Acknowledgements. May all beings be well, happy and peaceful, The Sunday Dhamma School Chanthanith & Ramphay Chittasy

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2 Acknowledgements We live in a very lucky country Australia. We came here for we can all enjoy its freedom and democracy. With freedom, though, balance with an inner discipline of gaining a still calm mind is needed. We live our very best when we are not living in a match-box way. The match-box way is an illusory way of life filled with greed for power, fame and control; filled with hatred, resentment and bitterness; and filled with the delusion of Me, Myself and I. This type of living is too small an idea. It is self-destructive. There is a bigger picture, a BIGGER PLAN or a Universal Plan which is filled with Metta, Karuna, Mudita and Uppekha. This is what we know as unconditional love. We are all free to make simple choices the minute we wake up - to choose love or choose fear. Fear is scarcity and competition. Fear creates division, chaos and confusion. Love is filled with abundance. Love is co-operation, sharing and caring. Love is unconditional. Each one of us has the power to choose. One thought plus love is a very powerful thought! The people of Australia come from more than 160 countries and practice 100 faiths. Buddhism is the second faith in Australia after Christianity. Australia has truly embraced the doctrine and the Dhamma (the teachings of the Buddha). Buddhism has doubled to 420,000 since According to Brian Ashen, President of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils suggests that the number of people adopting the Buddhist philosophy is growing about 1,000 per month nationally. People are looking for a more meaningful way to relieve their daily stress. They seek for the Buddhist philosophy for an inner balance in our chaotic world. Wat Phrayortkeo is a Buddhist temple. It is a temple for all who seek to find peace within. It is up to each one of us to keep our hearts open and to seek for the Bigger Universal Plan. When we chose simply to live with the intention of love, we will move forward spiritually. This is the universal law. This is the Dhamma way of living. Buddhism is about self-realization. It is about knowing your true self. When you start to nurture yourself, you accept yourself as you are, and then you begin to forgive yourself. This first step is the picture of peace. When you find your own inner peace, you will then shine your peaceful ways towards others. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the devoted volunteers who are supporting the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha of Wat Phrayortkeo. We have tried to give you a picture of the Dhamma in Action. We all need to go far beyond our comfort zone and sacrifice our little greed, little hurts and little selfishness for the sake of tomorrow. Reach out and stretch our hearts to the world around us for we are all ONE! May all beings be well, happy and peaceful, The Sunday Dhamma School Chanthanith & Ramphay Chittasy

3 A Message from the Abbot Ajahn Thongsavanh Chanthathirath Beloved community, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to spend these coming months with you. It is the most inspirational time for all of us - a time to discover. It is difficult and dark times we are all experiencing, but darkness makes us grow and seek for better ways. My duty as part of the Sangha at Wat Phrayortkeo is to be here for the community in times of difficulties like old age, sickness and death. They bring us back to our reality. Let s celebrate each moment we have together. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu. By oneself, indeed, is evil done; by oneself is one defiled. By oneself, is evil left undone; by oneself, indeed, is one purified. Purity and impurity depend on oneself. No one purifies another. Dhammapada 165 To cease from evil, To cultivate good, And to cleanse one s mind. This is the teaching of all Buddhas. Dhammapada 183

4 A Word from the President Mr Champa Baramy 0=ohv,o,aldki ritvk9kip% mv'l;ao 9aomkmyik- xtmkody8y,tlad8% rhv, fh;p 7otlq'7% m5dvkfm5dvqc7%d Iadcr'\6j7ot c]t 7otvto5da,dkim5dM mjko g7qkiqr 7otmujxndlk0v'xtmko dy8y,tlad8% mjkoz6h-q'75ot;5my mjkoz6hvt;53l{oa[4niadcr'xtmko rhv,7otda, dki vq'dki9af8a'mf -k;r5m c]t r+c,jrujohv'f ]6dMs]koMm5dmqj; hkd 0hkr^tg9Qk8k' hk7ot0no,klti6[zq]'ko 0vC7otda,dki[=iyski'ko rl] 0vC;afritpvfcdh; ma,,t pkokik, 8]vf,k dy9dki0v';af;k wfhfegouowx1jk'ltf;dlt[kp c]t wfhlhk'lammk.sh-5,-qo-k;r5m muj,u8+;afritpvfcdh; ma,,tpkokik, Ij'gInv'fu0Nog]NvpM,kD dkixt8y[af;pd'ko8jk'm d=wfhpbf4ngvqkco;mk' muj0hkr^tg9qkwfh0pow;h.o4c]'dki lt[a[]q' g-ujc,ugonv.o ikp]tvpf faj'8+]q'wxoug!}{0=mto5[ei5' v6h,-6g[uj'cp' 7E96o -j;pgs]nv ln[8+vkp5.shcdjritr5mlklok3fpltgrktc]h; 0=0aovklk lt,adia[.-h ritlq'7%vq'7%7tg9qk c]t ;afritpvfcdh; ma,,tpkokik, csj'ou.shln[8+.shgxao;afmuj gxao-arp%lyo,6o,a',=itfqd0v' r+c,jrujohv'-k;r5mvqrpq[]k; c]t -k;r5mmqj;wx3fpcmh9y' lj;om'-hk'lk,sq; mujgxao,uj'0;ao 0v'-k; vqrpq[]k;oao 8hv'8yf1j6da[;af cpdvvd9kddao[+wfhgfaf0kfd {[+.sh;afou dkpgxao;af0v'xtgmloao xtgmlou s]n dj5,dkig,nv' c]t 0v'[5d7qo.f[5d7qoonj'3fp gfaf0kfd #}{;Pd'ko[=iyski'ko8jk'MG { 9t0=xt8y[af8k,dqf\kp[hkog,nv' { 9t0=xt8y[af8k, dqfit[p[ rkp.o rkpovd c]t 8k,Iuf7v'xtgrou0v'-k;r5mD { ;Pd'kom5dluj'm5d1jk' 0Noda[,tsk-qo c]t \6j7ot 3fp4ngvqklP'lj;os]kp gxaodki;afcmd c]t 8afluoF 7ot0v'r;d0hkr^tg9Qkwfhxt8y[af 8k,95fxtlq'oU8]vf,kD ;af;kvkik, rhv,ma's=c9d 0v' ;afritpvfcdh; ma,,tpkokik, csj'ou lhk'0no3fpmjk,dk'7;k,sp6h' pkdphvo;jk giqkgxaovqrpq[]q[rap,k8a'4ujo4ko.\j 9nj'gxaogs8.sh,udki2nfg7nv'Iv[fhko gxao8qorklkxkd g;qkf lt8yxaopkf -arp%lq,[af mboivo8jk'mgs]qjkougxao8qod c8jg4u';jk,u7;k,sp5h'pkd la[lqod=8k, ritlq'7%vq'7tg9qk 7i6[kvk9kip% rhv,ma'r+c,j vkfpkg9qkokpgiqk rhv,ma'r+c,jrujohv' ]6ds]ko[hkog,nv' c]t z6hmujglap-u;y8wxc]h;d=,u ];,ma'z6h,u-u;yf1j6 d=wfhrkdaoln[8+lhk'

