There's a lot of Buddhist activities happening in Perth over the next few weeks. In the next month, we'll have the 4th Global Conference on Buddhism right here in Perth, the Story of Buddhism Exhibition at the Arthouse Gallery, as well as an Interfaith Day! 4th Global Conference on Buddhism
A biennial event, the series of Global Conferences on Buddhism aim to provide a unique forum at which prominent Buddhists from various traditions can present their responses and solutions to key issues of interest to Buddhists. The ensuing panel discussions prompted by questions from conference delegates are aimed at providing a stimulating, entertaining and productive dialogue that deepens the understanding of all participants.
The 2006 conference brings together an impressive group of respected ordained and lay speakers from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Korea and the United States. Our invited guests will address the six sub-themes of the conference to provide a diversity of analysis, experience and opinion. These themes range from ‘Women in Buddhism’ through to ‘Euthanasia’ and the ‘Buddhist Response to Fundamentalism’
Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre When: 10-11 June 06 Who: For practicing Buddhists and others interested in following this path Cost: $200 Adults / $125 Students / $150 Pensioners More information: Visit the web site or contact Ga Vin Lee at gavin@mosaic.net.au
Story of Buddhism Exhibition
At this exhibition you will see the living story of Buddhism presented through colour, sound, image, text, art, sculpture and the work and the loving dedication of many people. Buddhism is an ancient yet contemporary spiritual pathway which is growing throughout the world and practiced by many Australians.
Where: Artshouse Gallery When: 27 May - 16 June (11am - 5pm) Who: Open to the Public Cost: Gold Coin Donation More information: Visit the web site or contact Ga Vin Lee at gavin@mosaic.net.au
Interfaith Day
Together with the International Relief Friendship Foundation and a number of other community groups, YAD will be having an interfaith day on the 24th of June. As part of the event, we will visit and do some community service at a mosque and temple (our temple!) and visit a church monastery. We aim to bring together followers of each religion in order to break down the barriers between each group.
Currently, we invite expressions of interest from anyone interested in coming along to this event. We may have a limit on the numbers of people able to attend due to the capacities of each venue, so please let us know ASAP.
Where: Mosque, Church, our Temple When: 24 June, 8am - 7pm (approx) Who: Anyone! Cost: None (at present) More information: Contact/RSVP to Carl Ong (ong.carl@gmail.com / 0433 207 025 [Three]) to express your interest. Limited Numbers!
ANZBYC
Coming up soon is the annual Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference, a chance for Buddhist Youth from all the different YADs around Australia and New Zealand to get together and meet each other! This year the conference will be held at Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong, New South Wales. The temple is about an hour from Sydney.
The theme of this year's conference is "Auspicious Co-Existence" and it serves as a great excuse to... 1. Go to Sydney 2. Have fun with some fantastic people from all around Australia 3. Learn more about Buddhism (and about our international organisation, YAD) 4. Visit Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest temples in the southern hemisphere (if not THE largest one) 5. And much much more!
I've been to a bunch of these and I can say that it's definitely more than worthwhile. (Just ask me if you want to hear some good stories ;-) ) Right now Virgin Blue and Qantas have some great deals so hurry up and book!
Where: Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong, NSW When: 14 Jul - 17 Jul How Much: $160 before the end of the month / $180 after May What: Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference / "Auspicious Co-existence" For more info: Contact Ser Ley Lee on 0433 776 507 or chooley@lycos.com
If you've ever wanted to check out what YADsters on the other side of the world do, check out some of the videos put up by South Bay YAD on youtube. They've also uploaded a whole lot of images of their activities on fokti. Come on Perth people - it's our turn!
which can only mean one thing. Another "fun" dharma friday is just around the corner! =)
This week ive decided that the topic of the class will be the Diamond Sutra. It is one of the most philosophical and deepest sutra in buddhism but extremely fascinating none the less.
