edition 114 may 2016 bliaq newsletter 1034 underwood ...venerable master hsing yun’s saying of...

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Page 1 Upcoming Events 4 June 2016 Eight Precepts Retreat 11 June 2016 BLIAQ Loving Care Group Annual Charity Dinner 19 June 2016 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 9 July 2016 Ven. Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition & Foguangshan 50 th Anniversary Photography Exhibition 10 July 2016 One Day Meditation Retreat 16 July 2016 Great Compassion Repentance Service 22 July 2016 Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day Chung Tian Buddhist Temple 1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Website: www.chungtian.org.au Email: [email protected] Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522 Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia The 20th Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Cerebrations BLIAQ Newsletter Edition 114 May 2016 Demonstrating racial harmony and cultural exchanges The 20 th Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations in Queensland, sponsored by Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government and Yu Feng Group, together with the concerted efforts of Foguangshan Chung Tian Temple, BLIAQ and Chung Tian School, was launched on 29 th April, lasting for three days. The rich and diversified cultural activities with the theme of ‘Harmony in Diversity Buddha Loves You’ attracted nearly 200,000 people to participate. To celebrate its 20 th anniversary, Venerable Yi Lai, the Founder of Buddha Birthday Festival in Queensland and President of Charity Yuan of Foguangshan was invited to give guidance. With the cooperation of Queensland Police Service and community groups, activities such as 9 Dharma services, 14 English Buddhist talks, one Multi-faith Forum, 8 meditation classes, 50 vegetarian and merchandise booths, Lumbini Garden, the Three Goodness, Kuan Yin wishing pool, 17 cultural teaching activities in the Cultural Area, and over 100 multicultural and band performances were achieved, concluded by the spectacular fireworks. On 29 th April at the opening of the Buddha Birthday Festival, Head Abbess of Foguangshan Australia New Zealand Venerable Man Ko and Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan led all other Venerables and people to make light offering. Purification was performed in the midst of chanting the ‘Great Compassion Mantra’ and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer for Buddha Birthday Festival’ was read. In the sound of the ‘Bathing Buddha Gatha’, Venerable Man Ko led BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisor Christine Liu, Directors, Supervisors and Branch Presidents performed the Bathing Buddha ritual in turn. Students from Queensland schools not only bathed the Buddha in the ritual, but also participated in the art of Tea Ceremony. At the Cultural Area, Chung Tian School conducted 17 arts and crafts demonstrations, instructions and exhibition which were carefully planned by the Acting Principal Christine Liu and Vice Principals Nancy Lee, Xu Xiu-Mei and Cai Jin-jing. 24 Primary and High Schools including Brisbane Boys College, Merrimac State High School, Montessori International College, Pimpama State Secondary College with nearly a thousand students and teachers came to participate. Coffs Harbour High School as far as 400 km. away in New South Wales has attended the Festival for five consecutive years. School teachers were especially fond of entertaining teaching. They recognized the real significance of activities involving the Three Acts of Goodness, and considered that students learning how to practice the three goodness in daily lives was one of the greatest rewards for them. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Page 1: Edition 114 May 2016 BLIAQ Newsletter 1034 Underwood ...Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s saying of “Propagating Dharma overseas needs to go out, using education and culture to promote

Page 1

ha

Upcoming Events

4 June 2016

Eight Precepts Retreat

11 June 2016

BLIAQ Loving Care Group Annual Charity

Dinner

19 June 2016

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

9 July 2016

Ven. Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy

Exhibition & Foguangshan

50th

Anniversary Photography Exhibition

10 July 2016

One Day Meditation Retreat

16 July 2016

Great Compassion Repentance Service

22 July 2016

Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s

Enlightenment Day

Chung Tian Buddhist Temple

1034 Underwood Road

Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia

Website: www.chungtian.org.au

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522 Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia

The 20th Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Cerebrations

BLIAQ Newsletter

Edition 114 May 2016

Demonstrating racial harmony and cultural exchanges

The 20th

Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations in Queensland, sponsored by Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government and Yu Feng Group, together with the concerted efforts of Foguangshan Chung Tian Temple, BLIAQ and Chung Tian School, was launched on 29

th April,

lasting for three days. The rich and diversified cultural activities with the theme of ‘Harmony in Diversity – Buddha Loves You’ attracted nearly 200,000 people to participate.

To celebrate its 20th

anniversary, Venerable Yi Lai, the Founder of Buddha Birthday Festival in Queensland and President of Charity Yuan of Foguangshan was invited to give guidance. With the cooperation of Queensland Police Service and community groups, activities such as 9 Dharma services, 14 English Buddhist talks, one Multi-faith Forum, 8 meditation classes, 50 vegetarian and merchandise booths, Lumbini Garden, the Three Goodness, Kuan Yin wishing pool, 17 cultural teaching activities in the Cultural Area, and over 100 multicultural and band performances were achieved, concluded by the spectacular fireworks.

On 29th April at the opening of the Buddha Birthday Festival, Head Abbess of Foguangshan Australia

New Zealand Venerable Man Ko and Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan led all other Venerables and people to make light offering. Purification was performed in the midst of chanting the ‘Great Compassion Mantra’ and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer for Buddha Birthday Festival’ was read. In the sound of the ‘Bathing Buddha Gatha’, Venerable Man Ko led BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisor Christine Liu, Directors, Supervisors and Branch Presidents performed the Bathing Buddha ritual in turn. Students from Queensland schools not only bathed the Buddha in the ritual, but also participated in the art of Tea Ceremony.

At the Cultural Area, Chung Tian School conducted 17 arts and crafts demonstrations, instructions and exhibition which were carefully planned by the Acting Principal Christine Liu and Vice Principals Nancy Lee, Xu Xiu-Mei and Cai Jin-jing. 24 Primary and High Schools including Brisbane Boys College, Merrimac State High School, Montessori International College, Pimpama State Secondary College with nearly a thousand students and teachers came to participate. Coffs Harbour High School as far as 400 km. away in New South Wales has attended the Festival for five consecutive years. School teachers were especially fond of entertaining teaching. They recognized the real significance of activities involving the Three Acts of Goodness, and considered that students learning how to practice the three goodness in daily lives was one of the greatest rewards for them.

Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Message from the Prime Minister of Australia

PRIME MINISTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

B20 BUDDHA BIRTH DAY FESTIVAL

I send my best wishes to everyone attending the Buddha Birth Day

Festival this weekend.

As you celebrate, I commend the festival’s aim to promote the

Buddha’s spirit of unconditional kindness and universal compassion.

The fundamental values of peace and harmony are ideals that our

nation embraces.

The freedom to express and celebrate our cultural heritage and our

faith traditions is what makes us one of the most successful

multicultural societies in the world.

As you gather to celebrate Buddha Birth Day, I encourage everyone to

be proud of an Australia where people of different beliefs and

backgrounds can be part of our national tradition.

I commend the Buddha’s Light International Association of

Queensland, the Chung Tian Temple and the Chung Tian School for

their commitment to these aims, and thank everyone who has worked

hard to make the Buddha Birth Day Festival a success.

I wish this festival, on its 20th anniversary, and all those taking

part, the very best.

The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP

Prime Minister of Australia

26 April 2016

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Australian Prime Minister congratulated the 20th anniversary of Buddha Birth Day Festival

Buddha Birthday Festival held by Foguangshan Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ in South Bank Parklands in Brisbane has become one of the largest multicultural events in Queensland. It set up its own website and provided wonderful performances to the public. The Festival enhanced multicultural interaction, displaying rich cultural connotations. It gained the support and recognition from all levels of government in Queensland, important personnel, overseas Chinese associations and the public, thus showing its integration with local communities. Australian Prime Minister Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP specially sent a message to congratulate the 20th anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival, “I send my best wishes to everyone attending the Buddha Birth Day Festival this weekend. As you celebrate, I commend the festival’s aim to promote the Buddha’s spirit of unconditional kindness and universal compassion. The fundamental values of peace and harmony are ideals that our nation embraces. The freedom to express and celebrate our cultural heritage and our faith traditions is what makes us one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. As you gather to celebrate Buddha Birth Day, I encourage everyone to be proud of Australia where people of different beliefs and backgrounds can be part of our national tradition. I commend the Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, the Chung Tian Temple and the Chung Tian School for their commitment to these aims, and thank everyone who has worked hard to make the Buddha Birth Day Festival a success. I wish this festival, on its 20th anniversary, and all those taking part, the very best." Buddha Birthday Festival is an important multicultural event in Brisbane, highly recognized and supported by the Australian government. This has proved that the concept of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism could enhance social peace, development and racial harmony, bringing a brighter future and hope to people in Australia. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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VIPs Gathered to Celebrate Buddha Birthday Festival

The Official Festival Ceremony was held on 30th April. In the evening, guests

gathered together, including President of FGS Charity Yuan Venerable Yi Lai, Hon. Mick Brenni MP on behalf of the Premier of Queensland, Federal Members, Police Commissioner Mr. Ian Stewart, Logan Mayor Cr Luke Smith, Chinese Consul General in Brisbane Chao Yong-Chen, Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Lai Wei-Chung, Professors from Griffith University and University of Queensland, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the public community.

Venerable Yi Lai thanked the City Council and the community for their recognition of the Buddha Birthday Festival. Activities in the annual Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations were to promote multiculturalism with religious and racial integration. Under effective teamwork, it has successfully entered the 20

th

anniversary. She wished that everyone could cherish the Buddha Birthday Festival, making it a characteristic feature of Queensland, and implement the Venerable Master’s Humanistic Buddhism, bringing joy, peace and happiness to every corner of the world.

Deputy Mayor of Brisbane Cr Adrian Schrinner on behalf of the Brisbane Mayor presented Certificates of Appreciation to thank Venerable Yi Lai for founding Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations in Brisbane in 1997 and to thank Chung Tian Temple for its contribution in the promotion of multiculturalism. He said that Buddha Birthday Festival was an important event in Brisbane, enriching its multicultural facet. The Festival’s outstanding achievements attracted 200,000 people to participate every year. The reason for City Council to support this activity was that the concept of respect and inclusiveness was demonstrated in Buddha Birthday Festival which was in line with the characteristics of the multicultural city of Brisbane.

Minister Hon Mick Brenni MP on behalf of the Premier of Queensland said that the Queensland Government supported the Buddha Birthday Festival with a loving heart. The event shared the ambience of joy and happiness to the community, bringing people together in peace and harmony, thus implementing successfully the goal of Queensland Government in multiculturalism and racial harmony.

Logan Mayor Cr Luke Smith thanked Chung Tian Temple to provide a place of peace to people in Logan city, and thanked the Temple to serve the community with love and generosity. Police Commissioner Ian Stewart also echoed that Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ brought the concept of respect and tolerance to the multicultural society.

In addition, Venerable Man Ko, Venerable Chueh Shan and Loving Care Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong on behalf gave donations to five charitable organizations -- the Lord Mayor’s Community Trust, Royal Women’s Hospital, Griffith Health, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior and Gold Cost Hospital.

During the Ceremony, there were wonderful performances by Buddha’s Light youth Katei Chang, sign language by YAD (Young Adult Division), aerial stunts by Taiwan’s Eye Catching Circus, Queensland World Dance Academy, South Shaolin martial arts etc., winning the warm applause and recognition from the public. Finally, amidst the singing of Happy Birthday to the Buddha, a birthday cake was brought forward to celebrate the Festival’s 20

th anniversary.

Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Venerable Yi Lai was awarded Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Brisbane

This year was the 20th anniversary of Buddha Birthday Festival. The Mayor of Brisbane Cr. Graham Quirk, considering that Buddha Birthday Festival for the past 20 years had created a lot of favorable conditions to promote multiculturalism and harmony, and became one of the important festivals in Queensland, he specially sent an invitation to the founder of the Buddha Birthday Festival Venerable Yi Lai, now President of FGS Charity Yuan to visit Brisbane and accept his congratulations.

