Home

Vice Presidents

John D. Hughes Dip.App.Chem.T.T.T.C. GDAIE - International Dhamma Activities
Rilla Oellien - Corporate Governance & Reporting
Frank Carter B.Ec. - Local Area Planning & Asset Management

Joint Vice Presidents

Julian Bamford, B.A. App.Rec - International Dhamma Activities
Lisa Nelson - Corporate Governance & Reporting

Special Positions

John D. Hughes Dip.App.Chem.T.T.T.C. GDAIE
Teacher of Buddha Dhamma Practices
Editor Buddha Dhyana Dana Review
Editor Brooking Street Bugle
Executive Producer Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast

Pennie White B.A. Dip.Ed.
Assistant Editor Buddha Dhyana Dana Review
Assistant Editor Brooking Street Bugle (new series)

Lisa Nelson
Assistant Secretary Corporate Governance & Reporting

Evelin Halls
Manager Enterprise Technology and Webmaster

Vanessa Macleod B.A.M.A.
International Liaison Officer
Information Officer

Anita Svensson, R.N.Div1
Manager Occupational Health & Safety

Frank Carter, B.Ec.
Joint Manager Occupational Health & Safety

Peter Boswell, CPA
Financial Controller

Back to Index

3. COMING EVENTS

Back to Index

4. SANGHA NEWS

Passing away of former World Fellowship of Buddhists President His Excellency Professor Sanya Dharmasakti

The former president of the WFB H.E. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti passed away on 6 January 2002 C.E. (2545B.E.).

WFB.C. 2/2545

7 January, B.E. 2545 (2002).

TO : All the WFB Vice-President

All the Members of the WFB Executive Council
All the Chairpersons of the WFB Standing Committee
All the Presidents of the WFB Regional Centres


Re : Former WFB President, H.E. Prof. Sanya Dharmasakti Passes Away

Dear Friend in the Dhamma,

I regret to inform you with a deep sense of sorrow that H.E. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti, Honorary President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists has passed away on 6 January B.E. 2545 (2002) at the age of ninety five at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok.

Professor Sanya Dharmasakti had been the President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists for 14 years from B.E. 2527 - 2541 (1984-1998). He has been highly respected as one of the public figures of Thailand. He became the Prime Minister of Thailand from B.E. 2516 - 2518 (1973-1975), and served as President of the Privy Council in B.E. 2518 - 2541 (1975-1998).

His demise is a great loss to Thailand and the Buddhist world. He will be long remembered for his devotion and valuable contribution to the cause of Buddhism both at home and abroad. His legacy will be a source of inspiration for us to continue our efforts for the enhancement of the aims and objectives of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

The religious rite will be held at Wat Benjamaborpit (Marble Temple) under the Royal sponsorship for 7 days from today (7 January, B.E. 2545). The cremation rite will be announced at a later date.

Yours in the Dhamma,

Phan Wannamethee
President
The World Fellowship of Buddhists.

"We send our love and well wishes to the family, friends and colleagues of H.E. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti.

May he continue to dwell in the Triple Gem in his next birth and have all The blessings of The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha.

His life is an inspiration to all of us to continue to propagate the Buddha Dhamma through the aims and objectives of the World Fellowship of Buddhists."

With Metta

Yours in the Dhamma

John D. Hughes Dip. App. Chem. T.T.T.C. GDAIE

Vice President, World Fellowship of Buddhists

International Conference on "Buddhism and World Peace"

The 2nd Meeting of the World Buddhist University Council will take place on 9 February 2002, and the International Conference will be held on 10 February 2002.

Master John D. Hughes was invited to attend and join the International Conference afternoon panel discussion session on "Buddhism and World Peace" the next afternoon.

Master John D. Hughes and his wife, Anita accepted this invitation and will attend the International Conference on "Buddhism and World Peace" 9 - 10 February 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand.


22nd General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists

The World Fellowship of Buddhists Executive Council have confirmed that the 22nd General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists be held 9 to 13 December B.E. 2545 (2002) at Grand Blue Wave Hotel Shah Alam, Perbandaran, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malayasia.

This conference includes the 22nd General Conference of the WFB, the 13th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists Youth and the 3rd Meeting of the World Buddhist University Council.

The host regional Centre is World Fellowship of Buddhists Selangor Regional Centre.

Office Bearers and Executive Council Members to check-in on 8 December 2002.

Back to Index

5. KEYNOTE OPPORTUNITIES

Our Australia Day 2002 Celebrations – 26 January 2002

To celebrate this year’s Australia Day 2002 many offerings were made to the Deva of Australia near the flag pole bearing the Australian Flag at the Southern Gate.

The offerings included offerings of jewels, flowers, red ribbon, food, tea, Chinese New Year greeting card signed by John and Anita, document about financial planning, Heineman Australian Dictionary, a thanka and water.

Guided by our teacher John D. Hughes and Anita, Members Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford, Frank Carter, Isabella Hobbs, Jocelyn Hughes, Matt Radford, Lisa Nelson and Rilla Oellien participated in many meritorious activities over six hours to celebrate this special day.

The activities included building a new garden adjacent to the Southern gate and relocating plants to the new garden from the area of the next building addition. Members decorated the Southern Gate with red ribbons and red cloth and painted the two Chinese Lion Protectors red.

Photographs of the decorated Southern gate, offerings to the Deva and the new garden can be viewed in the online line edition of this issue of Brooking Street Bugle at www.bsbonline.com.au

Chan Academy – 16^th Anniversary

Under the most recent usage for romanisation of Chinese word Chan is spelt Chan. We will use the modern spelling from now on in our publications.

The Chan Academy was opened on 6 February 1986.

The 16th Anniversary Celebration of the Chan Academy will be held at our Centre on 5 February 2002.

