CELEBRATING THE PAST AND THE FUTURE

Transcription

1 CELEBRATING THE PAST AND THE FUTURE The BSV Commemorates Sixty Years. On the wet Saturday evening of May the third, BSV members and friends past and present, invited guests and Sangha met at the Brandon Park Hall to celebrate six decades of BSV History. The evening was hosted most competently by two Gen Y s Dilky Perera and Tudor Palmer-Holton. It was a celebration of the past and our future. We celebrated that in spite of the humble beginnings of the BSV - a group of seekers who met in coffee shops and private homes in Melbourne in the fifties and sixties - we had gone on not only to survive but thrive for sixty years. Now we are a large organisation pushing into the future with the exciting purchase of a large country property for a monastery. We heard of the pioneering work and achievements of early BSV members and committees people such as Elizabeth Bell who was President for nearly 30 years and Dr Mervyn Mendis who worked tirelessly for the Society. It was a great pleasure to see Elizabeth Bell s daughter and her partner and Dr Mendis' wife and daughter in attendance. We learnt that the Society went from the early informal meetings to its first permanent home in Mary Street, Richmond in the seventies and then to the present home in East Malvern in the early nineties. We heard of the many teachers who had come to the Society teaching us Dhamma and meditation, inspiring us over those years people such as Phra Khantipalo, Ayya Khema, Ven Dhammika, Ajahn Jagaro, Sayadaw U Pandita, Ajahn Ariyasilo, Ayya Sucinta, and of course Ajahn Brahm, to mention just a few. Our guest of honour was our Spiritual Advisor Ajahn Brahm. He had first visited the BSV some 25 years ago - a meeting which led to a close alliance with the Bodhinyana Monastery in Western Australia. He spoke of his enthusiasm for the Forest Monastery project which was followed by a power point presentation by the BSV resident monk Bhante Jaganatha and a talk by our resident Bhikkhuni, Ayya Upekkha, about the planned monastery at Newbury. CONTENTS Special Interest Articles From the President 2 Buddhism is Not Only 5 Annual Fundraiser 4 ASA AGM 6 From the Editor and Friends in Dhamma BSV Weekly Program 15 CONTACT Buddhist Society of Victoria 71, Darling Road, Malvern East, VIC 3145, Australia Tel: E: office@bsv.net.au W: bsv.net.au Inc. No A B ABN An event of great note in recent history, the opening of a bhikkhuni residence seven years ago in East Bentleigh, Sanghamittarama, was mentioned by both the president and vice president of the BSV. Having set up this place for female monastics has enabled our planning to go ahead for the establishment of a forest monastery for both Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis, while at the same time supporting the female Sangha. Continued in Page 10

2 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT What happens at our City Teaching Centre in East Malvern after 7th September? Are we closing down, one person asked? Please read below and find out the facts! On September 7th, Ayya Upekkha and Bhante Jaganatha move to the BSV forest monastery at Newbury. From that date they will reside at the monastery except when they come to the City Centre to teach or meet with supporters. Until the end of the Vassa however (the retreat held by Buddhists during the months of monsoonal rains in India), which finishes on October 8th, they will not be teaching. They need time to settle into the Newbury property and develop their own practice during this special period. During the Vassa at the City Centre, East Malvern, commencing on Sunday 13 th July, there will be a teaching offered each Sunday. Chi Kwang Sunim will continue to offer a monthly talk except in August when she is away and the Sri Lankan monk, Bhante Kalyana, will offer a monthly talk commencing on July 27 th. Sayadaw U Pandita will be offering his weekly teachings from the end of August and there will be a guided recorded meditation on Monday evenings in place of Bhante Jag s meditation session. Dana Offering: When there is a monk or nun in residence at the City Centre the Dana roster will be as usual and will be filled in on the board in the dining area and on the website. The Dana roster for the monastery will be filled in on the NBM website or by phoning the monastery. We are organizing for lay supporters to be in residence at the monastery, particularly during the early weeks, until Dana supporters from the local area near Newbury can be rostered on to help us. Am I able to offer Dana at the Newbury monastery? Yes, much appreciated.. See above. Ayya Upekkha is keen to visit the City Centre at least once each fortnight so she can offer support to laywomen in particular. She will stay in the vihara if there is no monk in residence or with a lay supporter if there is. However, probably until the Vassa is over, she will be too busy setting up the monastery to visit the City Centre regularly. Who teaches at the City Centre after the Vassa? Bhante Jag will offer regular talks at the City Centre if there are no other Sangha in residence. Sangha in residence: The BSV will still invite Sangha to come to stay and teach at the City Centre as this allows our Sangha to develop their practice in a conducive environment as well as set up the monastery. Ajahn Ariyasilo will be staying at the BSV Monastry and offering teachings after the Vassa, arriving October 11th. What happens to the name Sanghamittarama? This name will be adopted for the Bhikkhuni part of the Newbury monastery once the separate sections are established. Major activities at the monastery for lay supporters 2014 Sunday 7th September: Saturday 13th September: Sunday 21st September: Saturday 4th October: Sunday 12th October: Move to monastery after packing up Sanghamittarama. Help is required! Working bee and welcoming Dana for BSV supporters and the Sangha at the monastery. We plan to cater for this event so people can put their energy into the many jobs around the place! There will be an invitation for Buddhists in the local area to bring Dana and meet the Sangha and lay supporters at the monastery BSV working bee and Dana offering at the monastery. Robe Offering Ceremony and fund raising event. Please put in your diaries. Friday 31st October Tuesday 4th November: Retreat at the monastery conducted by Bhante Jag. Cora Thomas

