Difference between revisions of "Buddhist Council of New South Wales"
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|postaladdress=PO Box 593 Crows Nest NSW 1585 | |postaladdress=PO Box 593 Crows Nest NSW 1585 | ||
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| − | The Buddhist Council of New South Wales is a charitable, not- for-profit organisation set up to help Buddhist temples and Buddhist societies in New South Wales (now also ACT) and to represent the Buddhist community to mainstream society. | + | The [[Buddhist Council]] of New [[South]] Wales is a charitable, not- for-profit organisation set up to help [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] and [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|societies}} in New [[South]] Wales (now also ACT) and to represent the [[Buddhist community]] to {{Wiki|mainstream}} [[society]]. |
| − | The Buddhist Council represents more than 100 Buddhist organisations within New South Wales. | + | The [[Buddhist Council]] represents more than 100 [[Buddhist]] organisations within New [[South]] Wales. |
| − | We are a member of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils [http://www.buddhistcouncil.org.au/fed/home/ (FABC)], which represents Buddhist organisations throughout Australia. | + | We are a member of the Federation of [[Australian]] [[Buddhist Councils]] [http://www.buddhistcouncil.org.au/fed/home/ (FABC)], which represents [[Buddhist]] organisations throughout [[Australia]]. |
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | On the instigation of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) a meeting was held in 1984 in Sydney to establish a regional branch of the WFB. The many existing Buddhist organisations subsequently came together to form the Buddhist Council of New South Wales as a representative body to promote co-operation across the Buddhist community. | + | On the instigation of the {{Wiki|World Fellowship of Buddhists}} (WFB) a meeting was held in 1984 in {{Wiki|Sydney}} to establish a regional branch of the WFB. The many [[existing]] [[Buddhist]] organisations subsequently came together to [[form]] the [[Buddhist Council]] of New [[South]] Wales as a representative [[body]] to promote co-operation across the [[Buddhist community]]. |
| − | The Buddhist Council of New South Wales constitution was first ratified at its inaugural Annual General Meeting in June, 1985. It was incorporated in March, 1991 and in 2000 received its ABN (18 550 218 989). | + | The [[Buddhist Council]] of New [[South]] Wales constitution was first ratified at its inaugural Annual General Meeting in June, 1985. It was incorporated in March, 1991 and in 2000 received its ABN (18 550 218 989). |
| − | Graeme Lyall, the founding Chairman, led the development of the Buddhist Council of New South Wales from its inception through to his retirement from the board in December 2006. Graeme Lyall's contribution to the development of Buddhism in Australia stretches over half a century and continues with his ongoing service as a prison chaplain. | + | Graeme Lyall, the founding Chairman, led the [[development]] of the [[Buddhist Council]] of New [[South]] Wales from its inception through to his retirement from the board in December 2006. Graeme Lyall's contribution to the [[development]] of [[Buddhism]] in [[Australia]] stretches over half a century and continues with his ongoing service as a {{Wiki|prison}} chaplain. |
| − | == Our Vision == | + | == Our [[Vision]] == |
| − | Our vision is for a | + | Our [[vision]] is for a “[[Dharma]] {{Wiki|Community}} with Open Arms”. |
| − | Buddhism varies in its practice from country to country, from tradition to tradition, and from teacher to teacher. The Buddha himself recognised that the vehicle for his Dharma (teaching) would adapt and change over time and in different places. | + | [[Buddhism]] varies in its practice from country to country, from [[tradition]] to [[tradition]], and from [[teacher]] to [[teacher]]. The [[Buddha]] himself recognised that the [[vehicle]] for his [[Dharma]] ([[teaching]]) would adapt and change over time and in different places. |
| − | A Dharma Community brings all Buddhist traditions and schools together. While respecting the distinct value and heritage of each tradition, a Dharma Community emphasises the essence of the Buddha’s teaching which is common to all Buddhist schools and traditions. | + | A [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|Community}} brings all [[Buddhist traditions]] and schools together. While respecting the {{Wiki|distinct}} value and heritage of each [[tradition]], a [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|Community}} emphasises the [[essence of the Buddha’s teaching]] which is common to all [[Buddhist]] schools and [[traditions]]. |