It is important that all our Members understand the correct practices for celebrations.

Our President Mr. Julian Bamford will give a keynote speech about the Chan Academy and present a gift to the Founder of the Chan Academy, Master John D. Hughes.

Members are preparing a Chan Painting Learning Manual.

The Chan Painting Learning Manual will be a key resource for persons learning about Chan. This manual will include information about:

• Chan including materials used: brushes, ink, inkstone and paper;

• Chan Masters

• A brief history of Chan

• and resources, including texts, paintings, photographs, calligraphy, prints, videos, multimedia CD-ROM, exhibitions, auctions, etc., available at our Centre, in our John D. Hughes Collection reference library and our websites.

This is achievable because Members are working in harmony and writing discoveries down. This project has action-research methodology.

In the book "An Introduction to Curriculum Research and Development" action-research is described as a "cyclical structure of evaluatory schemes" used in investigating inquiry- and discovery-based teaching. Action-research orientation means to act and reflect on action in a loop. The result is valuable information about effectiveness, in-service training and performance, for example. This methodology increases awareness.

How can you help?

You can help others learn about Ch’an by helping with the research and writing of the Ch’an Painting Learning Manual.

Planning commenced 18 January 2002. If you want to learn and help us please contact us at 9754 3334.

New Year Blessings in the Year of the Horse

Wishing our readers a happy and prosperous New Year as we enter the seventh sign of the Chinese horoscope, the Horse.

For those born in the Year of the Horse it is said to be an especially prosperous year. Our Teacher, Master John D. Hughes is born in the Year of the Horse. May our Teacher be well and happy this year and beyond.

Master John D. Hughes has organised a special New Year Blessing Card be prepared.

The cards were prepared at our Centre by Pennie White in consultation with Master John D. Hughes.

The New Year Cards are printed on the Chan Painting Cards by Master John D. Hughes.

The inside is inscribed with the words:
Wishing you and your Family A Happy New Year.
A special photograph of the auspicious red horse carrying our Dhamma Chakka is included to bless many people. This was manufactured by John D. Hughes 15 years ago. The caption underneath the image reads:
Year of the Horse 2002 C.E.

These New Year Blessing Cards will signed from John D. Hughes and Anita Svensson and sent to Friends of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Members may purchase these special New Year Blessing cards for $3.50 per card.

Mailing labels were prepared by Vanessa Macleod, Rilla Oellien and Pennie White.

More than 400 cards have been printed onsite with our Hewlett Packard Deskjet 840C colour printer. The printing of the cards was done by Lisa Nelson, Pennie White, Frank Carter, Brendan Halls and other Members.

Preparation of envelopes with address labels and sender stamp, and inserting of cards was done by Anita Svensson, Lisa Nelson, Rilla Oellien and Julian Bamford.

At 28 January 2002, we have posted 411 cards.

Members and friends can assist sending New Year Blessings by printing cards, mailing labels, or contributing to ink and postage costs.

A procedure for printing cards, prepared by Lisa Nelson and Pennie White, can be read in this issue.

A happy and prosperous new year to you and your families.

Back to Index

6. APPEALS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

The appointed Koolmint Counter, Lenore Hamilton, declared that 266.75 Koolmints were in the jar.

Lenore Hamilton drew the raffle.

First Prize: Green Tara Thanka: Wendy Clancy: 260 Koolmints (Red ticket number E 42)
Second Prize: Mantra Beads: Pam Adkins: 275 Koolmints (Red ticket number E35)
Third Prize: Jar of Koolmints: Jay Eames: 250 Koolmints (Red ticket number E 47)

Please Note: In the case of multiple correct entries in any prize category then final winners were drawn by raffle.

Tickets Sold: 55

Fundraising Profit: $102.00

International Conference Delegates - Fundraising Action Plan

A Fundraising Action Plan has commenced for delegates to the 22nd General Conference of the WFB.

This conference is scheduled for 9 to 13 December B.E. 2545 (2002) at Grand BlueWave Hotel, Malaysia and will be hosted by World Fellowship of Buddhists Selangor Regional Centre. Office Bearers and Executive Council Members to check-in on 8 December 2002.

Our Teacher, Master John D. Hughes holds the office of World Fellowship of Buddhists Vice-President and Anita Svensson, who is on the Womens' Standing Committee, has been invited to attend the Conference.

We will be contacting the organising committee to offer the services of nine of our Members.


St Valentine's Day Gift and Flower Stall

A Gift and Flower Stall will be held on St Valentine's Day, 14 February 2002, at two locations:

Site 1: In front of Il Castello Spaghetti Restaurant 436 Stud Road Wantirna (Melways reference 72H1)
Site 2: Swansea Road Lilydale (Melways reference 52E6)

Flower posies will be prepared off-site at Julian Bamford and Lisa Nelson’s house in Belgrave on 13 February from 12.00pm.

Please make yourself available for this meritorious fund raising event and notify Pam Adkins or Isabella Hobbs of your availability.

Back to Index

7. CURRENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INTERESTS

Future development plans

Future development plans for our Centre include the construction of a new two level library/bedroom facility to be located at the rear of the existing house and include within it the Padmasambhava image and altar.

The architect Mr. David Ley, who lives in London, England, visited the Centre on 25th January 2002. David is helping us by designing this building and preparing the building plans under the instructions of our Teacher John D. Hughes.

Mr. Ley spent several hours sitting in the Centre's garden talking with John D. Hughes, Anita Svensson and Frank Carter. The information David was given will enable him to prepare and draw up the building design on his return to England.

Celebrations and Events Manual

Our next action-research project is to write a speed learning training Manual on Celebrations. It is important that all our Members understand the correct practices for celebrations. This will commence on 1 February 2002.