3 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 CELEBRATING SEVEN YEARS OF NOBLE SERVICE AT SANGHAMITTARAMA the Residence of the Bhikkhunis Everybody loves a celebration and not even the chills of winter, grey skies and drizzles deterred the enthusiasm of the practitioners who came in to celebrate this milestone in the life of Sanghamittarama, the residence of the bhikkhunis (fully ordained women monastics). The hall was filled to capacity with young and old who came to share memories of the last seven years. The anniversary of Sanghamittarama was celebrated on Saturday 12th July commemorating seven successful years of the residence and training school for female aspirants. The event was graced by the presence of the Venerable Sayadaw U Pandita, Chi Kwang Sunim and Bhante Jaganatha, Resident Monk at the BSV Malvern. The festivities were lead by Ayya Upekkha, current resident bhikkhuni at Sanghamittarama, who is passionate in pursuing the future vision of Sanghamittarama when it moves to the monastery. The program started off with the lighting of the oil lamps followed by renewing of precepts and a melodious chanting by Chi Kwang Sunim creating a sense of serenity and peace for those present. And what celebration is not complete without a cake? A beautifully decorated cake baked specially for the occasion was cut by the Venerables in commemoration of this milestone event. The program continued with an offering of a dana to the Sangha followed by a communal lunch which was shared by all. As always the dana table was filled with an array of delicious and aromatic food, all prepared by the supporters. Next followed some amazing documentaries, providing the audience with much food for thought and reflection. The first featured the traditional method of writing the Dhamma on ola leaves. This age-old method is still preserved today, despite all the modern technologies that are available. The highlight of the day was the live phone conversation with Ayya Sucinta, the resident bhikkhuni during the inception and development of Sanghamittarama. Ayya Sucinta now resides in Germany and it was amazing to experience the gratitude of many of her Dhamma friends who had worked tirelessly alongside her to set up the Sanghamittarama in They spoke with much affection and fondness of the contribution she made, bringing back many happy memories to those present. A special presentation recollecting the early years of the Sanghamittarama with special tributes to its founding members and Venerables followed next, bringing to sharp focus the journey of the institution since its inception and many successes through the years. The day s celebrations ended with a beautiful Dhamma talk for Buddhist practitioners presented by the Venerable Boralesgamuwe Pannasobhana, a visiting monk from the Dhammasarana Temple in Keysborough. On 7th September Sanghamittarama will embark on the next phase of its journey when it moves to its new surroundings as part of the larger Newbury Buddhist Monastery to continue its good work training and supporting the bhikkhunis and furthering the teachings of the Dhamma. The continued functioning of Sanghamittarama is made possible by the meritorious and benevolent activities of all our supporters. May all take this great opportunity to create good kamma by continuing to support the growth of its onward journey! Champika Gomes