5 lkramok,k9qog4ucxa95[aoou c]t giaf.sh;af;kvkik,csj'ou 9tgiuoIj5'gInv'gduf0No1jk';jv'w; c]t 9q['k,gxaomujladdkit[6-kF mk'fhkoco;7yf9yf.9f mk'fhkola'7q,f lklok 9qogxaomujphv'p=laoitgluo9kd g9qk hkmuj[hkog,nv' ];,ma' gxaomuj d^k[ws;hladdkit[6-k.shcdj-k;r5m c]t gxaomuj1hp,1k,-njo-q,phv'p=0v' -k;vqrpq[ 9kd 8jk'xtgmlvudD 75o'k,7;k,fuoU wfhgduf0no9kd,t3oma, 7;k,[kd[ajo vqfmqo rkdrpo rtpkpk,,k9kd [aorit[6i5f vkfpkg9qkokpr+c,jrujohvc[hkog,nv'gxaoz6h0afmhkprkpginv vao-nj8q' c0'cdjo 3fp7;k,[=iyl5m z5fzjv'8+ 7;k,sp5h'pkd okmxtdki 8+]6d8+s]ko [hkog,nv' -k;r5m ;af;klklok c]t 8+7i6[kvk9kip%m5dvkfm5d vq'7%d rhv,oud=pa'wfhoerk ]6ds]ko[hkog,nv'Iadlkly]dyomkoF l68,qo8%rk;tok[+0kf8]vf,kf fh;pveok9[5o d5lq] 0v'75oritlu ritia8otw8i c]t [5o75o0v' 7i6[kvk9kip% gxaoz6h-uoe oerk3fplt grkt xtmko dy8y,tlad8% wfh75h,7v' xqdd5j,-5j,g1ao.sh]6ds]ko [hkog,nv',k3fp8]vfd 75o'k,7;k,fuvaoxtgluf gduf9kd,t3oma, vaol6'lqj'ou,kgxaoc,jci' de]a'9y8 de]a'.9 ln[8+,k.sh]6ds]ko[hkog,nv'.sh-k;r5mgiqk,usq]mk'c9h'0k; ln[8+wx.orkprkd hkd vudxtdkionjc7ot0v'r;d0hkr^tg9qk skd,u0=h0kf8qd[qdzjv' [+;jk mk'fhko[=iyski'ko mk'fhko co;7yf9y8.9 s]n ;k9k rklkxkdg;qkd=fu 8]vfonjCxuzjko,k d=0=3ml 0=vtrap oem5dmmjkod mhkpl5fou 0=;uj';vo 75ocdh;lk,xtdki 9qjC,kfqo[aofko.shla'7q,]k;F -k;r5mgiqk.shgxao dhvogxao j;p.sh,u7;k,iad7;k,cr' 7ndaoda[7v[7q;vaoonj'vaofP;daoF 0=.shm5dmjko9qj',u vkp5 ;aoot l50t r]t xal9kd3i7rapw0hg9a[ vkp5\ao0;aopno 8]vfm5dmqj; hkgmyod X0=0v[.9? le]a[;pd'ko8jk'm c8j]t0co'dki 0=,v[.sh mjko ;=]tg;f luvad7tlvo ln[8+wx 0=g-uo President - Mr Champa Baramy with the Multicultural and Multi-faith organizations and communities in a festival at Bankstown Town Hall The President has been representing the Lao Buddhist Society in many events around Sydney but his main role is to seek calmness and peace in the community. He tries his best to build bridges in people s heart. He has shown that we are all the same inside Dhamma is beyond our formal authority - it is how we live daily.

6 First Vice President Mr Voraveth Siackhasone Sabaidi Dear Members, It has been a challenging year for all of us. It has allow us to work more closely together as a team. We are lucky to have such a devoted and dedicated team for the Management Committee. I am grateful that it has allow us to be together, to plan together, to find a positive solution for the benefit of all our members. There are many festivals throughout the year. The number of participants has been increasing. People have realized the urge to find a more peaceful way from their daily stressful lifestyle. Our job is to provide the facilities for the lay people to find that inner peace. As the First Vice President, my duty is to help with the planning, negotiating, communication but most important of all I feel is to take time to listen to the different point of views and ideas from our members. For I believe everyone has something to contribute to make it better. There are subtle changes happening. Change is inevitable. They said that with each new generation things should get better. We must include new ways of thinking that are healthy and helpful. It is time to find innovative and positive ways of thinking to help us all move forward so that all will benefit. I believe that whatever time we have here in this life- let us give our very best and enjoy every moment of it. Duties: Meetings; clarifying a situation; communicating and overall planning and supporting the Table Tennis Group.