In 1997, Venerable Yi Lai was able to overcome all difficulties and in upholding Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s saying of “Propagating Dharma overseas needs to go out, using education and culture to promote Humanistic Buddhism to the local community”, the planning of Buddha Birthday Festival was started by first explaining to the City Council the significance of Buddha Birthday Festival Celebration, its spiritual connotation and goal aiming at ‘respect and harmony’ which coordinated with the government to promote and facilitate multiculturalism and religious and racial harmony. At that time, they got the recognition and support from Brisbane Mayor Mr. Jim Soorley, and after four months of preparation, Buddha Birthday Festival with the theme of ‘multiculturalism and racial harmony’ was for the first time launched on the first Sunday of May 1997 in South Bank Parklands, creating a historical milestone in the development of Humanistic Buddhism in Queensland.

On 30th April in the Official Festival Ceremony, though the Brisbane Mayor was unable to attend, Deputy Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner on behalf presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Venerable Yi Lai, thanking her in founding Buddha Birthday Festival in Brisbane in 1997, assisting the government in promoting multiculturalism. He acknowledged the contribution of Buddha Birthday Festival for the past 20 years and presented the Certificate of Appreciation to the Abbess of Chung Tian Temple Venerable Chueh Shan. He said that Buddha Birthday Festival was an important festival in Brisbane, enriched with the multicultural feature of Brisbane. Its outstanding achievement attracted 200,000 people to participate every year. The City Council supported this activity because Buddha Birthday Festival brought forward the concept of respect and inclusivity. He thanked a thousand volunteers in making the Buddha Birthday Festival a success. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Brisbane Dragon Boat Regatta to Celebrate Buddha Birthday Festival

Brisbane River Dragons in response to the celebration of Buddha Birthday Festival held the dragon boat regatta at Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands on 30th April. This showed the localization of the Festival in collaboration with local communities.

At 12.30 p.m., Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables performed the Blessing Ceremony for the Dragon Boat Regatta at South Bank Parklands Pier. In the singing of the ‘Holy Water Praise’, the team members offered incense, and in the midst of chanting the ‘Great Compassion Mantra’, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan performed the purification and eye-dotting ceremony for the dragon boats, and purification for nearly a hundred paddlers. The Foguang Prayer was read to pray for blessings, wishing that the regatta would be carried out smoothly. The dragon boat race then started. Cheerleaders on the riverbank cheered for their own team. Reviewers reported the race on the art performance stage and assessed the scores for each team.

At 2.00 p.m., the results were announced. BLIAQ President Kim Wu on behalf presented awards of Champion Dragon Boat and Honoured Competitors to the winners, and thanked Brisbane Dragon Boat for their support of Buddha Birthday Festival. Finally, they posed for pictures together. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony for racial harmony in Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

The Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony jointly held by Chung Tian Temple and Queensland Gallery of Modern Art marked the opening of the 20th Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations. On 29th April, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan led other Venerables to sing ‘Ode to Triple Gem’ in English and ‘Prajna-paramita Heart Sutra. In the midst of chanting the ‘Great Compassion Mantra’, the purification ceremony for the Bodhi tree was performed and the ‘Foguang Prayer’ written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun was read. 60 people participated including Director of Queensland Gallery of Modern Art Chris Saines, Curatorial Manager of Asian & Pacific Art Mr. Aaron Seeto, Tarun Nagesh, staff and the public. They piously offered fragrant flowers to the Bodhi tree. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

On 29th

April, President of Charity Yuan of FGS Venerable Yi Lai was invited to attend the Ceremony of unveiling the Bodhi tree monument in Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. The tree originated from the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. With the joint efforts of Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Taiwanese artist Li Mingwei, the tree sapling was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in the garden of Queensland Gallery of Modern Art in 2008. It has grown for nine years and bears very important significance to the localization of Buddhism in Australia. Venerable Yi Lai in her speech said that it was a historic moment to acknowledge the historical status of this tall and lush Bodhi tree. Humanistic Buddhism was witnessed to bring social harmony, world peace, and infinite hope and brightness. She wished that Australia could forever be filled with peace and happiness. Curatorial Manager of Asian & Pacific Art Mr. Aaron Seeto thanked Venerable Yi Lai and Li Mingwei for the achievement of the ‘Bodhi tree project’ in the Art Gallery. Because of this, Li Mingwei knew about Bodhi tree from Buddhist history which enabled him to become more creative in art work and changed his life. Also due to the Bodhi tree project, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art had a better interaction with Chung Tian Temple. He thanked the Venerables to perform the Blessing Ceremony for the Bodhi tree every year. “I am fortunate to be a Buddhist in Brisbane,” said Steven Huang, Brisbane Councillor. He witnessed the Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony entering the ninth year. Since small, he got close to Chung Tian Vihara, and seeing that Chung Tian Temple had gone through numerous challenges in Dharma propagation and was able to achieve many outstanding contributions to society, he felt it was the honor of Brisbane. Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Lai Wei-Chung used Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words to point out that a seed required the aggregation of right causes and conditions before it became a tree. Thus with the causes and conditions created by Taiwanese artist Li Mingwei and Chung Tian Temple, the tree was planted there. This symbolized that the efforts of Chung Tian Temple had the recognition from Australian society and also represented the strength of Taiwan. He thanked Chung Tian Temple for the assistance and contribution to diplomacy. Subsequently, Venerable Yi Lai, Curatorial Manager of Asian & Pacific Art Mr. Aaron Seeto, Brisbane Councillor Steven Huang and Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Lai Wei-Chung jointly unveiled the Bodhi tree monument. This gained the warm applause from the guests who witnessed the historic moment in the development of Buddhism in Australia. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Venerable Yi Lai unveiled the Bodhi Tree Monument in QLD Gallery of Modern Art

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Lee MingWei’s Bodhi Tree Project & the journey of Bodhi Tree from Sri Lanka to Brisbane

Taiwanese artist Lee Mingwei’s Bodhi Tree Project is a public art initiative linked to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art redevelopment in 2006. The root of the Bodhi Tree Project is the sacred Anuradhapura Bodhi Tree (ficus religiosa) and Mingwei’s desire to create a symbolic gesture of good will, cultural exchange and the potential for ongoing public involvement. The Bodhi Tree is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is the oldest depicted tree in Indian art and literature and is described as the mythical ‘World Tree’ or the ‘Tree of Life’ of the Indian subcontinent.