Long Life Knot and Conch Shell

Julie O'Donnell has painted a large red long life knot, a small red long life knot and a conch shell on the back North-facing veranda wall.

Pennie White has photographed these paintings. The photographs will be included with the online version of this Issue of the Brooking Street Bugle.

Celcast

We now know that the quality of colour photographs printed at our Centre is much improved by the use of a speciality inkjet paper.

Brand: The paper we prefer is Australian made by CELCAST.
Type: Double Sided Colour Ink Jet Paper. Description: Coated Inkjet Paper Professional Output Quality, HEAVYWEIGHT.
Used for: Professional Presentations, Certificates, Photographs etc.
Size: A4
Weight: 143gsm
Reorder quote: IJ98
Product Code: 70740

We welcome donations of this special paper.

Back to Index

8. JOHN D. HUGHES' NEWS

John D. Hughes general health is steadily improving and blood sugar levels are well monitored.

Anita Svensson has been re-educating Members in beneficial diet, record keeping, and correct use of prescribed medications. Our Teachers health is improving and Members are finding that they are benefiting from improved health as well.

Members are requested to make regular offerings to Padmasambhava and to request his help to continue to bless and heal our Teacher John D. Hughes.

Back to Index

9. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Brooking Street Bugle On Line First Year Anniversary

On the 15 January 2002, we reached the important milestone of the First Anniversary of the Brooking Street Bugle On Line.

The first issue of the BSB Online was No. 50 (New Series) on the 14th January 2001. In one year we have published 43 issues of the Brooking Street Bugle in print and online versions.

Digital Images

On 22 January 2002, Pennie White took four digital images with Digital Camera 1., and then downloaded the images to PC5A C:\Digiphoto1

The file name and content is as follows:

DCP_1549 and DCP_1550 Red Horse with silver Dhamma Chakka saddle
DCP_1551 Long life knot painted by Julie O'Donnell on back veranda wall January 2002
DCP_1552 Conch Shell painted by Julie O'Donnell on the North facing veranda wall January 2002

BDDR Volume 11 Number 3

On 14 January 2002. Buddha Dhyana Dana Review Volume 11 No. 3 was commenced by Pennie White.

The Buddha Dhyana Dana Review On Line Vol.11 No. 3 contains the schedule and speeches from the Corner-stone laying ceremony for the Phat Quang Temple and includes many photographs taken of the Ceremony.

It has been loaded on to www.bddronline.net.au and www.bdcu.org.au

On 15 January 2002 Pennie White downloaded these new files and the updated index file to PC4 using CuteFTP.

Disclaimer to websites

Thursday 10 January 2002 Lisa Nelson uploaded the Disclaimer to the homepage of bdcu.org, buddhamap and buddhatext websites.

Digital Camera

Images from Digital Camera Two were downloaded to PC5A C:\Digiphotos2 the file names are DCP_1333 DCP_1334. These photographs were taken of the fire protection wall in progress by Pennie White.

On 14 January 2002, Pennie White download 29 beautiful pictures from Digital Camera 1 to PC5A and backed up these images on a CD-ROM.

This CD-ROM was taken home and the pictures were included in the BDDR V11 No.3.

On the 15 January 2002 Pennie White returned this CD-ROM to the Centre and placed it in the I.T. Store

Friday 11 January 2002 Lisa Nelson downloaded photographs from the digital camera taken of the Attainment 5000 party and the construction of the Fire Prevention wall.

These photographs were also burnt to a CD ROM.

Scanned photographs in folders p01500, p01826 and p02046 were also backed up on the same CD-ROM.

Acknowledgement of our Digital Photographers

As of 15 January 2002 we acknowledge our Digital Photographers in our online publications by including their name and qualifications with the images.

On 15 January 2002 Julian Bamford photographed the Longhair Australian News Editors.

Pictured from right to left are: Master John D. Hughes, Anita Svensson, Evelin Halls, Pennie White, Leanne Eames. The photograph is included in our online version.

Julian Bamford also photographed other developments in our garden including the new fire protection wall located along the East side of the Hall.

Digital Cameras and Backups

All pictures from all three memory cards used in Kodak Digital Camera 1 and 2 were downloaded on 23 January 2002 by Pennie White.

Digital Images were backed up on a CDROM labelled PC5A backup of Digital Images

23 January 2002 Contents Digiphotos1, Digiphotos2, bsbweb, Nobbies4Jan2002

All memory cards were then reformatted ready for use.

Batteries were out in the charger. Charged batteries were labelled and Decharged batteries were labelled.

Recent Buddhist Hour Photographs

On Sunday 20 January 2002 our guest on the Buddhist Hour program was Dr. Ranjith Hetterachi.

On 20 January 2002, 11 photographs were taken at the Buddhist Hour Broadcast by Pennie White, Evelin Halls and Station Manager Brendan Grainger.

On 23 January 2002, these 11 photographs were downloaded from the Kodak Digital Camera 1 to PC5A C:Digiphotos1\ folder by Pennie White. The original image file names are DCP_1538 to DCP_1548\

Internal Email system

Our LAN system advisor and 'troubleshooter' John Watson attended the Centre on Monday 14 January and provided a temporary repair to our internal email system on our LAN.

Further maintenance work is to be carried out to bring the system by John Watson to bring it up to an efficient operating standard.

John Watson is currently analysing options for improving the efficiency and ease of servicing our internal email and LAN systems.

He is investigating system setup, how it works and where it can be improved.

Offerings to Deva of Learning, IT and Administration Devas

All Members are requested to make physical offerings to the deva of Learning, Deva of IT and Administration

Members of the Buddhist Hour Radio Team are requested to make physical offerings to the Deva of Learning in the library each time before they go to the 'Buddhist Hour'.

Members using any of our IT equipment are requested to make frequent offerings to the IT devas and devatas.

