha image with the new quartz rock wall at its base are our friends: Chi Phi Nguyen, Tu Trinh Dao, Thanh Nha, Chi Hai Nguyen, Kim Chi Nguyen, Duc Minh Le, Kim Yen Nguyen.

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