The sapling for the Bodhi Tree Project at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art originated from a tree in Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya (Raja Maha Temple) in Sri Lanka. The tree at that temple grew from a cutting from the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. All bodhi trees, however, are considered to have direct lineage to the original tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya in the Indian state of Bihar where the historical Buddha and founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, is said to have achieved enlightenment.

The original Bodhi tree was located in Northern India and it was under it that the Buddha was sitting when he achieved enlightenment. According to one legend, around 300 B.C. there was a campaign to eradicate Buddhism and that included destroying the Bodhi tree. However, when the daughter of King Ashoka heard of this plan, the night before the soldiers came into the palace, she went to the courtyard and took a branch from the original tree, hid it in her hair, and escaped to Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The descendant of the cutting that Princess Sanghamitta brought to Sri Lanka two thousand years ago and planted at the garden of Anuradhapura. Lee MingWei’s project was to come to Sri Lanka to take a sapling from this tree and plant it at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. The tree would be both a public art project and a sacred object.

However, this project turned out to be a very difficult task because people can’t just go in and take a sapling from the sacred tree. It’s a national treasure, and anything to do with this tree involves the government, the high priest and many others. It took Lee MingWei four years to finally convince the high priest that it was a genuine, sincere act. What finally convinced them was that Lee MingWei explained that for us, contemporary people, we go to museums to get that little piece of enlightenment, that experience of enlightenment, almost the way people go to church or temple. They finally said, ‘Now I understand. Please come a year from now, and I will prepare everything for you.’

A year later the villagers sitting around the mother tree all day and all night, chanting to it about the departure of the sapling. The people assembled because they had heard what was happening, and the last time something like this had happened was when Princess Ashoka took a branch from the original mother tree more than two thousand years ago. Lee MingWei always call the sapling ‘she,’ he don’t know why. So here ‘she’ is! The high priest preparing for the sapling’s eventual departure. Before the priest began chanting in Pali, he spoke in English, because Lee MingWei think he wanted him to understand. As the priest handed Lee MingWei the tree, he told the tree, ‘You are going to venture to a beautiful, exotic land called Australia that no Holy Bodhi Tree has ever ventured to before. Your job is to be as beautiful, as tall, as strong as you can be, so that you can provide shade and shadow, and protect the children and animals there.’ When Lee MingWei took this living being into his hands, He was literally shaking, not because it was very heavy, but emotionally and historically, it was a very heavy responsibility to bear.

They took the sampling and walked around the mother tree three times to say goodbye. Because the sapling is an exotic life form, They couldn’t bring it on the airplane. They actually had it delivered via DHL. ‘She’ then had to stay at the customs quarantine area for six months. [Australia’s import rules are very strict.] However, it just so happened that the customs officer who was taking care of all the exotic plants, including this one, was from Sri Lanka, and her home was only a mile away from the sacred site. She was deeply honored to have the opportunity to look after this plant, and told Lee MingWei that it must have been all the karma from all the generations and reincarnations that she accumulated that made her able to take care of this sacred being.

In 2008, Lee MingWei went back to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and worked with Buddhist Venerables of FoGuangShan, Chung Tian Temple to plant this tree. The Venerables from Chung Tian Temple comes every year and chants and blessing to the tree on the first Day of Buddha Birth Day Festival in Brisbane. The addition of the Bodhi Tree Project to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art acknowledges the site’s broader role in engagement with community, memory, nature and culture. The holy Bodhi Tree is now 30 feet tall big tree and if you are ever in Brisbane, please go to visit her.

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Queensland students participated in cultural arts activities in Buddha Birth Day Festival

The 20th Anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations in Queensland with the theme of ‘Harmony in Diversity’ jointly held by Chung Tian Temple, BLIAQ and Chung Tian School was launched on 29th April at South Bank Parklands, Brisbane, lasting for three days. Exciting programs included Bathing Buddha Ceremony, Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony, Baby Blessing Ceremony, children’s storytelling, Multi-faith Light Offering Ceremony, Buddhist talks and meditation, vegetarian food fair and multicultural performances. In the multicultural society of Australia with respect and inclusivity, people came together to celebrate the Buddha Birthday Festival. On 29th April at 10.00 a.m. at the Cultural Activities Area, Chung Tian School conducted 17 arts and crafts demonstrations, instructions and exhibition which were carefully planned by the Acting Principal Christine Liu and Vice Principals Nancy Lee, Xu Xiu-Mei and Cai Jin-jing. 24 Primary and High Schools including Brisbane Boys College, Merrimac State High School, Montessori International College, Pimpama State Secondary College and Varsity College with nearly a thousand students and teachers came to participate. Coffs Harbour High School as far as 400 km. away in New South Wales has attended the Festival for five consecutive years. At the Cultural Area, nearly a hundred teachers and volunteers assisted in the activities. Students were divided into groups to learn Tea Ceremony, Bathing Buddha Ritual, meditation, calligraphy, Chinese painting, paper cutting, Three Good Deeds Dance, percussion music, Diabolo, Chinese Kung-Fu, Tai-chi, lion dance etc., about 20 cultural items. Venerable Miao Zhe and Venerable Miao Li from Nan Tian Temple together with Venerable Miao Lai of Chung Tian Temple separately led students to practice meditation, guiding them the way to calm down body and mind, and the basic method of self-contemplation. From this feast of culture and arts, nearly a thousand students and teachers were able to experience the static and dynamic features of Chinese art and culture. The lively and interesting design of the activities allowed students to enjoy themselves and the venue was imbued with laughter. In the afternoon, spectacular performances were specially arranged for the participating teachers and students in the Courier Mail Piazza. Apart from the exciting lion dance and martial arts, there were also juggling and contortion on drum by Taiwan artists. Their professional performances gained thunderous applause from the audience. The finale of the Ju Percussion Group was full of vitality and liveliness. This time, school teachers were especially fond of entertaining teaching. They recognized the real significance of activities involving the Three Acts of Goodness, and considered that students learning how to practice the three goodness in daily lives was one of the greatest rewards for them. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Buddhist Talks and Meditation Classes in Buddha Birth Day Festival