Brooking Street Bugle

Friday 4 and Saturday 6 January 2002 Lisa Nelson changed the front page of the Brooking Street Bulge issues 48 to 70 to its new format.

Photographs to Brooking Street Bugle

Tuesday 8 January and Wednesday 9 January 2002 Lisa Nelson uploaded photographs to the Brooking Street issue 73 of the Buddha Rupa, the Bodhi Tree, Master John D. Hughes and Anita Svensson, reduction of fire hazard during the Five Day December Bhavana Course and of the Chan garden.

Lisa also backed up the bdcu.org, buddhatext, buddhamap and bsbonline websites to the hard drive on PC4.

Longhair Australian News Publication

Our new publication Longhair Australian News ISSN 1446-5124 (Print) was loaded onto out Internet site at www.bsbonline.com.au/longhair on Tuesday 15 January 2002 by Evelin Halls and Pennie White.

A total of 20 copies were printed and bound by Thursday 17 January 2002.

The speciality paper used for the back covers of Longhair is kept in an A4 box with GBC Cover Set printed on it. This is located in the IT Store three shelves down from the IT deva altar.

One copy of Longhair Australian News has been sent to the National Library of Australia in Canberra ACT and one copy to the Serial Section, State Library of Victoria.

Virus cleaned on PC4A

On 24 January 2002, the latest Vet version found a virus on PC4 that had infected 15 files of the 38773 files scanned. The software deleted and restored the corrupted files.

Evelin confirmed with the Vet technical support by telephone that we have done all we need to clean the virus. The technician recommended to run the Vet scan again to make sure that everything is clean.

PC11 in the Sariputta room had all files (6410 files) scanned, no file viruses were detected.

PC2A (Amber's PC) had all files (4856 files) scanned, and also had no file viruses

Vet has completed the scanning and PC4 is all cleaned up and ready for use. If there are any more problems please ring Evelin.

Daily Procedure for Virus prevention

On 24 January 2002 the latest Vet software was downloaded and installed on all of our three Internet PCs.

On 24 January 2002 it was decided to update our anti virus software each day before we check our emails or visit websites. This process only takes about 1-3 minutes and will help to be protected from viruses and will also stop the spread of viruses.

The anti virus update is easily done by following these steps:

1. go online
2. right click on the Vet icon
3. click auto download
4. download the update file onto C:/Vet/update the software will automatically connect to the Vet and download the latest update file
5. when download is complete, find the recent file in the Vet/update folder on the C: drive
6. double click on the file
7. let the file be unzipped and installed
8. when completed, you will get a message saying: 'minor update completed'
9. document update in logbook located next to PC4A

A copy of this procedure is kept near all three of our Internet computers - PC4, PC11 and PC2A.

 Site Meter Reports of Our Websites
 25 January 2002

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.
                      (sm6bdcuwebsite)                      

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total ........................ 2,940            
            Average per Day .................. 8            
            Average Visit Length .......... 3:33            
            This Week ....................... 49            

Page Views

            Total ........................ 5,584            
            Average per Day ................. 15            
            Average per Visit .............. 1.9            
  This Week ....................... 97  

          
Blessings
                      (sm4guestmeter)                       

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total ........................ 2,305            
            Average per Day .................. 5            
            Average Visit Length .......... 5:32            
            This Week ....................... 28            

Page Views

            Total ........................ 4,340            
            Average per Day .................. 9            
            Average per Visit .............. 1.9            
      This Week ....................... 52      


    Buddhist Hour Radio Script       
           
                     (sm6buddhisthour)                      

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 624            
            Average per Day .................. 2            
            Average Visit Length .......... 4:19            
            This Week ....................... 15            

Page Views

            Total ........................ 1,496            
            Average per Day .................. 4            
            Average per Visit .............. 2.4            
            This Week ....................... 39            

			
                  BDDR online at bdcu.org                   
                        (sm6BDDRorg)                        

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 555            
            Average per Day .................. 2            
            Average Visit Length .......... 4:27            
            This Week ....................... 12            

Page Views

            Total ........................ 1,180            
            Average per Day .................. 3            
            Average per Visit .............. 2.1            
            This Week ....................... 23            

			
John D. Hughes
                       (sm6jdhughes)                        

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 214            
            Average per Day .................. 1            
            Average Visit Length .......... 1:55            
            This Week ........................ 2            

Page Views

            Total .......................... 426            
            Average per Day .................. 1            
            Average per Visit .............. 2.0            
   This Week ....................... 11   
			
			
Brooking Street Bugle On Line
                        (s10ajahn)                          

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 299            
            Average per Day .................. 2            
            Average Visit Length .......... 7:24            
            This Week ....................... 13            

Page Views

            Total .......................... 985            
            Average per Day .................. 8            
            Average per Visit .............. 3.3            
            This Week ....................... 20            

                      
                         Buddhamap                          
                      (sm6buddhamap)                        

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 408            
            Average per Day .................. 1            
            Average Visit Length .......... 5:26            
            This Week ........................ 4            

Page Views

            Total .......................... 963            
            Average per Day .................. 3            
            Average per Visit .............. 2.4            
            This Week ........................ 8            

			
                        Buddhatext                          
                      (sm6buddhatext)                       

                    -- Site Summary ---                     
Visits

            Total .......................... 332            
            Average per Day .................. 1            
            Average Visit Length .......... 1:26            
            This Week ........................ 5            

Page Views

            Total .......................... 489            
            Average per Day .................. 1            
            Average per Visit .............. 1.5            
This Week ........................ 5
		   

Back to Index

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

OH & S Responsibilities

All Members must know where the OH&S Record book is kept. Please see the Bulletin 26 in this Issue of the BSB NO. 74.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Prepared 28 January 2002 by Anita Svensson, OH&S Manager

Bulletin 26

Location of our Accident Records

As per the Occupational Health & Safety Act 1985, we record all injuries occurring at the Centre in our Occupational Health & Safety Record.