| − | The Buddhist Council of NSW therefore encourages all Buddhist groups, temples and societies to come together to appreciate each other through the essence of the Dharma itself. | + | The [[Buddhist Council]] of {{Wiki|NSW}} therefore encourages all [[Buddhist]] groups, [[temples]] and {{Wiki|societies}} to come together to appreciate each other through the [[essence]] of the [[Dharma]] itself. |
| − | To have Open Arms is to be open to everyone in the general community, to build bridges of understanding and to act compassionately towards all humanity, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist. | + | To have Open Arms is to be open to everyone in the general {{Wiki|community}}, [[to build]] [[bridges]] of [[understanding]] and to act [[compassionately]] towards all [[humanity]], whether [[Buddhist]] or [[non-Buddhist]]. |
| − | == Our Mission == | + | == Our [[Mission]] == |
| − | Our Mission has three parts: | + | Our [[Mission]] has three parts: |
| − | # To serve our member organisations, which include Buddhist temples, Buddhist societies and other Buddhist organisations. | + | # To serve our member organisations, which include [[Buddhist]] [[temples]], [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|societies}} and other [[Buddhist]] organisations. |
| − | # To represent the Buddhist community to inter-faith groups, media, government and the NSW public, in accordance with the Dharma. | + | # To represent the [[Buddhist community]] to inter-faith groups, media, government and the {{Wiki|NSW}} public, in accordance with the [[Dharma]]. |
| − | # To promote the understanding and practice of the Dharma, which is an objective we share with our members. | + | # To promote the [[understanding]] and practice of the [[Dharma]], which is an [[objective]] we share with our members. |
== Our Logo == | == Our Logo == | ||
| − | Buddhist Council of NSW LogoOur logo has been revised to reflect our vision. The representation of the different traditions of Buddhist Sangha in the colours of the lotus flower reminds us that the outward manifestation of Buddhist Sangha may vary, yet all ordained Sangha and lay men and women are actually part of one community of monks and nuns. | + | [[Buddhist Council]] of {{Wiki|NSW}} LogoOur logo has been revised to reflect our [[vision]]. The [[representation]] of the different [[traditions]] of [[Buddhist]] [[Sangha]] in the colours of the [[lotus flower]] reminds us that the outward [[manifestation]] of [[Buddhist]] [[Sangha]] may vary, yet all [[ordained]] [[Sangha]] and lay men and women are actually part of one [[community of monks]] and [[nuns]]. |
| − | This may also be extended to lay followers who may follow different teachers or traditions, yet we are all part of the one Dharma community. | + | This may also be extended to lay followers who may follow different [[teachers]] or [[traditions]], yet we are all part of the one [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|community}}. |
| − | The different colours of the lotus petals also reminds us that each teacher, tradition, school or practice needs to be respected and their integrity maintained, according to the instructions and teachings of our Sangha. | + | The different colours of the [[lotus]] petals also reminds us that each [[teacher]], [[tradition]], school or practice needs to be respected and their [[integrity]] maintained, according to the instructions and teachings of our [[Sangha]]. |
| − | The eight-spoked Dharma wheel in the centre represents the original teaching that all Buddhist traditions and schools share. The One Dharma unites the followers of the Buddha's teachings and it is what we share. | + | The eight-spoked [[Dharma wheel]] in the centre represents the [[original teaching]] that all [[Buddhist traditions]] and schools share. The One [[Dharma]] unites the followers of the [[Buddha's teachings]] and it is what we share. |
| − | == The Spirit of Our Vision == | + | == The [[Spirit]] of Our [[Vision]] == |