7 Public Officer Report Mr Chanthanith Chittasy dki8yf8+rkpovd s]a'9kdgsfdki gduf0nho 0hkrtg9Qkd+wfh ikp'koltrk[dki 0v' rl].sh the Office of Fair Trading 3fpgxaomk'dki 8k, hkmuj 0v'0hkrtg9Qk mujwfh 4nd c8j'8a'.sh3fp xtmko 0aocdh; cl'mv' c]t 7ot [=iyski r5mmtlt,k7q,]k;.ol,apoaod g,njv;aomuj po Linda Fuller g9qk hkia[zyf-v[ djp;da[ginv'ou wfhcotoe.sh xtmko 0aocdh; cl'mv' 9afdv'xt-5,s];' grnjvgxuf3vdki.shlt,k-yd ma'\qf wfhg0qk,k lt,ad c]t vvdlp' grnjvia[gvqk 7ot s]n g]nvd8a'gvqk 7ot [=iyski.\j faj'oao 7ot mjko 0aocdh; cl'mv' 9bj'wfh9aflqj' [afg-uo.sh lt,k-yd z6hmujwfh pnjo.[lt,adg0qk,kdjvooao.sh,kij;,g]nvd8a' c]t lgouikp'ko dkig'uomuj wfhd;fdk c]h;.shcdj lt,k-yd rl] grnjvia[iv'gvqk c8j,ao[+gxaofaj'[5o z6hd;fdk dkig'uo7qogdqjk [+ gxao.9r;dgiqk c]t d+wfh]kvvd 9bj'lhk'7;k,]e[kd.shr;dgIqk gruh,0nhovud wfh9afdv'xt-6, lt,k-yd rl] grnjv lgou g]nvdgvqk okp[ao-u c]t z6hd;fdk dkig'uo7qo.\j grnjvxtdv[ ikp'ko dkig'uo0v'lqdxu dqf\kp mujia4[ki wfh[qj'w;hd.ow]ptmuj xtdv[gvdlkigs]qjkou r;dgiqk d+wfhpnjo 7eIhv' 0=8+g;]k 9afdv'xt-5,s];' grnjv lgouikp'kodkig'uoouf g,njv;aomuj wfhia[.[vto5pkf 9kd dt-;' ]q'mt[po0v' ia4 o-; ;jk.shr;dgiqk9afdv'xt-5,s];' rkp.o lk,gfnvo c8j[+.shdkp ;aomuj!w}(}w( ;aomuj 7ot [=iyski r5mmtlt,k7q,]k; oe3fp mjko 9exk [kit,u d+wfh9af dv'xt -5, 0No grnjv lgouikp'ko dkig'uomuj wfhd;fdkc]h;ou.shcdj lt,k-yd rl] Ia[Iv'gvqk c]t lqj'wx.shma'dki,n8+wxd g,njv;aomuj po Linda Fuller wfh,krq[r=h c]t lv[4k, mjko 9exk [kit,u c]t da,dki[k'mjko dpj;da[ltrk[dki 0v' rl] c8j po Linda [+wfh,u3vdkl medkod;fdk c8j1jk'.fg]up rp'c8jcotoe.sh8p,w;hgrnjv3vdkl hk

8 8+,k,N;aomuj 7ot0v' mjko 9exk [kit,u d+wfhia[ zq]0v'dki-v[l;o 9kd po Linda Fuller,u7;k,gsao muj r;dgiqklk,k4 lti5[wfh;jkg { dkifegouo mk'fkho dqf\kp c]t ma,,to6o 0v' rl] { dkigda[de [ao-udkig'uo c]t ikp'kodkig'uo { mt[po0v' lt,k-yd lyj'mujgs]qjk,k 0hk'g4u'oU 9t.sh7q[4h;o c]t lq,[5o 8k,7;k,8hv'dki dt-;' 9qfmt[PooAo,ao 7q'gxaowxwfh1kd.og,njvltrk[dki 0v'r;dgIqk [+gxaoxqddt8y g4u'1jk'.fd+fu zq]0v'dki -v[l;o 9kd po Linda Fuller wfhgiaf.sh-k;r5m]k; c]t -k;r5m vnjom,u7;k,r=.9 grkt -njlp' 0v' ;afritpvfcdh; c]t mt[po 0v' rl] pa'7q'16j8k,gfu, ourp' c8jgxaodkig8nvo 7ot muj,u hkmuj Ia[zyf-v[.shrtpkpk,gvqk.9.lj dpj;da[ ginjv'ous]kp0no ovd9kdoao po Linda Fuller pa'wfhg8nvolt8y 7ot[=iyski ;jk1jk]n, 9afdv'xt-5,s];' c]t ikp'ko dkig'uo muj4ndd;fdkc]h;oao,klgou.sh lt,k-yd rl] Ia[Iv'gvqk djvomhkpgfnvo!@{@ww( oud 8k, 0v' Associations Incorporation Act 1984 mjko z6h-q'75oot;5fmy [aofk mjko lt,k-yd rl] mujiadcr' c]t oa[4n g9qk hkmuj mujdpj;0hv' wfh [vd r;dgiqk,ks]kp7a'c]h; 8A'c8j r;dgiqkgihu,,ultrk[dki ;jk ma'ia4[ki 3fp ltgrkt dt-;' 9qfmt[Po [+,u-yf sp6h'dpj;[aosk rkp.o 0v'r;dgIqkD.o3vdkl 9t,kg4y'oU 0hkrtg9Qk 0=;U';vo 75oritcdh; lk,xtdki ritr5m ritma, ritlq'7% 9qj'xqdxad Iadlk s5dmmjko 7;k,g9a[1jkwfh 7;k,w0h1jk.sh,u 8ts]vfdkitokogmuhoDDDDDD 9aomtoyf 9y88tlu da,,tdki 8yf8+rkpovd Multicultural Advisory Committee MAC Mr Nith Chittasy has been attending the monthly MAC meetings at the Fairfield City Council on a regular basis. This year, they plan to strengthen the Council s Multicultural Advisory Committee - which involves identifying, promoting and evaluating initiatives that foster cultural harmony and community interaction. Right: The refuge crossing in front of the temple s entrance took some time to process. Nith kept articulating our urgent need to the MAC meeting. Although it has taken many years, the RTA decided it was time to give us a crossing. Thank you, for now we have a safer crossing and fewer incidents. Our main concern is for our Lao elderly who live across the road. We hope it has made a difference! (Right) Refuge Crossing at Smithfield Road has certainly helped to slow the traffic a wee bit.