This record is maintained in a green coloured hard cover book kept in BDC(U) LTD. Filing Cabinet FCA2, draw number 3 marked “Occupational Health & Safety”. This filing cabinet is currently located in Suite 1, Library.

The OH&S managers, Anita Svensson or Frank Carter are notified of all injuries occurring on site.

An internal email is be sent as soon as possible to inform all Members of the injury.

First Aid Kit Changes

One medicine chest is kept in the Sariputta Room.

Members please note that medicines are no longer kept in the First Aid Kit as per current occupational health and safety standards.

The first aid kit is for emergencies only and is a temporary measure before attending the hospital or medical practitioner.

No medication will be given out to any persons at the Centre unless they bring their own.

Fire Prevention Program

Vattakaparitta

The Quail’s Protection

Fire Drill Report

On Saturday 19 January 2002 the planned Fire Prevention Drill, scheduled for 4.00pm, was started at 3.50pm with a 'Fire Alert' being called as a result of the Belgrave Fire siren sounding.

The Gong was sounded 7 times and help was requested from the Fire Protection Deva.

Fire Prevention Team Members: Julian Bamford, Peter Boswell, Rilla Oellien and David Igracki met in the Fire Control Centre (Suite 3) and initiated the Fire Alert procedure, using our Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Fire Fighting Manual.

Team Members achieved a 56% completion rate of all tasks in the Fire Alert section of the Manual within 18 minutes of the Fire Alert being called.

The Fire Alert and Drill concluded at 4.30pm at which time we had completed all tasks in the Fire Alert Section.

The Gong was sounded 7 times and the Deva was thanked and requested to stand down as the alert was over.

Our Fire Team Members worked together in a harmonious and have formed a strong Team for protecting our Centre from fire

Performance improvements are to be incorporated into the Fire Prevention Manual by Julian Bamford and Rilla Oellien.

The next fire drill will be at 2.00pm on Sunday 27 January 2002.

On Tuesday 8 January work commenced on constructing a Fire Protection Wall along the South side of the Temple.

It is set on the outside of the existing garden, near the drive. The wall will provide a barrier against the threat of radiant heat from a fire.

The wall protects and encloses the Chan garden that runs the full length of the hall.

The wall is 7.5 meters long and 3 metres high.

The four posts were set at 800mm deep and treated with creosote paint to protect against rot and fungus.

The 4 posts and lattice (which are located at the West end of the wall) have been painted with Solarguard outdoor paint. The colour is Brunswick Green.

The construction work was completed on Friday 11 January. The wall design and work was guided by John D. Hughes and carried out by Frank Carter, Peter Boswell, Matt Radford, Julian Bamford, Lisa Nelson, Rodney Johnson.

Total hours for construction and painting were 45.5 hours

Four Temple Protectors were fixed to the four posts, one facing West, one South, one North and one East.

Materials used:
Lion Temple protectors - 4
cypress posts - 4 x 4.2meter l9 long x 125mm
treated pine fence rails - 42mm x 68mm
stratco galvanised roofing iron sheets - 10 x 900mm x 3 metres
treated pine lattice - 1 x 2.4metres x 900mm width
Lion Temple protectors - 4
Outdoor paint.

Total costs
Building materials $686
Protectors $56

Photographs of this new wall can be viewed in this online issue.

Fire Improvement- Suite 4

A metal watering sprinkler was erected 820mm above Water Tank Number 4. This water tank is located outside Suite 4. The sprinkler is connected to the tap at the north side of Suite 4 and wets the Suite 4 roof and surrounding areas including the Aluminium garden shed.

Use of Plugs for downpipes

Rubber plugs have been placed near each downpipe hole in the gutters located on every building at the Centre.

This will enable the Fire Fighting Team to block every downpipe hole and fill each gutter with water during a bush fire threat to the Centre. This is a standard recommendation of the CFA to help make a building safe against fire attack.

The plugs are attached by wire so that they will not move from their allocated position.

The allocation of the plugs is as follows:

Main Building - three gutter plugs and one gutter blocking device

Sariputta Room - three gutter plugs

Suite 10 - two gutter plugs

Suite 10A - one gutter plug

Suite 11 - two gutter plugs

The plugs are to be accessed by ladder. In most cases each plug will have it's own nominated ladder (identified by colour coding). Please refer to a separate e-mail about the Centre's requirement for more ladders.

Use of Ladders

We have has 4 extra ladders donated this week.

The Centre requests Members to donate or find three more ladders which are needed to help protect the Centre during bush fire threat.

Members of the Fire Fighting Team place gutter blocking plugs in the downpipes during Fire Alerts. The gutters can then be filled with water to prevent the leaves becoming alight by flying embers.

Members must not climb on the roof to fit gutter plugs.

They use ladders.

We have allocated individual ladders to each gutter plug location. As we have eleven gutter plugs we need to obtain three more ladders.

Fire Prevention

The fire rating has been for a section of the East facing wall at the NE corner of the main building, with the addition of cement sheeting 1.2 x 2.4 metres, backed by fire resistant reflective foil.

It has been sealed with two coats of acrylic primer and two coats of acrylic outdoor paint (colour - coffee)

The work was done by Frank Carter, Rodney Johnson and Julian Bamford.

Back to Index

11. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & REPORTING (CGR)

Colour Code: Red
CGR Manager: Rilla Oellien
CGR Task Unit Members: Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford, Frank Carter, Leanne Eames, Evelin Halls, Lenore Hamilton, Isabella Hobbs, Lisa Nelson, Rilla Oellien, Lainie Smallwood. ?