| − | Our starting premise is that the Dharma (the Buddha’s teaching) is the most effective medicine that we can take and that the Triple Gem is the best protection. Making the Dharma more accessible is an act of generosity and compassion. | + | Our starting premise is that the [[Dharma]] (the [[Buddha’s teaching]]) is the most effective [[medicine]] that we can take and that the [[Triple Gem]] is the best [[protection]]. Making the [[Dharma]] more accessible is an act of [[generosity]] and [[compassion]]. |
| − | There is a difference between proselytising and making a profound teaching more accessible. Buddhists don’t proselytise for lots of reasons. On the other hand, making the Dharma accessible is about helping and communicating with others who have made a conscious choice to explore Buddhist teachings and practice. | + | There is a difference between proselytising and making a profound [[teaching]] more accessible. [[Buddhists]] don’t proselytise for lots of [[reasons]]. On the other hand, making the [[Dharma]] accessible is about helping and communicating with others who have made a [[conscious]] choice to explore [[Buddhist teachings]] and practice. |
| − | There is great potential for the evolution of Australian Buddhism from a Buddhist community into a Dharma community. The difference is that a Buddhist community is the co-existence of many Buddhists, whereas a Dharma community exists when Buddhists realise that they share the one Dharma, they share common problems and they share the same opportunity to generously and compassionately make the Dharma more available to others. | + | There is great potential for the [[evolution]] of [[Australian]] [[Buddhism]] from a [[Buddhist community]] into a [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|community}}. The difference is that a [[Buddhist community]] is the co-existence of many [[Buddhists]], whereas a [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|community}} [[exists]] when [[Buddhists]] realise that they share the one [[Dharma]], they share common problems and they share the same opportunity to generously and [[compassionately]] make the [[Dharma]] more available to others. |
| − | Having Open Arms will require us to be more tolerant and more sensitive to the integrity and value of different traditions, and more inclusive of those different traditions. This openness could even extend not only to other Buddhists, but to anyone, of any spiritual tradition, any philosophy. | + | Having Open Arms will require us to be more tolerant and more [[sensitive]] to the [[integrity]] and value of different [[traditions]], and more inclusive of those different [[traditions]]. This [[openness]] could even extend not only to other [[Buddhists]], but to anyone, of any [[spiritual]] [[tradition]], any [[philosophy]]. |
| − | This vision of a Dharma Community with Open Arms recognises our inherent interdependence – which comes from Buddhist teachings. We are not separate, there is no “us” or “them”, we really are connected in many ways and we ultimately depend upon each other. | + | This [[vision]] of a [[Dharma]] {{Wiki|Community}} with Open Arms recognises our [[inherent]] [[interdependence]] – which comes from [[Buddhist teachings]]. We are not separate, there is no “us” or “them”, we really are connected in many ways and we ultimately depend upon each other. |
| − | : | + | : “[[Buddhism]] has a long history. It has flourished in the [[East]] for 2500 years, and during this time ... numerous sects and schools have sprung up … These schools {{Wiki|present}} a picture ... of {{Wiki|unity}} in diversity... All aim at the [[attainment]] of [[Enlightenment]] ... At the same time they approach it in a number of ways and from many points of view. ... Despite their apparent differences, even mutual [[opposition]], we should study and learn to appreciate them all, thus making ourselves acquainted, as far as possible, with the whole vast range of [[Buddhist]] [[thought]] and practice. Only in this way will it be possible for us to obtain a balanced picture of [[Buddhism]]. Otherwise we might commit the mistake of identifying [[Buddhism]] with one or another of its {{Wiki|expressions}}, maintaining that this, and this alone, was the true [[embodiment]] of the [[Buddha’s teaching]]. Such a course would be ... {{Wiki|sectarian}} exclusiveness which … is quite foreign to the [[spirit]] of [[Buddhism]].” |
| − | ::- Sangharakshita, 1965. | + | ::- [[Sangharakshita]], 1965. |
== Achievements == | == Achievements == | ||
| Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