9 With the Minister for Immigration 15 March Meeting the Minister for Immigration Mr Kevin Andrews MP The President, Mr Champa Baramy, the First Vice President, Mr Voraveth Siackhasone and the Public officer, Mr Chanthanith Chittasy, were invited to attend a gala dinner to meet different dignitaries at the Montage. Mr Ken Andrews said in his speech, While celebrating our cultural diversity, we are united by our shared values of tolerance, mutual respect and a commitment to democratic traditions. Nov 2007: Right Mr Tianethone Chantharasy has had close relationship with Mr Philip Ruddock and Heather his wife for many years now. For the past 34 years, he has been in Federal parliament. In recent years he has taken an important position as Attorney General dealing with the security of Australia. Left: Mr Ruddock came with his entourage to greet us at his electorate area of Berowra. Official Parliament House 29 Nov 2007 Different faith organizations were invited to welcome a special guest Dr Quak (representing FIFA Soccer, the UN and UPF). Mr David Clark MP was our host and he introduced us to many other members of Parliament who were at the lobby that day. Most of the MPs came in and gave their welcoming speeches. Through the years, we have been involved with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). They are a world organization aiming to bring peace to the world. They have a new center in the heart of Sydney and, each month, we attend their monthly gathering. This gathering is usually over dinner to meet and discuss with many other faiths, organizations, communities and individuals who want to improve and make a difference in their local community. Catrine Von Dinklage is a dynamic co-ordinator. Her heart is big showing universal love to all. She is quiet planner behind the scenes. Activities include the Religious Youth Service; Living for Others Awards; Character and Leadership Forums; and giving a helping hand to the homeless. Above: Ladies fighting for Peace Peace begins not in Iraq or Laos, Peace begins with oneself. When the mothers of the world are at peace, the fathers are at peace, the children follow suit. UPF core value starts in the family. When the family is filled with love and peace- the community and nations will be at peace. Left to right: MP from the NSW Public Homes Dept.; Mr David Clark; Mr Quak,; Pres of Indonesian Community; Consul Gen of Rep of Indonesia, Mr Sudaryomo Hartosudarmo. With Pamela Joyce (Peace Ambassador); Cr Le Lam Mayor of Auburn; Barbara Minett Women s Fed for World Peace NZ; and Catrine Von Dinklage (Co-ordinator UPF Sydney). Living for Others Award Night 2007 where more than 1,200 came to support.

10 Annual Novice Ordination Program Jan 2007: Novice Ordination - Between the ages of 12 to 20, young men enter the temple as novices for a period of time. The merit thus gained is first and foremost dedicated to their mothers. Ajahn Mangkhone trains the young novices on the 10 precepts and inner discipline. They spent few days at a retreat at Sunnataram Forest Monastery enjoying the quiet bush life but most of all getting wisdom from Phra Mana about the power of gratitude. Gratitude towards one s parents is the true essence of the Dhamma. Support Ajahn Mangkhone s Sunday School in MA -USA Visit his At the completion of the ordination the novices disrobed and there is a small Soukhouan ceremony of blessings for their health and well-being (Pa Jon with Keiren). Novice Ordination: Every year now, during the hot summer break (Christmas time) Ajahn Mangkhone would travel from his temple Wat Buddha Bhavana of Massachusetts USA to be with us. He has agreed that there should be special time devoted to young boys who would like to take a week or so during their holidays to follow the steps of the Buddha and his teachings. They learn to commit to the 10 precepts; wake up around 5am for Pali chanting; go around the town for alms round; do some chores around the temple; and attend the Buddhist festivals during the time of December and January. It is like a summer camp with a difference. The parents are also quite involved and they are usually very overwhelmed by the whole procedure. The young boys are taught to respect, appreciate and be grateful for all the love and care parents have for them. We are very grateful for Ajahn Mangkhone for taking this time for the youth to learn about the Dhamma. For those interested in the next novice ordination starting on the 24, 25 and 26 Dec 2007 contact the Sangha at Wat Phrayortkeo.

11 South Korean Student Volunteers We will clean it up-hope you will be able to find stuffs. SDS making refreshments for the overseas guests. This Men s toilet is cleaned already! 4 Feb 2007-South Korean overseas students: They called themselves the Global Peace Makers. They just landed in Sydney and requested that they would like to spend the day at our temple and help clean up. Sunday Dhamma School welcomed them with open arms. It was such a hot day but they helped and cleaned under the Sim, the kitchen, the storage room, the gardens, the hall and toilets. They showed us that together as a team-we work better when there are smiles all around! 22 Sep The 9th Children s Festival 2007 SDS was invited to take part in the largest Children s Festival 2007 at Paul Keating Park Bankstown Town Hall. We paraded through the streets and the Mayor of Bankstown Cr Tania Mihailuk congratulated all participants for supporting this commitment to encourage harmony.

12 The Management Committee Team 2007 We all have a PART TO PLAY - big or small we will give it our very best. Our duty is to serve the Buddhist community. Mr Thongdam Souriyavong (Second Vice President) In charge of festivals, ceremonies at Wat Phrayortkeo. Here he is giving the blessings for young novices who took a week off during the summer school holidays. His duty is to lead the Buddhist ceremony. The contact between lay community and the Sangha. Mr Bounlap Seanphoumy (Secretary) Last year in 2006, he won the Living for Others Award for his dedication and contribution to the community by the Universal Peace Federation. Out of 50 nominees, he was chosen for his dedication and service to the community. Ms Khamla Phanoraj (Assets & Property Officer) Her talents are many but she is most comfortable taking charged behind the scene the most important place being the large kitchen at the temple. Her big heart and care expand across all fields. When there is a ceremony of Alms giving, she will be there to welcome you.