4 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER GREAT SUCCESS AT OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER! Our annual fundraising dinner was a success thanks to the hard work of Dr Metta Muniratne in particular. Not only organising the meals and sale of tickets for the dinner, she successfully organised a raffle, bought the items for the raffle prizes and encouraged members to sell the raffle tickets as well. With so many fund raising events we have had in the past year it was very heartening to see such a large number of people turning up and enjoying this event. Warm thanks to all those who were present and showed their support. Food was excellent. A number of hard working members of the BSV made tasty contributions to the beautiful meal. We are grateful to the main caterer who offered the food at a very supportive price, organised by Sunil Kuruppu. The desserts were praised by many. The dinner also gave us a platform to present information about the Newbury Buddhist Monastery and the imminent move of Ayya Upekkha and Bhante Jag to the monastery. We are grateful that the Sangha was present to do the presentation and to meet the visitors. Nalanda, a Thai dancer, gave an excellent solo performance in a beautiful costume. She also joined the other dancers to do a Thai group dance which was very pleasing to watch. A big Thank You to all those who took part and especially to Nalanda for her performance and for organising the group. Many thanks to Dilky Perera for doing a good job at compering. Thank you to all those who helped in setting up the place and clearing up after, which is always necessary and usually is quite onerous. Padmini Perera

5 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 BUDDHISM IS NOT ONLY TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH. With philosophies, religions and theories coming into being and changing with time, it has been almost a fashion to adapt some parts of Buddhist philosophy and culture. From the serenity of a Buddha statue, meditation (compassion and breathing), using the word Kamma left and right to re-incarnation, re-birth, looking inwards for all answers. Looking in to our physical bodies and mind not only re-iterates the facts of Buddhism but leaves one with the strong notion of how Buddhism keeps up with modern science and scientific thinking. And one does tend to wonder how this practice could have been founded 2600 years ago, if it was not for one man s pursuit for finding the truth! Ever changing outlooks and the striving for better being a feature of life reiterates the founding Buddhist principle of impermanence! It keeps up with modern scientific thinking down the line of evolution and leaves no space for any dogma! It would not fit into any logical thinking about a creator if things change and for better and were not created perfect! Every substance, according to Buddhism, rather Sankhata - consists of Apo, Thejo, Vayo, and Patavi which is rather a modern scientific way of analysing. In turn it proves the universal principle of impermanence if one explores substance, down to the molecular structure. No room for any Dogma, again No God s will, according to Buddhism and modern science, it all takes place due to principles of nature! Buddhism further explains 1. Utu Niyama Utu Niyama is the natural law of non-living matter. This natural law orders the change of seasons and phenomena related to climate and the weather. It explains the nature of heat and fire, soil and gases, water and wind. Most natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes would be governed by Utu Niyama. Put into modern terms, Utu Niyama would correlate with what we think of as physics, chemistry, geology, and several sciences of inorganic phenomena. The most important point to understand about Utu Niyama is that the matter it governs is not part of the law of karma and is not overridden by karma. So, from a Buddhist perspective, natural disasters such as earthquakes are not caused by kamma. 2. Bija Niyama Bija Niyama is the law of living matter, what we would think of as biology. The Pali word bija means "seed," and so Bija Niyama governs the nature of germs and seeds and the attributes of sprouts, leaves, flowers, fruits, and plant life generally. Some modern scholars suggest that laws of genetics that apply to all life, plant and animal, would come under the heading of Bija Niyama. 3. Kamma Niyama Kamma, or karma in Sanskrit, is the law of moral causation. All of our volitional thoughts, words and deeds create an energy that brings about effects, and that process is called kamma. The important point here is that Kamma Niyama is a kind of natural law, like gravity, that operates without having to be directed by a divine intelligence. In Buddhism, kamma is not a cosmic criminal justice system, and no supernatural force or God is directing it to reward the good and punish the wicked. Kamma is, rather, a natural tendency for skillful (kushala) actions to create beneficial effects, and unskillful (akushala) actions to create harmful or painful effects. 4. Dhamma Niyama The Pali word dhamma, or dharma in Sanskrit, has several meanings. It often is used to refer to the teachings of the Buddha. But it also is used to mean something like "manifestation of reality" or the nature of existence. One way to think of Dhamma Niyama is as natural spiritual law. The doctrines of anatta (no self) and shunyata (emptiness) and the marks of existence, for example, would be part of Dhamma Niyama. 5. Citta Niyama Citta, sometimes spelled chitta, means "mind," "heart," or "state of consciousness." Citta Niyama is the law of mental activity -- something like psychology. It concerns consciousness, thoughts, and perceptions We tend to think of our minds as "us," or as the pilot directing us through our lives. But in Buddhism, mental activities are phenomena that arise from causes and conditions, like other phenomena. In the teachings of the Five Kandhas, mind is a kind of sense organ, and thoughts are sense objects, in the same way the nose is a sense organ and smells are its objects. This way of thinking cannot be more scientific, more contrary to human and a comfortable way of thinking such as God s WILL Continued in Page 10