On 30th April and 1st May, Queensland’s Buddha Birthday Festival committee and Nan Tien Institute jointly conducted English Buddhist talks and meditation in Queensland Conservatorium of Griffith University at South Bank Parklands to introduce the Dharma to the public as well as the publicity and enrollment of Nan Tien Institute. There were 15 English Buddhist talks, a Multi-faith Dialogue and 8 meditation sessions, attracting more than a thousand people to attend. Buddhist lectures were delivered by Venerable Jue Wei and Venerable Miao Zhe of Nan Tien Institute, Venerable Miao Xin of Chung Tian Temple, English Dharma teacher Robert Friedler, Dr. Kwong Djee Chan, Dr. Julian Lamont of the University of Queensland etc., talking on topics such as ‘Buddhism and Modern Society’, ‘Living Wisely’, ‘Ten Paths to Happiness’, ‘Procrastinating Mindfully’ and ‘Choosing to be ethical’. Venerable Miao Lai and Venerable Miao Zhe were teaching meditation, starting with 18 stances of Tai-chi, walking meditation and then sitting meditation following the ‘Vairo-seven steps of sitting’. The correct sitting posture, basic essentials in meditation, counting of breaths and the ways to relax and calm down the mind were explained. The counting of inhalation and exhalation helped to gather and subdue the scattering mind to achieve concentration. Learning of meditation required a firm belief in cause and effect, a strong faith and cultivation of the mind. This year in addition, there were two outdoor meditation sessions in Rainforest Green, South Bank Parklands. The effect was very good as the spectators of the surrounding were also absorbed by the ambience of meditation. It could be seen that the acceptance of meditation and Tai-chi by Australians was very high. The Multi-faith Dialogue was moderated by Dr. Brian Adams, Director of Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue of Griffith University and the topic was ‘Climate Change: Do I care?” Participants included religious representatives of Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Baha’i, focusing on the discussion of global warming and expressing their concern on the human environment with their religious views. After the Multi-faith Forum, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan presented Certificates of Appreciation to Dr. Brian Adams and religious representatives, thanking them for their enthusiastic participation. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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The Baby Blessing Ceremony was held on 30th

April. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan led other Venerables and the public to sing ‘Ode to Triple Gem’, chant Heart Sutra and pray by reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer for Foguang Babies’. The purification and blessing ceremony was performed on every baby and toddler who received the gift of chanting beads, wishing them to grow up safe and be endowed with bliss and wisdom. 131 babies such as Liu Wei-Ting, Tobby Hung, Master Draco Ward, Parker Vitayapanit etc. witnessed by their parents and relatives were blessed under the Buddha. Young parents came from various sectors of pilots, police officers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, photographers, managers, engineers, artists and banking. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

130 Babies participated in the Baby Blessing Ceremony

Multi-faith Prayer for World Harmony and Light Offering Ceremony

On 1st May, Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ jointly invited 6 religious

representatives of Judaism, Hinduism, and Baha’i etc. to the Multi-faith Prayer for World Peace and Light Offering Ceremony. Thousands of candles were lit up at the same time to illuminate the darkness, symbolizing the light of Dharma enlightening people’s deluded mind to make the world brighter. Religious representatives of Judaism Rabbi Don Levy, Hinduism Mr. Surendra Peasad OAM, and Baha’i Mrs. Hoda Jamshedi etc. addressed to the public and prayed for world peace. In the evening, there were spectacular fireworks at the Brisbane Riverside, lighting up the night sky with dazzling colorful display. Over 10,000 people in Brisbane were attracted to see and to share the joy of Buddha Birthday Festival. This marked the successful completion of the three days Buddha Birthday Festival Celebrations. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Offering Parade & Bathing Buddha Service in Buddha Birth Day Festival

On 1st May, Buddha Birthday Festival’s ‘Offering Parade and Bathing Buddha

Service’ was held by Chung Tian Temple at Courier-Mail Piazza. Amidst the sound of firecrackers, beating of the Dharma drum and singing of ‘Incense Anthem’, the Offering Parade formed by YAD youths holding banners, Korean Buddhists with lotus lamps, Chung Tian Branch carrying lanterns, children of English Buddhist class holding small baskets with flowers, Loving Care Group with candle light, Diamond Men’s Group with handheld censors, benefactors such as Collin Liu carrying censors, followed by Directors, Supervisors and Branch Presidents holding incense proceeded in sequence to the altar to make offerings before the Buddha. Head Abbess of FGS Australia New Zealand Venerable Man Ko, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables led people to offer incense and read ‘Heart Sutra’, praying for blessings. Afterwards, President of FGS Charity Yuan Venerable Yi Lai, Venerable Man Ko, Venerable Chueh Shan led other Venerables to go for alms offering in support of the Nan Tien Institute Foundation. Venerable Yi Lai said that Nan Tien Institute was a university recognized by the Australian government. There was still a long way to go in founding the Institute. She hoped that everyone could make effort to support it. Venerable Master Hsing Yun emphasized on education, and only through education that the country and society could head for prosperity and a bright future. Venerable Man Ko talked about the meaning of alms offering. She mentioned that the alms would go to the Nan Tien Institute Foundation which would be used to foster talents in order to benefit society, bringing positive energy and family happiness. Arrangements were made for the performances of Queensland Police Pipes and Drums Band, aerial stunts by Taiwan’s Eye Catching Circus etc.. In the show of ‘Praise the Buddha’ by children from English Buddhist classes of Chung Tian Temple, students and teachers were dressed as flowers, trees, butterflies and bees to praise the Buddha, gaining a warm applause. Finally, four lions in the lion dance rejoiced with the audience and children were screaming with excitement. Venerable Chueh Shan presented Certifications of Appreciation to eight organizations such as the Police Service, Boy Scouts, Korean Community and Hakka Association to thank them for their active participation in Buddha Birthday Festival over the years. After the Bathing Buddha Service, a constant stream of people offered flowers and bathed the Buddha. Seeing everyone prayed piously to make wishes, one could feel the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha. The Bathing Buddha ritual reminded people to purify the body and mind. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Alms Offering to support Nan Tien Institute Foundation