13 Management Committee of the Lao Buddhist Society of NSW Inc. Our motto: To co-operate and embrace all working together as a team. Mrs Phatvilavanh Khammarath (Public Relations Officer) Her duty involves making sure that everyone gets involved and participate in the festivals and ceremonies. She co-ordinates and prepares all the ceremonies with the Sangha and lay people. Mrs Samly Yangnouvong (Monastic Affairs Officer) With all the Buddhist festivals you can see the delicate and intricate work required for each ceremony. She is very dedicated in the creative parts of the ceremony. Her wish is for all young generation to learn and keep these skills and traditions. Mr Penhkham Sychampanakhone (Construction Affairs officer) Wat Phrayortkeo requires much maintenance and many repairs. Mr Penhkham is the one who leads the way in making sure that all the maintenance is looked after. We need all the help we can get! Mrs Rasmy Lecklocksavang (Treasurer) Has had about 24 years working in the field of banking. With twelve or more festivals throughout the year, she has given her time to record all the financial details for the temple. She makes sure all donations and expenses are in balance. When it concerns money, it has to be black and white!

14 Two Outstanding Brothers Mr Vong Xaeto Mr Touy Xaeto The Silent Achievers we call them. They are always at the temple going about their work and not disturbing anyone. They do the heavy jobs that are required for the Sangha. Even when it is 38 degrees outside, they continue on fixing in the scorching heat. Rain or shine they do the Temple s maintenance and prepare the ceremonies, festivals and monthly Alms giving. Through the years, they see people come and go at the temple but their aim is to come, to give, clean up and leave quietly. They will only talk to you if you ask them a question and are very soft spoken. They are there in times of Emergencies like the Lao New Year festival some years ago when the power went off. They quietly fixed it - No worries, they said! Many of us can learn so much just by observing their actions. Is this Dhamma in action?

15 Bonnyrigg Multicultural Market Day 8 Sep 2007: Bonnyrigg Multicultural Bargain Market Day Organized by the Fairfield City Council. Above: Right-Natalie the co-ordinator. Below: Right-Leslie Unsworth (Place Manager of FCC). Left: SDS dancers with Polynesian dancers. Buddha s Birthday Celebration April 2007: Celebrating Buddha s Birthday with Nantien Temple. Sunday Dhamma School took part in both celebration organized by the Nantien temple-on was in the heart of Wollongong and a few months later it was at Darling Harbor where thousands attended the event. SDS joined in the Hip Hop entertainment at both occasion. They practiced every weekend in the Parramatta center.

16 Preparation for Lao New Year 2007: All were invited to give some ideas for the on coming Lao New Year. We all have a part to contribute to make it a festive season. Photocopying Packing Moving Stapling Helping Hands Learning together Lifting Serving SDS Mailing Counting Constructing Dusting Posting Teaching English Sorting Registering Bottling Entering data MYOB way a new chapter. Fixing Adjusting Wat Phrayortkeo Everyone has something to contribute.

17 Lao Buddhist New Year Festival 2007 Lao Buddhist New Year Festival 2007 at Wat Phrayortkeo: 14 to 16 April 2007 It is one of our biggest celebrations. This is the time when families make and take their time to come to the temple to see the Sangha and them give offerings, ask for blessings and ask for forgiveness. They want to make sure that there will be less obstacles for the coming year. They all want to start afresh. This is an auspicious time for the members of the family to ask for forgiveness from their parents and grandparents. For the three day celebration, Wat Phrayortkeo had more than 3,000 visitors. People came from interstate. We had an unexpected guest from the Art Gallery of NSW Ms Ann McArthur-Co-ordinator of the Asian arts. She enjoyed the festivities. Everyone contributed something. That is why it was such an auspicious celebration. It is a time to give, to share, to ask for pardon, to bring joy and happiness to oneself and to all those around us. Above middle: On the third day of the Lao New Year, families gather to build sand stupas. Every grain of sand represents a heavy thought, a bad memory from the year gone by, which will soon be washed away by the new rainy season. May you all be well, happy and peaceful for the New Year.

18 The Dalai Lama XIV Australian Tour 2007-Sydney Tibetans came from different states to see His Holiness. Lighting the Path HHDL s new book & SDS volunteers. Some had to leave home 6am to be there before the thousands of people. Any contribution??? Ariya was chosen to lead and co-ordinate the volunteers for this year Tour for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Sydney. Organizers estimate that over 144,000 came to listen to his teachings. Nine thousands school children met him and 4 to 5 million saw him on TV in his 14 day visit of 8 destinations around Australia. The Dalai Lama 2007 Australia Tour 15 & 16 June 2007 His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is a beautiful being with the purist of hearts and the most beautiful teaching of love and compassion for all living beings. He came to share his teachings for two days at the Domain, the heart of Sydney. More than 10,000 people attended even though it was cold, wet and windy. Sunday Dhamma School was there as volunteers to help collect donations for His Holiness s Tour. For two days their spirit were high even though it was so very cold- for they were supporting the Dhamma and one of the world most respected teachers. Brett Kirk the co-captain of the Sydney Swans welcomed His Holiness. He presented His Holiness with a signed Swans jumper which he then wrapped over his robes. There were thousands of people but it was so quiet for everyone wanted to hear his message of how to find inner happiness. Caring for others and demonstrating compassion are the best means of achieving happiness for oneself, he said. HHDL sent letters of thanks to all volunteers for he was so impressed with their sincerity and dedication. Lighting the Path his book on the teaching of wisdom and compassion was sent to every Buddhist temple. Wat Phrayortkeo also received H. Holiness s gift. After such a successful event, His Holiness wished to return next year 2008 just to Sydney-for only 5 day visit on the 15 th to 19 th June He wants to give special teachings on the Knowledge of the Dhamma and Meditation. It will be held at the Dome at Homebush showground. Be on the look out for more news of his visit in 2008.