CGR Task Unit Responsibilities: adhere to legal requirements of corporate affairs; accounts; communicate with Federal, State and Local government departments; organise GST payments; supply Australian Tax Office with Business Activity Statements; provide timely managerial information to ensure profits are made; provide quarterly Profit and Loss Activity Statements; arrange for the audit of accounts at a professional level to meet the Statutory requirements of the Gaming Commission of N.S.W.; 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; liaise with neighbours to create goodwill and to liaise with local newspapers to advise of upcoming events.

Minutes of the General Meeting held on 25 January 2002

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE
BUDDHIST DISCUSSION CENTRE (UPWEY) LTD.
A.C.N. 005 701 806 A.B.N. 42 611 496 488
held at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, 3158, Victoria on 25 January 2002 at 8.30pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: John D. Hughes, Anita Svensson, Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford, Peter Boswell, Frank Carter, Lenore Hamilton, Lisa Nelson, Rilla Oellien

MINUTE SECRETARY: Rilla Oellien

MEETING OPENED: 8:42pm

CHAIRPERSON: Julian Bamford

APOLOGIES: Brendan Hall, Evelin Halls, Isabella Hobbs, Julie O'Donnell

1. MOTION: That the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 28 December 2001 as read be accepted.

MOVED: John D. Hughes SECONDED: Peter Boswell CARRIED

2. MOTION: That the Profit and Loss Previous Year Comparison for December 2001 as tabled be accepted.

MOVED: Pam Adkins SECONDED: Lenore Hamilton CARRIED

3. MOTION: That the Statement of Income and Expenditure from 1 October 2001 to 31 December 2001 as tabled be accepted.

MOVED: Pam Adkins SECONDED: Peter Boswell CARRIED

4. MOTION: That the Transaction Detail by Account October through December 2001 as tabled be accepted.

MOVED: Peter Boswell SECONDED: Lisa Nelson CARRIED

5. MOTION: That the Correspondence Incoming Report 26 November 2001 to 24 January 2002 as tabled be accepted.

MOVED: John D. Hughes SECONDED: Frank Carter CARRIED

6. MOTION: That the Correspondence Outgoing Report 26 November 2001 to 24 January 2002 as tabled be accepted.

MOVED: John D. Hughes SECONDED: Peter Boswell CARRIED

7. MOTION: That the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd fund the postage of Chinese New Year greeting cards to overseas and Australian organisations.

MOVED: John D. Hughes SECONDED: Frank Carter CARRIED

8. MOTION: That the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd organise the 16th Anniversary celebrations for the Chan Academy on 5 February 2002 at 8:00pm at 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria 3158.

MOVED: Anita Svensson SECONDED: Lisa Nelson CARRIED

9. MOTION: That the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd Joining Fee is $44.00, including GST. That the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd annual Membership Fee is $44.00, including GST. That the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd annual Library Fee is $44.00, including GST.

MOVED: John D. Hughes SECONDED: Peter Boswell CARRIED

10. MOTION: That a Chan painting manual be produced.

MOVED: Lisa Nelson SECONDED: Frank Carter CARRIED

11. MOTION: That the next General Meeting be held on 22 February 2002 at 8.30pm at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria, 3158.

MOVED: Pam Adkins SECONDED: Frank Carter CARRIED

MEETING CLOSED: 9:16pm

Next General Meeting Scheduled

The next General Meeting will be held on 22 February 2002 at 8.30pm at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria, 3158. All Members are encouraged to attend.

General Meetings

General Meetings of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd will from now on be given a meeting number based on how many meetings have been held since the Centre's inception.

Research will be carried out during the next two weeks to find out how many meetings we have had to date.

Incoming External Email Procedure

On 29 January 2002, Rilla Oellien cleared the Inbox of all incoming external emails. Approximately 40 emails received over 3 days were opened, printed and transferred into Outlook Express Filed Mail folders so the Inbox was cleared.

All Members are requested to check Incoming External Emails using the procedure detailed below. Some benefits of following this procedure include the:

1. preservation of information
2. timely and efficient receipt and action of information
3. decluttering of our information systems
4. ability to retrieve information quickly through efficient filing
5. effective use of our resources

Procedure for Incoming External Emails

Folder name - information contained within

Corresgeneral - all correspondence that does not fit into a file below
e-Praxis - all e-Praxis emails
IT systms - VET software updates
Mujahid Alrifaie - all Mujahid Alrifaie emails
OC Hosting - all OC Hosting emails
Oznet 1 - all Ozet emails
Promolit - all promotional literature for seminars, training, and so on
Sitemeter - all Sitemeter reports
Techinfo - all technical information and regular publications such as Red Hat, Communique, Apple e-News, Quick Time News, ISYS updates and so on
Wall STJ - all Wall Street Journal emails
WBU - all emails pertaining to the World Buddhist University
webaccess - all web access emails
WFB - all emails pertaining to the World Fellowship of Buddhists

If you create a new folder under File Mail, please notify other Members by internal email of the name and use of the folder.

Recording and Tracking of External Emails Received and Sent

To maintain accurate tracking of the vast quantities of external emails received and sent, please follow the procedure detailed below.

When sending or receiving external emails, print 2 copies of the email.

Give 1 copy to John D. Hughes or action the information if required, then file in the appropriate location.

Use the second copy to enter the details into the BDC (U) Ltd. database under Correspondence In or Correspondence Out immediately after the task is complete. Once entered into the database, stamp this copy with the ENTERED stamp and write the date entered. Place this copy in the appropriate lever arch folder marked EMAIL SENT or EMAIL RECEIVED next to PC4.

If the details are not recorded in the BDC (U) database at the time, place the second copy into the appropriate EMAIL SENT or EMAIL RECEIVED lever arch folder next to PC4.