On 30th

April and 1st May in Buddha Birthday Festival, Alms Offering Parade

was held to support the Nan Tien Institute Foundation. President of FGS Charity Yuan Venerable Yi Lai, Head Abbess of FGS Australia New Zealand Venerable Man Ko, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables led people to recite ‘Namo Sakyamuni Buddha’ and read ‘Prajna-paramita Heart Sutra’. Escorted by the Buddhist youths and percussion team in front, they proceeded to the Bathing Buddha Area, Lumbini Garden, Fun Fair area, Cultural Forecourt etc. for alms offering. On the way, Dharma words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun were given to people as souvenir. Many Australians took practical actions to support this meaningful move of promoting Buddhist education. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

BLIAQ Branches Food stalls

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Thank You our wonderful volunteers assisted in 2016 Buddha Birth Day Festival

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Photos of 2016 Buddha Birth Day Festival

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No Boundaries Handprints to initiate Cultural Integration

‘On 23rd

April, the Launching Ceremony of ‘No Boundaries Handprints’ in

Buddha Birthday Festival was jointly held by Foguangshan Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ at King George Square. The Minister of Multicultural Affairs in Queensland Hon. Grace Grace MP was invited, and together with Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and BLIAQ Committee launched the activity of ‘No Boundaries Handprints’. The activity was sponsored by the Multicultural Department of Queensland Government. A hundred people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds came to participate. The Minister of Multicultural Affairs Hon. Grace Grace MP in her speech said that the ‘No Boundaries Handprints’ was a very good way to connect different national cultures and to promote multicultural integration, leading to social harmony. Buddha Birthday Festival was one of the important cultural festivals in Queensland, shouldering the mission of cultural transmission. The 180 cultural activities during the three days Buddha Birthday Festival had important contributions to Australia’s multicultural development. The ‘No Boundaries Handprints’ symbolized compassion and inclusivity, bringing joy, harmony and brighter future to people in Queensland. Venerable Chueh Shan and nearly a hundred people of different cultural backgrounds together left their handprints on the white canvas with a Queensland map, using their favorite colours of blue, red or yellow. Pictures were taken to mark the historic moment of witnessing multicultural integration, and officially opened the ‘No Boundaries Handprints’ activity. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Winners of Foguangshan Chinese Essay Competition on ‘The Three Acts of Goodness’

In the morning of 23rd

April at Chung Tian Temple after the Dharma Service, the awards presentation to winners of Foguangshan 2015 Chinese Essay Competition ‘The Three Acts of Goodness’ was held by Chung Tian School. Vice Principal Nancy Lee served as the Master of Ceremony. Venerable Chueh Shan and Acting Principal Christine Liu presented awards, prizes and books to the winning students. Teachers Lin Yi-Ying and Liao Jin-Cheng were recognized for their efforts and guidance to students. A total of 180 students, parents and devotees participated. ‘The Three Acts of Goodness’ Chinese Essay Competition was organized by the ‘Charitable Trust Venerable Master Hsing Yun Educational Foundation’. The aim was to promote social harmony by purification of the mind and implementation of the Three Goodness in schools, ‘doing good deeds, saying good words and thinking good thoughts’ in life. Chung Tian School won the first in the international junior high school group. 13 students were eligible for individual awards. The result was outstanding and excellent. On 19

th March, Acting Principal Christine Liu went

to the Award Presentation Ceremony in Buddha Memorial Centre to receive the awards on behalf, bringing back several awards, prizes and souvenirs. In addition, she donated bonuses by giving red packets to the winners. She felt proud when seeing the achievement of students in her school. She did not forget to encourage other students to practice ‘giving happiness everywhere, giving confidence any time, giving service whenever possible and giving convenience’ to all people. This time the remarkable results were due to the efforts and careful guidance of teachers. Chung Tian School will focus on the transmission of the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ and be a school actually implementing them. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) presented certificates of Appreciation

In the morning of 3rd of May, President of Charity Yuan FGS Venerable Yi Lai, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, FGS Social Charity and Service Committee Director Lu Shu-Yuan, BLIA Director David Yang, BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Chung Tian School Vice Principal Xu Xiu-Mei were invited by Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Lai Wei-Chung to visit his office.

Director Lai Wei Chung thanked Venerable Yi Lai for holding Buddha Birthday Celebrations the first time in 1997 at South Bank Parklands, the bustling city centre of Brisbane, enabling Chinese culture to be recognized and accepted by the Australian government and all walks of life. This helped to enhance the status of Chinese people. On 30th April after witnessing the grand celebration of the 20th anniversary Buddha Birthday Festival, he specially presented Certificates of Appreciation to Chung Tian Temple and BLIAQ as recognition to the contribution in promoting Chinese culture in the past years.

Venerable Yi Lai also presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy of “To view living beings with compassionate eyes, he is endowed with massive blessings, limitless as the sea” to Director Lai as gift. She said, “Due to the efforts and dedication of everyone, generations of Chinese immigrants would be able to live in dignity and be recognized. The persistent efforts and wisdom of predecessors would set an example to the generations of descendants.