6 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER BSV HOSTED THE ASA AGM 2014 BSV played host to the Sangha participants at the Australian Sangha Association (ASA) AGM on 25 March Thanks and appreciations go to everyone who made this year s AGM possible; special thanks go to the Committee and all the sponsors and volunteers at the Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV). The annual ASA conference provides opportunities for education, discussion and engagement for participants around a key theme that is relevant to Monastics. At this year s one-day AGM, besides electing a new management committee and reaching out to more Sangha to become members, two speakers were invited:! Venerable Tenzin Wangmo : Outcomes of the ASA Evaluation and Building on the ASA Evaluation of Sangha members in Australia! Key Note speech Dr Diana Cousens : Helping temples manage sexual harassment a new policy with Q&A More information can be found on ASA s website: Ayya Upekkha

7 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 AJAHN BRAHMALI RETREAT APRIL 2014 Dhammadana, the gift of the noble teaching, is said by the Buddha to excel all other gifts (Dhammapada 354) We were privileged to have Ajahn Brahmali from Bodhinyana Monastery, WA conduct the retreat and generously share the gift of Dhamma with us. On the evening of Friday 4 April we met and settled into our rooms at the quiet and picturesque Coastal Forest Lodge, at Anglesea. There was a catch up with old friends and a chance to meet new friends over a hearty soup. Lydia our tireless coordinator did an excellent job keeping everything running smoothly for us. Abbey met our nourishment needs with her delicious and varied food. Thanks and appreciations go to both. The retreat commenced after 8 pm in Noble Silence with about 60 meditators for the first four days then continued with approximately 30 or so participants until Sunday 13 April. As we know no two retreats are ever the same and there was a buzz of expectation as Ajahn Brahmali commenced his opening address to us. He encouraged us to listen to our bodies and if tired then stay sleeping or take a break. One of the major themes of the retreat was letting go and relaxing first the body then the mind. There was a timetable to follow with some choices for meditators to make, regarding walking or sitting meditation. After a few days the weather changed with some very welcome rain. Ajahn Brahmali is a true Sangha role model from observation he is humble, calm and radiates metta. His knowledge of the Dhamma and the Suttas is prolific. An accomplished teacher, he is able to present information at the level lay people can comprehend and be inspired. Mid morning, Ajahn Brahmali s Dhamma talk consisted of an interpretation of particular Suttas he had chosen. I marveled at the breadth of his interpretation and how his reflections made the Suttas relevant to our present daily life. Ajahn Brahmali encouraged us to read the Suttas, as a primary source of the Buddha s teachings rather than relying on others interpretations. As a starting point he recommends reading In the Buddha s Words edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi. To do so is inspiring and rewarding. The retreat concluded with positive comments and appreciation from the group and the request for Ajahn Brahmali to return for a 9 day retreat in Finally, many thanks to all the meditators who participated and helped contribute to a memorable BSV retreat. Liv Conquest

8 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER BHIKKUNI VEN.UPEKKHA S VISIT TO SERPELL PRIMARY SCHOOL ON 29TH MAY 2014 TO ADDRESS THE STUDENTS ATTENDING BUDDHIST CLASSES. Ayya Upekkha arrived at the school accompanied by Cora Thomas (BSV President). On arrival they were met by the Principal Wilma Coulten and Vice Principal Suzanne Young, Also present were Chris Lancashire and Dan (volunteer teachers), Peggy Page (Chairman) and Helen Ponder representing the Buddhist Council of Victoria. Ayya Upekkha was taken around the school campus by Suzanne Young and Dan. Ayya Upekkha entered the school library where the gathering of 30 students and some parents greeted her. One of the female students gave a welcome speech thanking the nun for taking time off to visit the school. Ayya Upekkha started the event by conducting a 10 minute guided meditation followed by offering of Dana by the students in the traditional way. All the students and others present also took part in joining a sumptuous vegetarian lunch prepared by some of the parents and volunteers. Ayya Upekkha began an address to the students on the importance of Buddha s teachings especially in relation to the young and how they should respect others and the environment in which they live. The session ended with a dedication speech given by a female student and followed by a thanks giving speech by the Vice Principal Suzanne Young. Dan Dantanarayana