With descriptions such as "The ‘Diamond Sutra’ urges devotees to cut through the illusions of reality that surround them. Names and concepts given to both concrete and abstract things are merely mental constructs that mask the true, timeless reality lying behind them" and "Diamond Sutra is an important teaching to break up the ignorance of the attachments of the self (and ego) and of the Dharma" you know its hardcore =)
Anyway same time same place (FGS Temple, 281 Guildford Rd, Maylands) Meditation 7.00 - 7.20 Dharma Class 7.30 -9.00
If you need transport please contact Lay Yoke 0422 574 624 or email karope34@hotmail.com anything else contact me email or 0421 605 422
Nam
Zen Story -------------- Id like to share an experience that i had on my recent trip to thailand. In Buddhism we are told there are many reasons why we bow down to the Buddha, be it to pay respects,homage etc, another reason it to let go of SELF or of your EGO. i never fully understood this until i was at a temple in thailand in a foreign land and a foreign place. I stood there before the buddha while everyone else was bowing down and i was thinking to myself that i didnt want to do it and that i dont have to do what i dont want to, and my mind came up with all these reasons why i dont want to bow. But then i realised that these were the exact reasons why i SHOULD, because it was my EGO's way of saying that i was too good for this.
When your mind comes up with all these reasons why you shouldnt bow down, these are the EXACT reasons why you should, because it means your ego is getting too big! its hard for your ego to accept that things are bigger, grander, more holier, more worthier than it. But by bowing down you are accepting this and letting go of this notion of EGO. and so thats what i did, i got down on my hands and knees and bowed before the buddha.
Dear friends in the Dharma, On the 2nd of July, there would be a 5 precepts ceremony. Anyone who is interested in taking the 5 precepts is more then welcomed to register. But pls dun register to me! Go to the temple!
I’m just spreading the news cause I’ve finally decided to go for it. And I thought it’ll be nice if there is someone/anyone else who would take it with me.
[Yes, the conditions are now right for me~ Sob. After six years of learning bout Buddhism the condition has arisen.]
Cause at the moment, I AM! :) A few of us have decided to go. For people who attended ANZBYC in Perth last year, James D is going to Sydney as well! And so is Kim Huat!
That makes 3 of us, and a few others who are interested but not too sure about their schedule yet... (Come on people.Lets try to get at least 5 ppl to go! Woohoo! That’ll be REALLY Cool! )
For some of you who may not know, ANZBYC stands for Australia New Zealand Buddhist Youth Camp/Conference. It is a camp/conference that YAD in diff part of Australia/New Zealand hold every year. And this year, it is in SYDNEY!
It’s a 4 days 3 night camp [I think] and at the moment the camp cost $160.
All 3 of us [James, Kim and I] intend to leave on the 12th of July and return on the 22nd of July. We r attending the post camp tour as well.
So is u can make it… JOIN US!!! :D During the last YAD Meeting, it was decided that YAD Perth Committee members going to the camp would be entitled to $200 subside fee. None committee members would be accessed on individual basis. Hopefully that would encourage more people to come.
I’m the contact person for the camp, so if you are interested… Let me know~
0433776507 chooley@lycos.com * For all Uni students. Good luck with your assignments and exams!
OK, so this happens to be one of my favourite singers in the whole world, Sarah McLachlan, but don't hold that against me! I'm posting this clip because it's one of the more meaningful music videos I've seen. Something to ponder the next time you spend a lot of money...
You may be interested to click on this link after watching this video clip. And perhaps click on this link to find out more about the concept behind the song.
World On Fire
The world's on fire its more then I can handle I'll tap into the water try and bring my share Try to bring more, more than I can handle Bring it to the table Bring what I am able
Hearts are worn in these dark ages You're not alone in these stories' pages The light has fallen amongst the living and the dying And Ill try to hold it in Yeah Ill try to hold it in
Chorus
I watch the heavens but I find no calling Something I can do to change what's coming Stay close to me while the sky's falling I don't wanna be left alone don't wanna be alone
Chorus
Hearts break hearts mend love still hurts Visions clash planes crash still there's talk of saving souls still cold's closing in on us
We part the veil on our killer sun Stray from the straight line on this short run The more we take the less we become The fortune of one man means less for some
This is a little clip that the YAD presented to all the Mothers at the FGS temple in Maylands on the 14th of May, 2006. We also presented flowers and a cake for all the wonderful mums.