19 Youth and the Dhamma in Action Maitri Night (18 August 2007) is a variety put on each year by Unibodhi, the Buddhist Society of Sydney University. This year the theme explored was Peace in Chaos -How can we find inner peace while in chaos of our lives? This was explored through song, dance and drama as well as a number of Dhamma talks from the Sangha. The final message was that the external chaos needn t be changed or altered, but when our mind knows how to deal with chaos, we can always find inner peace. Feeding the Homeless Exodus Foundation: 30 June 2007 Throughout the year, there a many who seek help from the Exodus Appeal. This organization makes sure all the homeless are fed daily. Many youths are needed to help in giving service for the homeless. Here some of SDS helped in serving the food and cleaning up. From now till Christmas time, two youth volunteers are required each day. If you are interested please contact Ariya 2 July 2007: Melissa received the Youth Ambassador for Peace Award from the Universal Peace Federation Bodhi Nite 2007 (25 Aug 2007) Presented by UNIBUDS University of NSW Buddhist Society To celebrate the 27 th anniversary of the UNIBUBS, the Bodhi Nite this year was titled The Invisible Grasp. It explored the clinging to me and mine which is suffering- delving deep into the Buddhism concept of clinging (upadana). Every year, UNIBUBS holds an anniversary celebration to share Buddhism through acting, dancing, animations and Dhamma talks. This year Sunday Dhamma School attended the Bodhi Nite celebrating. The event was held at UNSW and started with a vegetarian dinner for all those who attended. Overall we learnt that we are all attached to so many different things: possession, others, our egos. Releasing this attachment is a step by step process, with each step bringing more stable peace and happiness. Definition of Contentment: When action is pure and selfless, everything settles into its own perfect place.

20 Willoughby Primary School Harmony Day CAMParadise January May 2007: Willoughby Primary School invited us to take part in their Multicultural Day to talk and share to them about our culture, our customs and our heritage. The children of different grades came to ask questions about the way we dress, what we eat, Buddhism, why monks shave their heads and why they wear yellow robes??? 13 January 2007: Nantien Temple - Summer Holiday Camparadise 2007 Sunday Dhamma School was able to join in the annual youth camp organized by the NanTien temple. The theme was Carefree Body and Mind and youths learn about how to use mindfulness, carefulness and concentration to take care of their bodies and minds. Over 120 attended and many games, such as capture the flag, and drama and dance activities were also undertaken. Reverend Ning, the acting Abbess at the time, invited the SDS group for private tea and conversation after the camp. She told us how we must gently and carefully purify our minds by taking out our defilements just as we might loosen the soil and pull out weeds. Spreading the Dhamma way of living to the High School Leadership Camp: When it works for you, you would like your mates to know how to calm the mind. At a North Shore school - Chatswood High- one of our SDS students was the chosen as the School Captain, Viriya Chittasy. This meant he had to look after and represent 800 of his peers. This year, in 2007, he had to find the best 50 students to go on a Leadership Camp. This camp was special as two of our SDS young adults took on the facilitating and training of the young children teaching them how to ease their minds. When the mind is clear there is more room for better decisions, better studies and better listening. Not only these but, there are also other bonuses such as being able to find compassion and gratitude towards our peers. Some have found the camp very helpful, for they felt that they have become a big family in the high school community.

21 Taking Back your Spirit - Healing oneself by R. Chittasy Dec 07 In the Sunday Dhamma School, we talk about how we lose our personal power. We lose our power when we lean on others, on things, or grasp strong emotions like hatred and hurt or breed on resentment. All these emotions actually reside in our cells-toxic to all parts of our body. With daily self-infliction and self-repetition I can t stand her! or I hate him! This goes deep inside your body. When we cling to these thoughts can we get sick? Yes, especially destructive and negative thoughts. They slowly weaken our body. This is a true story of David Paladin. He is a Navajo Indian. At the age of eleven he was an alcoholic. In 1941 he was in the American military. He was behind the enemy lines and captured by the Nazi soldiers. He was tortured. They nailed his feet to the floor. David survived the horror war. He returned home to his reservation. His family and friends were horrified at what had happened to him. They gathered together and held a council to figure out how to help him. They approached David, yanked the braces off his legs, tied a rope around his waist, and threw him into deep cold water. David, call your spirit back, they commanded. Your spirit is no longer in your body. If you can t call your spirit back, we will let you go. No one can live without their spirit. Your spirit is your power. Calling his spirit back, was the most difficult task for David to undertake. He said it was more difficult than enduring having his feet nailed to the floor. He knew that he had to release his anger and hatred towards the Nazi soldiers. He could barely keep himself from drowning, but he prayed to let the anger out of his body. After such darkness, he now spent the rest of his life healing and inspiring people to call back their power from experiences that drain the life-force from their bodies. This is a healing true story. All over the world, we as human beings do lose our power. It can be hurt that we collected years ago. This is what we call unfinished business. We live with emotional baggage. This bag you cannot see but it ruins your life without knowing. This baggage actually affects our way of thinking. Every thought is fear added or hatred added. Like seasoning our thoughts. And we wonder why we move forward one step and two step backwards. It is always this unfinished business. Many psychologists said that the unfinished business reside deep in our subconscious. It is said that Hurt people, hurt others. Are you collecting hurts or discarding them? Have you ever thought that the person you resent so much might not be alive? In the Dhamma, when we meditate, we take time to look within ourselves. Only via this journey less traveled do we come upfront and look face to face with what baggage (toxic rubbish) we have been carrying for years, or from our past lives. This is the most crucial step for all of us to clean up. Life is about healing our hurt. Hurt come from clinging to hateful thoughts or thoughts of love that had gone wrong-whatever the cause it is usually the swing of our emotional thoughts from extreme love to hatred. Meditation will help to release this hurt. In the Lao tradition, we have the Soukhouane ceremony when we call back the 32 spirits of the individual. This is when all the family and friends gather and call back our spirit. This is when we find wholeness again. This is gaining your power back. This personal healing will bring back your well-being and loving relationship with yourself. It is so important to teach children the art of nurturing oneself first. This is your Higher Self.