We have developed a Member Service program which provides free advice and support to our member organisations on a wide range of topics such as fundraising, good governance, incorporation, tax and finance, technology and organising volunteers. | We have developed a Member Service program which provides free advice and support to our member organisations on a wide range of topics such as fundraising, good governance, incorporation, tax and finance, technology and organising volunteers. | ||
| − | === Education === | + | === [[Education]] === |
| − | We have developed a special website for our volunteer teachers who go to government schools to teach children. It provides access to the Buddhist syllabus, lesson plans and teaching guidelines | + | We have developed a special website for our volunteer [[teachers]] who go to government schools to teach children. It provides access to the [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|syllabus}}, lesson plans and [[teaching]] guidelines |
=== Chaplaincy Training === | === Chaplaincy Training === | ||
| − | We have run an accredited introductory Buddhist chaplaincy course on many occasions over recent years.. | + | We have run an accredited introductory [[Buddhist]] chaplaincy course on many occasions over recent years.. |
=== Chaplaincy Funding === | === Chaplaincy Funding === | ||
| − | Over four years. we have increased by 50% the funding available to Buddhist chaplains in both hospitals and prisons. | + | Over four years. we have increased by 50% the funding available to [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|chaplains}} in both hospitals and prisons. |
=== Events === | === Events === | ||
| − | We have conducted events such the Buddhism Expo, Schools Day for HSC students, Q&A for children with the Dalai Lama, Acts of Kindness, Buddhist Festival Month and Dana Day for Monks and Nuns. | + | We have conducted events such the [[Buddhism]] Expo, Schools Day for HSC students, Q&A for children with the [[Dalai Lama]], Acts of [[Kindness]], [[Buddhist Festival]] Month and [[Dana]] Day for [[Monks and Nuns]]. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.buddhistcouncil.org/ buddhistcouncil.org] | [http://www.buddhistcouncil.org/ buddhistcouncil.org] | ||
Revision as of 00:32, 27 October 2015
| Buddhist Council of New South Wales | |
|---|---|
 | |
The Council's Logo | |
| Information | |
| Tradition/Linage | World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) |
| Main School | Non-Sectarian |
| Founded | Founded(when)::1985/06/01 |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | BUORG-Names::Names::Graeme Lyall |
| President(s) | BUORG-Names::Names::Brian White |
| Contact Infotmation | |
| Address | Suite 25 56-62 Chandos Street St Leonards New South Wales 2065 Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | service=google }} {{#geocode:Suite 2556-62 Chandos StreetSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia|format=float|service=google}} service=google }}The "_geo" type of this property is invalid |
| Map | {{#display_map:{{#geocode:Suite 2556-62 Chandos StreetSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia}}|height=250px|width=250px|zoom=18}} |
| Phone | Phone::(02) 9966 8893 |
| Fax | Fa(02) 9966 8897::(02) 9966 8897 |
| Website | Website::http://www.buddhistcouncil.org "Website" has not been listed as valid URI scheme. |
| Email::office@buddhistcouncil.orgURIs of the form "Email::office@buddhistcouncil.org" are not allowed. | |
| Postal Address | PostalAddress::PO Box 593 Crows Nest NSW 1585 |
The Buddhist Council of New South Wales is a charitable, not- for-profit organisation set up to help Buddhist temples and Buddhist societies in New South Wales (now also ACT) and to represent the Buddhist community to mainstream society.
The Buddhist Council represents more than 100 Buddhist organisations within New South Wales.
We are a member of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), which represents Buddhist organisations throughout Australia.
History
On the instigation of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) a meeting was held in 1984 in Sydney to establish a regional branch of the WFB. The many existing Buddhist organisations subsequently came together to form the Buddhist Council of New South Wales as a representative body to promote co-operation across the Buddhist community.
The Buddhist Council of New South Wales constitution was first ratified at its inaugural Annual General Meeting in June, 1985. It was incorporated in March, 1991 and in 2000 received its ABN (18 550 218 989).