9 Volume 19, ISSUE 2! FUND RAISING NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY FUND RAISER I am very happy to say that this year had been a very successful year for BSV fund raising. Our monastery fund is now at about 1.4 million dollars, including an interest free loan of $350,000. The outstanding donors are from Singapore. However, in May a generous donation of $22,000 arrived from an Indonesian supporter followed by $15,000 from Singapore. Last month we received $400,000 from two Singapore donors and in July a $50,000 donation from Singapore and a $350,000 interest free loan. Our Singaporean friends are holding a dinner on July 25 th in aid of the Newbury monastery. Ayya Upekkha, Bhante Jag and Ajahn Brahm will be present at that dinner. Thank you very much Singapore. The BSV members and well wishers have been actively involved in fund raising activities. To commemorate the Chinese New Year the Chinese members organised a celebration on the 15 th February. That weekend we collected $3,530 from a range of activities including the celebration. I am sure you will all agree that it was a good omen. Over the past 5 months the activities have included a garage sale, Sunday market where sweets, vegetables and gifts were sold, a breakfast morning, a dinner and a film show Prince Siddhartha. We also received a donation of $20,000 from a very dedicated member of the Society and a number of donations over the last few months of significant amounts under $15,000. We continue to have a very good response from the cards with 100 squares. Over 100 cards have been distributed and we have collected $30,880 as a result. However, only 50% of the cards have been returned. Kindly return all cards sold or unsold! Over the past 5 months the members of the society and well wishers have collected $44,864. The settlement of the property will take place in a few weeks. We have come half way and I am sure the next half will be easy. Thank you to all involved. Remember We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love. - Mother Theresa Lastly the Buddhist community is very grateful to Ajahn Brahm our spiritual adviser, the resident monk Bhante Jaganatha and bhikkhuni Ayya Upekkha, who have given their full support and blessing. Metta Muniratne

10 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER Continued from.. Page 1!.. The BSV Commemorates Sixty Years The Mayor of Stonnington, Councillor Allan Stubbs, listened attentively to the presentations and then spoke warmly about the importance of celebrations and of small multi-cultural communities such as ours in the enrichment of the wider community of Stonnington. Particularly well received on the evening was a new play, "Mara", written by Trevor Palmer-Holton and featuring students from the Dhamma School. Built around a dialogue between Mara and a character called the Sceptic, the play was a serious but also light hearted take on the question of whether Mara exists, and if it does, its influence on our thoughts and actions. The performance of all the Dhamma school children was excellent, but particularly the lead actors. No one forgot their lines and most importantly everyone could be heard. As always there were many people involved in making the production a success. Aside from Trevor's efforts as playwright, we wish to acknowledge the directorial role played by Dilky Perera and the assistance of Tudor Holton-Palmer in sharing his knowledge of stagecraft We should also acknowledge the parents who encouraged their children to participate and brought them along to the numerous rehearsals. A good time was had by all. There were also several musical contributions on the night: a beautiful vocal number featuring all the children singing a round based on the Dhammachakka teachings and an original piece from Suzanne Holton-Palmer called Wisdom. Originally performed at an earlier Vesak celebration this piece was reprised on the night with Suzanne taking the lead on flute. Finally, just to round out the artistic experience, we had a sublime rendition of a traditional Sri Lankan dance by Evelyn, a very experienced and talented young dancer. The evening finished with the crowd enjoying a supper while a really comprehensive power point presentation of photos from the decades of our long history played out on the screen. Thanks to all those who helped make this evening a success, but in particular Padmini Perera and Michael Wells who guided the event over many months, to Dilky Perera, Judith Macdonald, David Cheal, Metta Muniratana, Helen Richardson, the Dhamma school teachers, and the wonderful group who organised the supper. Helen Richardson and Michael Wells Page 5! Buddhism is not ONLY Gautama Buddha explained Dhatu as a phenomenon that comes in to being due to causal effect. This is the term or the word the Gautama Buddha uses to explain the natures such as Patavi, Apo, Thejo, Vayo which is somewhat easy for us to understand to subtle natures such as Vinnana, Avijja and even Nirvana, an Asankhata Dhatu. All other Dhatu are classified as Sankhata Dhatu by Gautama Buddha. When Gautama Buddha categorized the so called Earthy, Watery, Firey and Airy (Patavi, Apo, Thejo, Vayo) elements as Dhatu, he had categorized all the elements that are to be found in the universe to have causal effect. So by whatever names the scientists call today for some hundred odd Elements such as Fe, Mg, Cu, Au,Cl, Ar they all inherit the Dhatu nature the Buddha elaborated 2600 years ago. Does the present day quantum theory or string theory prove differently? The basic elements the Gautama Buddha has used to explain Dhamma matters are not permanent elements but phenomena of causal effects. to be continued, Dr Chandradasa Govindu