Our Facsimile Machine is a back up photocopier

The facsimile machine Lanier 4200 fax can be used to make photocopies, if the photocopier is not operating and an urgent copy is required.

Load the page(s) into the fax machine. Press the Copy button (fourth button from the left hand side).

Should the paper jam, fan the paper in the tray to make sure it is separated well.

Back to Index

12. 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, Leanne Eames, Evelin Halls, Jocelyn Hughes, Vanessa Macleod, Rilla Oellien and Anita Svensson.

IDA Task Unit Responsibilities: To maintain WFB liaison; to arrange Dhamma and Prajna Paramita 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 websites; 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" Hillside radio scripts; to organise and teach Chan classes.

Procedure for printing New Year Greeting Cards

1. Chan cards are located in small brown shelf to the left of PC8A in the library. Select 'Phillip Island, Victoria, Nobbies Spring' and/or 'St Helens, Tasmania, with fishing boats'. The label is on the back of the cards specifying where they were painted.
2. Login at PC13A. Open the New Year Blessing file from Star Office at LAN at I:\cgr\newyear or PC13A C:\soffice51\work\newyear
3. Place ten cards in the lower tray with the Chan picture in first facing upwards (there is an example card near the printer).
4. Slide the paper guides to accommodate the A5 card size not too tightly but so the cards are straight.
5. Select the "file" icon then select the "print" option
6. A box will come up, on the bottom right hand side there is a box with how many copies you wish to print. Using the little arrows select 10
7. Then press "Print" in the top right hand corner of the box
8. Check the cards have evenly printed. If any of the cards are uneven place in the rottertorium.
9. When the cards have been printed place them in the Hall of Assembly on the fold out bench and mark on the sheet of paper the number of cards printed

Guest Speaker on Buddhist Hour

On Sunday 20 January 2002 our guest on the Buddhist Hour program was Dr. Ranjith Hettiarchi.

A transcript of this interview will be available at www.bdcublessings.net.au within the next week.

Digital photographs will be available online with this BSB issue.

Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast

The weekly "Buddhist Hour" radio broadcasts can be heard at 11.00am to 12midday each Sunday on Hillside Radio 87.6FM and 88.0FM in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

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

Recent Buddhist Hour Radio Scripts include:

John D. Hughes Collection

Our library holdings are called "The John D. Hughes Collection".

Library staff request the Deva of the Library to continue to help, guide and teach our library staff. May the Deva of the Library continue to help library users.

Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. thank the Deva of the Library and his helpers for his help and guidance over the years and share merit with him.

On Friday 11 January 2002, Members gathered to celebrate the 4000th catalogued entry on the JDH Collection database and to launch Attainment 5000 - the commencement of the next 1000 book entries in the JDH Collection. One thousand books in one year is the target of our Information Officer for Attainment 5000.

The library users thank our Teacher John D. Hughes for establishing this comprehensive Collection and to those beings who have helped maintain and preserve the Collection.

The John D. Hughes Collection is planned to last 500 years or more.

Sumi-e Classes for 2002

Master Andre Sollier has confirmed he will teach ten Sumi-e painting classes at the Centre in 2002.

The theme for the Sumi-e classes this year is Ten Ch'an Masters.

Master Sollier has produced a painting (ink on rice paper) to be used for each class.

The paintings each have a short explanatory note, including information such as the name of the Master, when they lived, and which country they taught in.

The original paintings are on loan from Andre Sollier to be photographed and scanned, saved to CD, and uploaded to the latest issue of the BDDR on www.bddronline.net.au and the Ch'an Exhibition section of the www.buyresolved.com.au website.

Copies wil also be produced for use by Sumi-e students for each class.

Details of Sumi-e classes:

All classes are scheduled for Saturdays from 10.00am to 3.30pm.

The dates and topics for each class are:

1. 23 February - The Zen Teaching: The Venerable Mahakasyapa after giving a flower to the Buddha
2. 23 March - Bodhidharma (India): Arrived in China from India in A.D. 520, Teaching Ch'an
3. 20 April - Hui-Neng tearing up the Sutras (China) 638 - 713
4. 18 May - The Naljorpa Drukpa Kunley. Master of Mahamudra (Tibet) 1455 - 1570
5. 27 July - Buddhist Acetic Milarepa (Tibet) Pupil of Marpa
6. 24 August - Honen Shonin. Tendai Monk. Recitation of Membutsu: ("Namu Amida Butsu") Pureland Movement in Japan (1175 - )
7. 12 October - Esai Zenji (Japan) Zen Rinzai School -1191-
8. 9 November - Zen Master Dogen (Japan0 1200-1253
9. 30 November - Zen Master Hakuin (Japan) 1685-1768
10. 7 December - Master Ajahn Chan (Thailand) at Wat Pah Pong

Back to Index

13. LOCAL AREA PLANNING & ASSET MANAGEMENT (LAPAM)

Colour Code: Green
LAPAM Manager: Frank Carter
LAPAM Task Unit Members: Julian Bamford, Jan Bennett, Frank Carter, Brendan Hall, Lenore Hamilton, Isabella Hobbs, David Igracki, Rodney Johnson, Leila Lamers, Lisa Nelson and Rilla Oellien.

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.

Hall of Assembly

On the evening of Sunday 27 January cleaning of our Hall of Assembly was carried out in preparation for the Puja on Monday 28 January.

Members, Pam Adkins, Julian Bamford and Lisa Nelson worked under the guidance of Anita Svensson to clean the altars, images, photographs, paintings, windows (inside and outside) and carpet vacuumed.

This level of cleanliness in the Hall is to be our minimum standard.

When entering the hall Members are requested to wear clean fresh socks, or clean slip on footware at all times.

Entering the Main Hall with bare feet, shoes, or unclean socks is not appropriate.