On that note, Gav and I have been talking about the possiblity of running a self development course in the near future. It will be a series of workshops focused on inner work, taking ourselves on an inner journey by using artistic/expressive therapeutic techniques. It will require "closed" groups (ie the participants will need to be committed for the duration of the course and no additional members should be added to the group for that series of workshops).
Can I get a response as to how many people would be interested in something like that, and what kind of topics they are interested in addressing? (e.g. Inner child work, discovering your creativity, dealing with your emotions, creative life-planning, looking at different aspects of your life, etc etc).
There are these three kinds of Suffering (Dukkha):
The Blessed Buddha once said: Bhikkhus, there are these three kinds of suffering. What three?
The Suffering caused by painful feeling... The Suffering caused by construction... The Suffering caused by change…
These are the three kinds of suffering!This Noble 8-fold Way is to be developed for the direct experience of all three kinds of suffering, for the full understanding of them, for their complete elimination, and for their final overcoming, abandoning and leaving all behind…The Noble 8-fold Way is to be developed for ending suffering!!!
Comment:The first kind of suffering due to painful feeling, whether mental or bodily, is fairly obvious… The second suffering is things disguised as pleasure, which become suffering when falling apart… The third kind of suffering is when a pleasant or neutral object inevitably changes and decays…
Nam is still on holiday in Thailand so it's my turn again to send this week's email.
Dharma Friday ------------------
This Friday evening we have another special guest. Reverend Yao from the FGS temple will be giving us another talk this Friday so please come along and share in her wisdom (and share your own!).
What: Dharma talk with Reverend Yao Where: FGS Temple - 281 Guildford Rd, Maylands When: 7pm-9pm (we also usually meet in a nearby coffee shop for a coffee afterwards as well) / 19th May 2006 Transport: For Transport, please email or call/sms Lay Yoke Ng (karope34@hotmail.com / 0422 574 624) and state your name, address and any other details that would be important for us to know... i.e. if you need to leave early or late, get picked up earlier. We're very happy to give you a lift if you need one! Questions: If you have any questions about this event, please contact Ga Vin on 0413263355 (three) or email me at gavin@mosaic.net.au)
ANZBYC 2006 ------------------
Coming up soon is the annual Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference, a chance for Buddhist Youth from all the different YADs around Australia and New Zealand to get together and meet each other! This year the conference will be held at Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong, New South Wales. The temple is about 2 hours from Sydney.
The theme of this year's conference is "Auspicious Co-Existence" and it serves as a great excuse to... 1. Go to Sydney 2. Have fun with some fantastic people from all around Australia 3. Learn more about Buddhism (and about our international organisation, YAD) 4. Visit Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest temples in the southern hemisphere (if not THE largest one) 5. And much much more!
I've been to a bunch of these and I can say that it's definitely more than worthwhile. (Just ask me if you want to hear some good stories ;-) ) Yes flights may have gone up in price a bit but it's worth it!
Where: Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong, NSW When: 14 Jul - 17 Jul How Much: $160 before 19th May / $180 after 19th May What: Australia and New Zealand Buddhist Youth Conference / "Auspicious Co-existence" For more info: Contact Ser Ley Lee on 0433 776 507 or chooley@lycos.com
New YAD Blog! -----------------
You can now visit our new YAD blog at http://bliawayad.blogspot.com/ Feel free to post your comments and let us know what you think of our events. (Apologies for the totally off-topic videos :P Totally my fault!)
Send us Feedback! ---------------------
Finally,please feel free to send myself or Nam (namhqn@yahoo.com.au) feedback on what topics you'd like to see at our weekly Dharma Fridays. Whether it's an area of Buddhist knowledge you're interested in, or an area of personal development, please let us know. We'd love to hear from you, so that we can make our Friday get-togethers more relevant to you!