Everyone under the encouragement of Venerable Yi Lai was more certain of following Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and upholding ‘One Master One Way’ was the right choice. They vowed to continue with the implementation on the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Children and Teenagers’ English Buddhist Classes

Children and Teenagers’ English Buddhist Classes of Chung Tian Temple were commenced at 10.00 a.m. on 15

th May. Volunteer teachers Petra Depalo,

Donna Crowley-Hodgson and Millicent Mackintosh had carefully prepared teaching materials, and they led 45 children and teenagers to do the 18 stances of Tai-chi to relax the body and mind. In the Main Hall, Venerable Miao Lai taught sitting meditation and guided them to perform the bathing Buddha ritual. She explained the meaning of bathing the Buddha and in the ritual, she asked them to silently recite the ‘The Three Acts of Goodness’, i.e. to do good deeds, say good words and think good thoughts. She also introduced the arrangement and content of the course. David Pham, the teacher of the Teenagers' Buddhist Class first led the five students of the class to practice sitting meditation to calm down the mind. He used living examples to explain how teenagers from Christian families could learn Buddhism to enrich their knowledge of life. He also explained the significance of the ‘Four Noble Truths’ and students learnt how to cherish every moment of good causes and conditions. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Second Term English Buddhist & Meditation Classes attracted many people to study

2016 Second-Term English Buddhist and Meditation Classes started at 9.00 a.m. on 15

th May. More than a hundred people came to register to participate in

the adult courses from Level 1 to Level 4. At 10.00 a.m., Chung Tian Branch President Brian Kemp and members Kevin Haslam and Grant Coleman welcomed the Level 1 students in the Conference Room, introducing the history of Foguangshan and its Four Main Objectives of ‘Propagating Dharma through cultural activities, fostering talent through education, benefiting society through charitable programs and purifying human mind through Buddhist practice’. They explained the background of the establishment of Chung Tian Temple, and courses offered to the public such as English Buddhist Classes for adults, teenagers and children, Chinese Painting Class, Choir and Tai-chi. They encouraged them to come to the temple often with their families. Brian and the Chung Tian Branch members led the new students of Level 1 to have a guided tour round the temple, introducing the environment and its function of Dharma propagation. With more exchanges, the new students had a better understanding of the Australian-based Chung Tian Temple. Meditation Classes were conducted by Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and Venerable Miao Lai, teaching the 18 stances of Tai-chi, Vairo-Seven Steps of sitting, counting breaths in meditation, and walking meditation. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Temple visit by Public Programs Manager at Museum of Brisbane

On 17th

May, Hilary Coultery, Public Programs Manager at the Museum of Brisbane and Ms. Renae Cummins, accompanied by Melody Chen, Life Honorary President of World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc. came to visit Chung Tian Temple. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Venerable Miao Yi, BLIAQ President Kim Wu and Secretary Su Ling-ling gave them a warm welcome. They were guided to visit Chung Tian Art Gallery and talked in Water Drop Teahouse, centering on the future cooperation in organizing cultural and educational activities. They said that in future, the Museum of Brisbane would invite artists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to hold a series of multicultural activities. They also mentioned that they had participated in meditation during Buddha Birthday Festival at South Bank Parklands on 30

th April, and felt that meditation helped

them to relieve the pressure of work. They hoped to invite Chung Tian Temple to arrange cultural and arts activities such as meditation, Tea Ceremony and Sutra copying in exhibition areas. They dined together in the Water Drop Teahouse and discussed the activities that could be organized. Afterwards, Venerable Miao Yi and Secretary Su Ling-ling guided them to visit the Main Hall, Museum, Tea Ceremony Room and Pagoda, explaining to them the various cultural activities of the temple and its function in Dharma propagation. Ms. Hilary Coultery and Ms. Renae Cummins were deeply interested in the temple’s promotion of cultural arts activities, and hoped to cooperate with the temple in future to enhance multicultural educational programs to benefit the community. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book of ‘365 Days for Travelers’ to them as gift and finally, they posed for pictures. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

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Gratitude High Tea Gathering by BLIAQ Logan Branch

On 21st May in the afternoon, Logan Branch President Kwang Hooi Khor

held the 2016 Gratitude High-Tea Gathering for BBF volunteers in the Dining Hall. 80 people attended including Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Venerable Miao Xin, BLIAQ President Kim Wu, Elder Advisor Andy Hsueh and Director Ralph Smith.

The gathering was hosted by Director Meng Yoke Hong. Videos on Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony and Logan Branch vegetarian stall charity sale were played. President Kwang Hooi Khor thanked all those who assisted in the Logan Branch food stall in this year’s Buddha Birthday Festival. Though it was rainy in two days, the result was commendable. Success was only possible with the participation of the members. He also reported the income from the charity sale, and on behalf of the Branch, he presented them to sponsor Chung Tian Temple’s Stage II development, BLIAQ and Loving Care Group. This gained the applause from the participants.

Prizes were given to thank the volunteers. Directors Meng Yoke Hong also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers who assisted in the Buddhist talks and meditation during the Buddha Birthday Festival, providing their service quietly behind the scenes.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan thanked all the volunteers, saying that the merit gained would be the same in whatever service given. Curry Laksa noodles from Logan Branch food stall were most well-known but there was still room for improvement in the dishware in terms of environmental protection. Cards with Dharma words could be given to the public to help in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. Finally, group photos were taken to mark the end of the gathering. Chung Tian Admin Translated by Elaine Pun

Photos of Mother’s Day Celebration at Chung Tian Temple

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# VenerableMasterHsingYun

# 366DayswithWisdom The greatest wealth in the world is not gold or diamonds, but religious faith and virtue. The greatest wealth in the world is not houses or land, but our true mind and Buddha nature. It may be necessary to carry on the practice of a legacy if we wish to improve our society and instil harmony in our families. A legacy need not be a physical object. A true legacy can be our religious faith, virtue, education and knowledge. Wang Anshi, a renowned prime minister

in the Song Dynasty, once said that, “

Those who do not wish to take refuge in the Triple Gems: the Buddha, Dharma and sangha do not come and take birth as my children and grandchildren.”