Emerald Pavilion

The following maintenance was carried out on the Emerald Pavilion during the week 14 January to 18 January 2002 by John D. Hughes, Peter Boswell, Frank Carter, Julian Bamford, Isabella Hobbs and Lisa Nelson and Rilla Oellien.

1. A curved Safety hand rail was placed along the top of the existing hand rail to improve the chi.
2. A galvanised iron sheet was placed along the western side of the Pavilion to prevent ember entry under the house.
3. The metal shelving unit holding geological specimens was painted to prevent rust.
4. The entire Pavilion was cleaned and offerings made to the Deva & Devata protectors.
5. All the metal and wood fencing was painted Brunswick green.
6. A new "Emerald Pavilion" sign was created and installed.

Garden Tool Shed

On Monday 7 January 2002, the garden tool shed was tidied and re-organised by Julie O'Donnell and Pennie White.

The clothes that were in the shed were sorted and most were donated to a charitable organisation that accepts donations of clothing.

The tool shed now has shelving units in which garden tools, flammables, rags, painting clothes, hand towel dispensers, a tarpaulin and other sundry items are stored.

Some other items are being stored at Rodney Johnson's house.

Power Supply

On Saturday 5 December our power supply went down due to water leakage into a junction box located under the front of the premises below Suite 3.

The water was from the sprinkler system being used during a fire drill.

The power supply was interrupted twice.

On the second occasion the overload switches turned off the power.

Leila Lamers assessed the situation on both Sunday 6 January and Monday 7

January. On Monday night, Leila advised that the electrical system required the expertise of an electrician.

Mark from MRP Electrical Services attended the Centre on Tuesday 8 January 2002 and moved the junction box to a higher position to prevent reoccurrence.

Later in the day, two TXU Power service men attended the Centre and replaced a fuse on the single phase that was affected.

Garden management - watering

Rilla Oellien and Peter Boswell are now in charge of Watering the Garden. We have recently lost a 30 year old Bonsai tree as it had not been watered regularly.

Caravan Maintenance

During the week 14 January to 18 January 2002 the following maintenance was carried out on the Caravan:

1. Removal of unnecessary items from inside the caravan.
2. The caravan walls, windows, curtains, floors were disinfected, washed cleaned.
3. Carpeted areas were vacuum cleaned.
4. All bedding was aired, washed and changed.
5. The outside of the caravan was painted Brunswick green.
6. The fridge was cleaned.

Isabella Hobbs and Lisa Nelson, Vanessa Macleod, Julian Bamford and Peter Boswell worked on this project guided by John D. Hughes. Catering of food and drinks by Rilla Oellien.

Preparation for new Kitchen, Dining and Reading Room

On Tuesday 29 January 2002, work in preparation for the new Kitchen, Dining and Reading room continued with removal of plants from the garden area where the new reading room is to be built.

Two Temple trees were relocated, one has been planted near the North Bell Tower. A Camelia tree was relocated to the Western Garden behind the Padmasambhava Alter.

A standard rose, approximately 1.5 metres in height was relocated to the garden bed on the East side of the Southern Gate. All other plants within the new building have been removed or cut to ground level.

Two steel star posts were sawn off at 60cm below ground level. Our Teacher then directed Members to make offerings into the hole. While this was done Anita chanted. The offerings placed in the hole were of incense, flowers, perfume and blessing water.

The work took a total of 6.5 hours (approximate). The work was shared by Rilla Oellien, Peter Boswell, George Tsoucalous, Libby Dale, Julian Bamford, Rodney Johnson and Wendy Clancy.

Back to Index

14. MEMBERS' NEWS

On 4 January 2002 Evelin Halls and Pennie White visited the Nobbies in Phillip Island and made offerings to the Dragon King and to Devas and Devatas on the Island. Evelin and Pennie plan to visit the Dragon King again and again.

Lenore Hamilton has received her transcript of results from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technoloy University for 2001.

The course is Interior Decoration. Results:
Colour Studies - Distinction
Materials and Finishes - High Distinction
Design History - High Distinction
Occupational Health & Safety - Distinction

On 28 January 2002, Rilla Oellien celebrated her 37th birth anniversary at the Centre. Rilla offered dana to our Teacher, John D. Hughes and his wife, Anita. Rilla gave John and Anita a framed colour copy of a photograph taken in the Ch’an garden. Julian Bamford and Brendan Hall printed and framed the colour copy of the photograph. Rilla also offered to John and Anita a cabin bag for travelling and matching pure cotton shirts. In the evening, Rilla cooked and served dinner to John and Anita and two Members, Julian Bamford and Lisa Nelson.

Back to Index

15. 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

Back to Index

16. FUNDS APPEAL

Gifts are not tax deductible.

Back to Index

17. PHOTOGRAPHS

Please enjoy these beautiful photographs
25 December 2001 to 30 January 2002

Matt Radford, Jocelyn Hughes, John D. Hughes, Anita Svensson and Rani Hughes by the Buddha Rupa in our Centre's Garden in Upwey, photographed by Pennie White on 25 December 2001 C.E.

Launching our new publication Longhair Australia News:
Leanne Eames, Pennie White, Evelin Halls, Anita Svensson and Master John D. Hughes photographed by Julian Bamford on 15 January 2002.

Buddha To Be: Phar Buddhaxay image donated by Ajarn Chanhphy Manivong and photographed by Pennie White.

Year of the Horse 2002 C.E.
John D. Hughes' Red Horse carrying a saddle with our Dhamma Chakra logo crafted in silver.
Photograph by Pennie White.

Long life knot painted by Julie O'Donnell is a blessing to many.
Photographed on 22 January 2002 by Pennie White.

Conch shell painted by Julie O'Donnell.
Photographed on 22 January 2002 by Pennie White.

More Photographs

Back to Index

Back to Top

Home

May you be well and happy