11 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 FROM THE EDITOR AND FRIENDS IN DHAMMA. OUR OVERSEAS VISITORS GIVEN A TOUR OF THE NEWBURY BUDDHIST MONASTERY On 12 June, we hired a 12 seater bus to take our overseas supporters from Singapore to tour the Newbury Buddhist Monastery, together with some of our local supporters. We left BSV in the morning and arrived at Trentham at around 11 am in time for lunch with Ven Jag, Ayya Upekkha and Ayya Nibbida at Trentham s renowned café - bakery. Our overseas visitors and local supporters enjoyed the local wholesome and organic food which was rustic and country, which is something city folks often miss out on. After our lunch, the group left the café-bakery for the Newbury property, but not until we had stopped by a selfserve potato stall. There was no one looking after the stall which only had bags of potatoes, a sign stating the price of $8 for a 10 kg bag of potatoes, and locked money box. Buyers put the money in the locked money box for the amount they purchased. Isn t that lovely to see an honest system working an example of Dhamma in practice in a small country town. After we had loaded our bus with a few tens of kilos of potatoes, we resumed our drive to the Newbury Buddhist Monastery, which was about a 15 min drive away from Trentham. When we arrived at the Newbury Buddhist Monastery, we were greeted with the serene and green landscape filled with crisp fresh air. Even though there were some drizzles of rain every now and then, and despite the weather man forecasting a rainy day, most of the time, the weather was good with the sun out occasionally to warm our overseas visitors as they walked around inspecting the existing lodge and cabins. After some nice warm coffee and tea for refreshment, the group was driven around the 150 acre property to view the existing old timber buildings which were used as prods for a filming project many years ago. Our visitors were pleased with our choice of the site as our forest monastery. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu to all. Adrian Tee BSV supporters invited to working bee on September 13 th at Newbury Buddhist Monastery. As it will be catered for please let us know if you can come and if you require transport. address sanghamitta.arama@gmail.com

12 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER SCREENING OF SHRI SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA This is an extraordinary tale from over 2600 years ago, of a Prince who is endowed with everything he needs and more. Luxury, palaces and all hearts desires, are provided to him by his father, a warrior King of the kingdom of Sakya. The story unfolds dramatically with the Prince leaving all his luxuries and possessions as well as his new born son and loving wife, caring parents, to an unknown journey of finding the end to human sorrow and suffering. We had the honour and privilege of screening the film in aid of the Forest Monastery. I do appreciate the work that went it to this and thank, all who were involved in this venture on behalf of the BSV. I would like to render my special thanks to Navin Gooneratne and would like to quote my dear friend in Dhamma, Ven Olande Ananada. I was literally moved to tears at several moments of the film.even though I know the story, the movie revives the old tale.it projects the pre Buddha life as it is.it is very authentic. renounce. Ven. Ajahn Brahm. A great film. For me it was a great pleasure and inspiration to see a good movie, one which has a great legend behind it.this is not entertainment, this is actually inspiration so you can go away understanding more, being a better human being. Getting closer to the enlightenment and the real renunciation, which you all know was not leaving home, is the renunciation which goes on inside of us, that s much harder than, leaving your wife and kids, the palace and all your possessions. Renouncing your hatred, guilt and fear those are the hard ones to

13 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 YET ANOTHER FUND RAISING EVENT Sinhala play On the 24 th of August the Buddhist Society of Victoria will proudly present two very special benefit plays entitled Gamaralai!Sudu Aliyai and Punchi Pancho-2 The popular Sinhala folktale of How Gamarala went to heaven is now being brought to life by the talented actors of the Sri Lankan Theatre Group-Melbourne. They will also be performing Punchi Pancho, which will leave you reminiscing your childhood days. These theatrical dramas are written and directed by Yasodara Sarachchandra, an accomplished stage actress and daughter of well-known drama producer the late Ediriweera Sarachchandra and her husband, Kusumsiri Liyanarachchi, who is also a renowned actor, producer and director. All proceeds from the one-night performance will go towards the Newbury Buddhist Monastery.