22 Dhamma aditto The World Is Aflame. All my enemies are in my mind. When we get angry or frustrated, and experience Dukkha, we often find ourselves angry about another person angry at what they have done or who they are. As the media shows day by day, this anger fuels a lot of evil deeds. Murders, destruction, rage, hatred. Much of it can be attributed to this desire born of others. The Buddha tells us to look at our very own minds. He said it was like an acrobat on another acrobat s shoulders, walking along. If they both look out for themselves, they ll be fine and safe. If they look out for each other, they are bound to have trouble trying to tell each other what to do. So, when we are angry at others, what goes on in our mind? Mara, the deceptive mind, is great at really making us believe the problem is out there inside another person. It brings along a big henchman to stop us ever looking at our own errors. That henchman is uncomfortable feeling. However, once we know the way that henchman functions, he no longer can really trick us. And so, after we can relax about this uncomfortable feeling and really look inside of us, what do we see? Especially when we are angry at someone else or what they have done what do we see? We see a bunch of stuff glued together. Why do I say this? Because when dealing with the mind the Buddha constantly used the term Aggregates or Khandhas. When we think of a person, for example, if we are angry at them, we think of their evil thoughts they may have - I don t like this guy. We also think of their feelings they may feel towards us of hatred and anger. In some way we feel their feelings. We also think of memories, and things we ve received through the sense doors sounds, sights, smells and so on. A bunch of stuff see? And we put this together, and think we are so angry at this person, we would rather have it another way. I must tell this person to change!!! Sure, on some levels it s not all that bad to let someone know what they have done wrong, but it is more important to look at our mind and see its inherent errors. What errors? Well when we clump these thoughts and memories and feelings and sights and sounds together we create a person. We imagine and conceptualise these things as one person who is a bad or good person. If we take time to look closer we ll understand that this thought of theirs, like this thought of ours, comes and goes according to causes and conditions. These feelings come and go due to causes and conditions. If they have anger towards us, it is because they heard or saw something first, or at least thought of something. So it comes, then it goes because of this or that. Because of their upbringing and temperament, they understand the world like this. So when they see this, they think and feel like this. When they think and feel like this, they talk and act like this. Then I receive it! When we receive it, we react. No they shouldn t say that, they shouldn t be like that. We suddenly forget that it is all due to causes and conditions! Because they understand the world wrongly, it is natural for them to have greed and hatred! When we start to see this causal chain, we realise it is changing second by second. Reacting to their processes often strengthens their ways of wrong actions and understanding. We begin to be gentle with ourselves. We can tell ourselves, no need to bring in anger and hatred, their words and actions and thoughts and feelings are natural from their causes and conditions. Then can be happy with ourselves for not being angry. Without really understanding the problem, it is very difficult to stop anger. With understanding, no problem! After this we can begin to wish them the best causes and conditions. We know that from these causes and conditions, they can change, for their benefit. Not ours! We can already be happy whether a person shouts hatred at us, or compliments us dearly. It all reflects their mind, their understanding, their causes, their conditions. It s not easy. Mainly because of the first henchman. That uncomfortable feeling which comes from questioning our thoughts and feelings. That uncomfortable feeling that comes from looking at the errors in our mind instead of believing our incessant thoughts. So the Buddha encouraged mindfulness, awareness, to keep noticing that henchman whose job it is to stop us from looking. By Ariya

23 Real Freedom is Freedom from Defilements By Ariya Chittasy There once was a man who loved his freedom, He could do whatever, whenever he wanted, Like a Prince with all dreams fulfilled. How blissful was it to be like him. But the world does not remain same forever, There came a time for things to change. Soon enough, the world went not his way, Upset, he was, almost everyday. A little more of this, and much less of that, His thoughts, they, would churn and churn. Desires, they, would choose and choose. Feelings, as if, he would lose and lose. You, sir, can no longer have that! You, sir, can no longer go there! This was his prison, of which he now belonged, Oh how he longed for that freedom of old. A deva approached and whispered in his ear, Speaking to repay a long lost debt, This Freedom you seek cannot be real This Freedom you seek belongs not to you! The Real Freedom lies within your heart! The Real Freedom reveals when one ungrasps And the man, seeing no other way to tread, Followed the words, the deva had said. Releasing his desires, now free to relax, The world, no longer, painful as an axe Without desire, I ll be no longer overcome Rid of my desire, I am now rid of my glum I thought through desires, Freedom could be gained. But holding my desires, By fire was I overcame. With less desires, The world is less bother, Less disturbance, From sisters or brothers. No desires, No worries for the world, Up and down, No longer have I a hold. This is the path of the Dhamma, Realising that which is real and true, Real freedom is not fulfillling desire, But freedom from the defilements, to bring the mind higher.

24 Islamic Community Eid Festival 2007 Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF) 28 Oct 2007-The President of MEFF Mr Zial Ahmad invited us from the LBS to take part in their annual Eid festival-ramadhan celebration. This is our third year supporting them. Ramadhan for the Islamic community is a time for strict religious observance-for prayer and renewal. Ramadhan is about selflessness and forgiveness, allowing believers to discover and develop their spirituality said the Mayor of Fairfield City Council Mr Lalich. He appreciated their contribution to the wider Australian community. They had their greatest goal kicker of Australian Rugby League, Hazem El Masri, there to inspire the young to keep striving and focus on their dreams and goals. Never ever give up trying. He sought his dream and achieved. 1 Dec 2007: The Buddhist Council of NSW had an open day at its new center in Crows Nest. The new President is Mr Brian White, who took the place of the legend and patron, Mr Graeme Lyall. Their Vision: *A Dhamma Community with open arms Their Mission: *To support our member organization who in turn serve the Buddhist community. *To represent the Buddhist community to inter-faith groups, media, government and the NSW public in accordance with the Dhamma *To promote the understanding and practice of the Dhamma They will also build temples, arrange Sangha to come to Australia and give support behind the scenes. They are recognized by the Dept of Education due to the large demands from more than a dozen schools. There are about 55 volunteers serving 53 schools around NSW to as far as the South Coast, Lismore and the Blue Mountains. The Council has many benefits and facilities for its members. There are many free Dhamma books for distribution. There is a library available with more CDs on the Dhamma. You are all welcome to visit the center and find out the events for 2008: Combined Vesak in May; the Buddhist Exposition; and the return of HH the Dalai Lama in Sydney only around 15 to 19 June

25 Dedication to the Kitchen Team 2007 Food taste best when you give your very best. Thank you for the opportunity for all to give and contribute. Every family brings a dish to share lunch as a grand community.