It is obvious that he had made the Buddhist faith as his legacy. You Xiangqing, the vice president of Buddha’s Light International Association, always brings his children to the temples and makes donations. His legacy is to nurture his children on the virtue of generosity and giving. Some people do not pass on their wealth to their children but give them a good education. This is because money can be spent all in one day but knowledge and wisdom cannot be exhausted. What should we pass to our descendants? We can pass virtue and benevolence. We can pass loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. We can pass kind thoughts, loyalty, integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun

The Three Dharma Seals

Seals are basic to all Buddhism. They are one of the reasons that Buddhism is sometimes called a philosophy rather than a religion. Faith is not required to understand the Three Dharma Seals. We can prove them to ourselves through thought and observation.

The Three Dharma Seals are impermanence, lack of self-nature, and nirvana. The Three Dharma Seals are ultimate truths. They are called “Dharma Seals” because all things are “stamped” with them; there is nothing that does not possess these three ultimate characteristics. Another reason that Buddhist call these three truths “Dharma Seals” is they are similar to official seals that prove documents are real and not forged. If any so-called “truth” contradicts the Three Dharma Seals, then it cannot be an authentic teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha. Any “truth” that is not stamped with all three of the Three Dharma Seals cannot be true. Even if the Buddha himself were heard to say a “truth” that contradicts the Three Dharma Seals, that “truth” could not be true. In this same vein, any truth that is stamped with all three of the Three Dharma Seals must be true, whether a Buddha said it or not. The Three Dharma Seals are so fundamental to Buddhism that it can further be said that any truth that is stamped with the Three Dharma Seals is a Buddhist truth; it is good Buddhism and can be taken to be part of the Dharma.

The Truth of Impermanence - The First Dharma says that all phenomena are impermanent. This means that all phenomena change. Nothing stays the same. All phenomena are constantly interacting with each other, constantly influencing each other, and constantly causing each other to change. The First Dharma Seal also says that each and every phenomenon is changing from one moment to the next.

The Truth of No Self-Nature - Not only are all things impermanent, but they are also all devoid of a self-nature. Having no self-nature means that all things depend on other things for their existence. Not one of them is independent and able to exist without other things. The meaning of the word “things” in these statements is all phenomena, both formed and formless, all events, all mental acts, all laws, and anything else you can think of. To say that nothing has a self-nature is to say that nothing has any attribute that endures over long periods of time. There is no “nature” that always stays the same in anything anywhere. If the “nature” of a thing cannot possibly stay the same, then how can it really be a nature? Eventually everything changes and therefore nothing can be said to have a “nature,” much less a self-nature.

The Truth of Nirvana - As finger points to the moon, so the Third Noble Truth points to Nirvana. The Third Noble Truth is not itself nirvana, but it does tell us something about nirvana. Nirvana means the “cessation of suffering.”

Since suffering is caused by delusion, nirvana also means the cessation of delusion. Since suffering is caused by belief in duality, nirvana also means cessation of duality, or the belief in duality. Nirvana means cessation of belief in a separate self, cessation of the birth and death of the “self,” and cessation of belief in a permanent absolute anything anywhere. Nirvana is normally described only by what it is not because nirvana is not a deluded state.

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2016 Term 3 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple

Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016 Time: 9:00am - 10:00am (Meditation) 10:10am - 11:00am (Buddhist talk) Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required

Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 2 Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016 Time: 10:00am - 11:00am(Buddhist talk) 11:10am - 12:00pm (Meditation) Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required

Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class

Level: Level 3 Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016 Time: 10:00am - 11:00am (Meditation) 11:10am - 12:00pm (Buddhist talk)

Cost: $20 per term-Booking is required

Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class

Level: Level 4(Free for BLIAQ members) Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016 Time: 10:00am -11:00am (Meditation)

11:10am - 12:00pm(Buddhist talk) Cost: $20 per term – booking is required

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Wednesday Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation

Discussion Classes

Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free

To book for the Buddhist classes, an application form must be

completed and returned to the Chung Tian Temple’s reception

together with full payment at least a week prior to the course

commence date.

For all enquiry please contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday, or email: [email protected]

www.chungtian.org.au Thank you.

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Saturday Time: 9.00am – 10.30am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am – 10.00am Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: Free donation

Bodhi Class For Children

Ages: 3 - 12 years

Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am

Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016

Cost: $20 per term

Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free.

Children are taught Buddhist morals and ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are backed by fun activities which include: simple meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories and virtues, craft activities and team-building games.

Teenager’s Buddhist Class

Ages: 13 - 19 years

Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am

Date: 21 Aug 2016 to 25 Sept 2016

Cost: $20 per term Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free.

The intermediate Dharma class builds on and expands the basic foundations of Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical approach and solutions to challenges issues faced by young people today.

Date Day Time Program

4 June 2016 Saturday 8.30am – 5.00pm Eight Precepts Retreat

5 June 2016 Sunday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (1st of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)

11 June 2016 Saturday 10.30am Buddhist Dharma Service - Chanting Diamond Sutra (In Mandarin)

11 June 2016 Saturday 4.30pm BLIAQ Loving Care Group Annual Charity Dinner

19 June 2016 Sunday 9.00am ~ 1.00pm Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

19 June 2016 Sunday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (15th

of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)

4 July 2016 Monday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (1st of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)

9 July 16 ~ 24 September 2016 Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition & Foguangshan 50

th Anniversary Photography Exhibition

10 July 2016 Sunday 9.00am ~ 3.30pm One Day Meditation Retreat

16 July 2016 Saturday 9.30am Great Compassion Repentance Service (In Mandarin)

18 July 2016 Monday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (15th

of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)

22 July 2016 Friday 11.00am Commemoration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day

(In Mandarin)

3 Aug 2016 Wednesday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (1st of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin)

6 ~ 13 August 2016 9.00am ~ 3.00pm Ullambana Festival Filial Piety Buddhist Chanting Service (In Mandarin)

13 August 2016 Saturday 11.00am Sangha Offering Service

14 August 2016 Sunday 1.00pm ~ 6.00pm Grand Offering

1.00pm Thrice Yearning Dharma Service & General Merit Transference

Every Sunday 9.00am ~ 9.40am English Buddhist Chanting

Every Saturday 10.30am ~ 12.00noon Buddhist Service (in Mandarin)