14 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER GENEROUS SINGAPORE SUPPORTERS On the 25th July our generous friends in Singapore organized a most successful fundraising dinner in aid of our Newbury Buddhist Monastery. We are so grateful for their continuing kind support and also for the support of the Buddhist Fellowship and the Firefly Mission, both of which helped make a great success of the evening, a sellout occasion. Our warm thanks also go the Ajahn Brahm for attending the dinner and addressing the guests and to Bhante Jag and Ayya Upekkha for attending. Ayya Upekkha amused the guests with her address in Mandarin. From Sanghamittarama With Blessings of the Holy Triple Gem! Though little he recites the Sacred Texts, but acts in accordance with the teachings, forsaking greed, hatred and ignorance, truly knowing, with mind well freed, clinging to naught here and hereafter, he shares the fruits of the Holy Life. ~ Dhammapada Verse 20 ~ To all friends of Sanghamittarama, who have continuously and tirelessly supported the Nuns and residents since its inauguration in We hope to see you at the Forest Monastery, practicing in accordance with the teachings: dana, sila, samadhi, panna. Sadhu Anumodami! Ayya Upekkha

15 Volume 19, ISSUE 2 USEFUL NOTICES AND INFORMATION Robe Offering Ceremony at New Monastery List of requests for Robe Offering ceremony We will be marking the end of the Rains Retreat with a Robe Offering at the new Monastery at Newbury. This gives the community the opportunity to offer useful provisions for the Sangha and the Monastery as a whole. Since the monastery is just starting, a list of useful required items has been made so that there is not too much duplication. Some of the identified items are: Car trailer (8 x 5ft) New or used Washing Machine for Monks Meditation cushion sets (Zabutn and Zafu set) Light rubber gum boots. Sizes : S, M & L Gardening gloves Chain saw (Petrol operated) Steel garden rakes Hot water bottles Electrical power boards Electrical extension cords etc. The list is displayed on the BSV website and will be regularly updated to show which items have already been donated by supporters. BSV Programs during Vassa August Saturday Young Adults Group will commence their first session on Saturday the 1 st of August at 3.30 pm. They will then meet on the first Saturday of each month. Sunday There will be visiting teachers each Sunday to continue with the Sunday morning Dhamma sessions. In addition, fortnightly a Sutta discussion based on Bhikku Bodhi s In the Words of Buddha will be on held at 3.30 pm during the Vassa period August am Dhamma talk by Ven. Boralasgamuwe Pannasobhana 3.30 pm Dhamma Discussion Session at BSV August am Dhamma talk by Chi Kwang Sunim August am Dhamma talk by Ven Boralasgamuwe Pannasobhana August am Dhamma talk by Ven Bhikkhuni Bodhicitta Maheninwahanse August am Dhamma talk by Sayadaw U Pandita A warm of welcome to the new editors of the news letter Govindu Chandradasa and Champika Gomes

16 BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF VICTORIA NEWSLETTER BSV WEEKLY PROGRAM 71 Darling Road, East Malvern VIC 3145; T: ; DAILY 10.00am 2.00pm Office and Hall open administration volunteer present and you are welcome to use the hall for silent unguided meditation SUNDAYS am am 11.00am Unguided silent meditation Dhamma talk by visiting Sangha (to be announced) or recorded talk. Please note our resident Sangha are on retreat. Dana offering (shared community lunch) MONDAYS pm Recorded guided meditation TUESDAYS pm Guided meditation by Sangha or lay teachers WEDNESDAYS pm Melbourne Insight Meditation Group THURSDAYS pm Guided meditation & Dhamma talk by Sayadaw U Pandita Alternative program if he is away SATURDAYS 9.30am - 3pm pm Hall open for silent meditation Open to all Beginners meditation conducted by experienced lay person If mail is undeliverable please return to: The Buddhist Society of Victoria 71 Darling Road East Malvern VIC 3145 Australia