26 Meditation with Sunday Dhamma School Prince Siddhartha first meditated at the age of 7. Ajahn Oak is our Dhamma teacher. Sunday Dhamma School is open to anyone from the age of 7 upwards or 70!!! We are there every Sunday from 2 to 4pm running according the school term. We are closed during the public holidays and Christmas break. Aim of Sunday Dhamma School at Wat Phrayortkeo Teaching our children to calm the mind. Free it from greed, hatred and delusion. Dhamma is about living it consistently and diligently - moment to moment being truly mindful of your every little intention. (Contact: Ariya ) Monkey Mind Agitated & frustrated Mind Unsatisfactoriness 70,000 thoughts daily 80% negative thoughts Harmful Mind Impatience Part of the Problem Focal Point The secret of all peace of mind is in the breathing in and breathing out. Simple and free for all. Monk Mind- Buddha Nature Calm & peaceful Mind Compassionate, gratitude, generosity Loving-Kindness with all beings Purifying the Mind Patience Part of the Solution Three Poisons or Defilements (Kilesa) They keep us in the cycle of suffering Samsara. Pig (Greed) Snake (Hatred) Rooster (Delusion) Want more Swinging from likes to dislikes Me, Myself &I. Mindfulness and harmlessness in thoughts, words and actions. Ahimsa-no harm to any living beings State of Nibbana (or Nirvana)

27 The Kathina Ceremony is a time to make donations or offering material requisites for the Sangha. Kathina is known as the yellow robe offerings ceremony after the end of Vassa (rains retreat for the Sangha). It is an auspicious time for celebrating the appreciation felt between the lay Buddhist community and the Sangha. It is a time for gratitude. Gratitude is achieved by being free from greed, free from hatred and free from delusion which calls for quieting oneself through meditation.

28 Boon Kathina 2007 Khan 5 Sunday 4 November 2007: This year is a very auspicious year. The Boon Kathina offering ceremony at Wat Phrayortkeo was organized and hosted by the LBS Management Committee. These offerings are usually made only once a year. These offerings are often associated with great merriment as well as young and old enjoy making merit together. In the Vinaya, it is said that the robes offered in the Kathina ceremony should be as pure as the rain falling from the sky. Apart from the robe offerings, there are other requisites such as umbrellas, slippers and additional needs. After the Dana offerings (lunch) to the Sangha, the grand procession takes place around the temple ground. This Buddhist offering ceremony is the most important religious celebration as it promotes generosity.

29 Buddhist Gathering for Prayers 2007 Buddhist Gathering for Prayers and Darling Harbour 2007 Sunday 2 December 2007 at Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour There were Buddhists from more than a dozen cultural traditions with lay communities, monasteries and nun s communities who took part in this grand prayer gathering at Darling Harbour to commemorate the birthday of the King of Thailand (his date of birth 5 December 1927). From Wat Phrayortkeo there were 8 Sangha represented with some of our elders. There were more than 2,000 participants. Phra Mana Viriyarampo and Phra Khoun Samai were the initiators. Graeme Lyall, Michael and Jennifer Chen were the ones who brought all the different Buddhist communities together. They are the ones who, for the past years with the Buddhist Council, have worked closely with many Buddhist organizations. It was overwhelming to see the young Buddhist volunteers who were there to support such a grand event. Our Sangha were asked to stay on till the very end to chant the Iti-Pi-so 81 times for the final blessing for the ceremony. There was a candlelight procession and cultural presentation for the family outing to finish off for the night. It was a celebration of ONENESS. Those who were there could feel the atmosphere peace for all. Amazing day!

30 Our Touch with Sunnataram Forest Monastery 18 November 2007 was the Kathina Celebration and Purification Ceremony to bless the Gratitude Pagoda at the Sunnataram Forest Monastery Bundanoon. Sangha from many different traditions including Tibetan, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Korean, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Lao and Thai chanted to purify the holy site. Our Sangha from Wat Phrayortkeo and elderly hired a bus to make sure no one was left out and all could join in on the auspicious occasion. It was a historic event, 9 golden stones were places into 9 holes marking the Uposatha boundary. SDS had a day of excursion to take part in this sacred ceremony. The children and adults were able to chant Iti Pi So 81 times. Families from all over NSW and ACT attended the ceremony organized by Phra Mana Viriyarampo the Abbot of the Gratitude Pagoda. Different monasteries donated free vegetarian food for all visitors who came. This monastery has provided a place for meditation retreat. Ajahn Mangkhone will be taking his novices for training and retreat there in early Jan 2008 with our SDS. Ariya has taken many of his friends from Uni for retreat there. (Above right) Ariya and SDS welcomed Phra Mana at Wat Phrayortkeo as he came with his entourage for a special ordination. Joe Hockey asked us What is Dhamma? The teachings of the Buddha was our reply. Dhamma teachings of the Buddha! Oh! Oh! was his reply. 11 Nov 2007 North Shore Street Party Each year the people of the North Shore invites the community to come out and party. It is a way of getting to know the different ethnic background we all come from and celebrate as ONE. Mr Joe Hockey local MP and Minister for Workplace Relations just happened to stroll along with the crowd. Joe saw our T-shirt and asked What is the Dhamma? The teachings of the Buddha was our reply.

31 Rains-Retreat Jul 2007: Khao Phansa The beginning of the Rains-retreat (Khao Phansa) was in July It was a cold day however there were around 300 who bore the cold and supported the Sangha in the beginning of their retreat. 28 Oct 2007 Ork Phansa Festival The end of the Rains-Retreat season was at the end of October. There were families who came with many offerings as you can see. We begin to realize that there are many lay people who have the need to give offerings to the Sangha. We can see that they take every move with pure intent. There is a sense that you must put your whole heart and mind into focusing on giving. Ajahn Oak said the pouring of the water at the end is important after your offerings. He said to make sure that you convey your merits to all directions North, South, East and West.