And now... our Weekly Zen Story :-) -----------------------------------------
A famous spiritual teacher came to the front door of the King's palace. None of the guards tried to stop him as he entered and made his way to where the King himself was sitting on his throne.
"What do you want?" asked the King, immediately recognizing the visitor.
"I would like a place to sleep in this inn," replied the teacher.
"But this is not an inn," said the King, "It is my palace."
"May I ask who owned this palace before you?"
"My father. He is dead."
"And who owned it before him?"
"My grandfather. He too is dead."
"And this place where people live for a short time and then move on - did I hear you say that it is NOT an inn?"
Watching this video clip makes me think of how much change we've gone through in our current lifetime alone. What seemed so "cool" way back then is just plain funny now. It sure proves the saying "This too will pass".
If you're wondering what I'm talking about watch the video clip. Can't touch this! ;-)
OK OK Another Off-Topic post I know :-) I just wanted to share this. For those of you guys that love Family Guy, check out this homage to Sesame Street.
Well - since Nam is on holiday in beautiful Thailand (lucky guy!), I've been asked to send this week's email to let all of you know about this week's Dharma Friday.
This Friday evening we have invited a very special guest to run a workshop for us, Miss Hsiao-Wen Wang. Hsiao-Wen is an artist and a qualified counsellor. Her main interests are in exploring the multi-faceted healing benefits of the creative process. She's been running art therapy workshops for young people for the last 3 years, and in that vein she has graciously agreed to lead our group this Friday for a workshop on Gratitude. If you've thought about coming along to Dharma Friday and you haven't come along yet - here's your chance!
Gratitude: "Gratitude" is an important concept in Buddhism. Are you aware of the many factors that make you into the person that you are today? Do you know about all the causes and conditions that caused you to be? If your mother hadn't carried you in her tummy for 9 months, given birth to you, nursed and fed and clothed you and given you love.... where would you be today? This Friday we will be having a workshop on Gratitude, with a bit of a mother's day theme (seeing as Mother's Day is this Sunday).
What: Workshop on Gratitude with special guest: Hsiao-Wen Wang Where: FGS Temple - 281 Guildford Rd, Maylands When: 7pm-9pm (we also usually meet in a nearby coffee shop for a coffee afterwards as well) Transport: For Transport, please email or call/sms Lay Yoke Ng (karope34@hotmail.com / 0422 574 624) and state your name, address and any other details that would be important for us to know... i.e. if you need to leave early or late, get picked up earlier. We're very happy to give you a lift if you need one! Questions: If you have any questions about this event, please contact Ga Vin on 0413263355 (three) or email me at gavin@mosaic.net.au)
and now... for a trademark zen story sign-off ;-)
Just Two Words --------------------------
There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule. Every ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words. After spending his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk. "It has been ten years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Bed... hard..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk's office. "It has been ten more years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Food... stinks..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Yet another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk who asked, "What are your two words now, after these ten years?"
"I... quit!" said the monk.
"Well, I can see why," replied the head monk. "All you ever do is complain."
For those of you that are old enough to remember playing Super Mario on the Nintendo - this is a live action version. And no... it's not that crappy movie. (Yes I know it isn't about Buddhism but I couldn't resist...)
This was taken by a news reporter (China Daily) at a Buddha's Birthday Celebration in South Korea. Aren't the novice monks just the sweetest beings? =)
BLIA-YAD, WA is the abbreviated form of the Buddha's Light International Association - Young Adult Division of Western Australia, and we are part of a greater global Buddhist organization called Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA).
BLIA-YAD, WA is a group of youth who are not necessarily Buddhists, but have an interest in learning more about Buddhism and life. Through organizing various activities and events, BLIA-YAD, WA is actively involved in both promoting the teachings of Buddha and the fellowship among young people of today.
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