Graeme Lyall, the founding Chairman, led the development of the Buddhist Council of New South Wales from its inception through to his retirement from the board in December 2006. Graeme Lyall's contribution to the development of Buddhism in Australia stretches over half a century and continues with his ongoing service as a prison chaplain.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a “Dharma Community with Open Arms”.
Buddhism varies in its practice from country to country, from tradition to tradition, and from teacher to teacher. The Buddha himself recognised that the vehicle for his Dharma (teaching) would adapt and change over time and in different places.
A Dharma Community brings all Buddhist traditions and schools together. While respecting the distinct value and heritage of each tradition, a Dharma Community emphasises the essence of the Buddha’s teaching which is common to all Buddhist schools and traditions.
The Buddhist Council of NSW therefore encourages all Buddhist groups, temples and societies to come together to appreciate each other through the essence of the Dharma itself.
To have Open Arms is to be open to everyone in the general community, to build bridges of understanding and to act compassionately towards all humanity, whether Buddhist or non-Buddhist.
Our Mission
Our Mission has three parts:
- To serve our member organisations, which include Buddhist temples, Buddhist societies and other Buddhist organisations.
- To represent the Buddhist community to inter-faith groups, media, government and the NSW public, in accordance with the Dharma.
- To promote the understanding and practice of the Dharma, which is an objective we share with our members.
Our Logo
Buddhist Council of NSW LogoOur logo has been revised to reflect our vision. The representation of the different traditions of Buddhist Sangha in the colours of the lotus flower reminds us that the outward manifestation of Buddhist Sangha may vary, yet all ordained Sangha and lay men and women are actually part of one community of monks and nuns.
This may also be extended to lay followers who may follow different teachers or traditions, yet we are all part of the one Dharma community.
The different colours of the lotus petals also reminds us that each teacher, tradition, school or practice needs to be respected and their integrity maintained, according to the instructions and teachings of our Sangha.
The eight-spoked Dharma wheel in the centre represents the original teaching that all Buddhist traditions and schools share. The One Dharma unites the followers of the Buddha's teachings and it is what we share.
The Spirit of Our Vision
Our starting premise is that the Dharma (the Buddha’s teaching) is the most effective medicine that we can take and that the Triple Gem is the best protection. Making the Dharma more accessible is an act of generosity and compassion.
There is a difference between proselytising and making a profound teaching more accessible. Buddhists don’t proselytise for lots of reasons. On the other hand, making the Dharma accessible is about helping and communicating with others who have made a conscious choice to explore Buddhist teachings and practice.
There is great potential for the evolution of Australian Buddhism from a Buddhist community into a Dharma community. The difference is that a Buddhist community is the co-existence of many Buddhists, whereas a Dharma community exists when Buddhists realise that they share the one Dharma, they share common problems and they share the same opportunity to generously and compassionately make the Dharma more available to others.
Having Open Arms will require us to be more tolerant and more sensitive to the integrity and value of different traditions, and more inclusive of those different traditions. This openness could even extend not only to other Buddhists, but to anyone, of any spiritual tradition, any philosophy.
This vision of a Dharma Community with Open Arms recognises our inherent interdependence – which comes from Buddhist teachings. We are not separate, there is no “us” or “them”, we really are connected in many ways and we ultimately depend upon each other.
- “Buddhism has a long history. It has flourished in the East for 2500 years, and during this time ... numerous sects and schools have sprung up … These schools present a picture ... of unity in diversity... All aim at the attainment of Enlightenment ... At the same time they approach it in a number of ways and from many points of view. ... Despite their apparent differences, even mutual opposition, we should study and learn to appreciate them all, thus making ourselves acquainted, as far as possible, with the whole vast range of Buddhist thought and practice. Only in this way will it be possible for us to obtain a balanced picture of Buddhism. Otherwise we might commit the mistake of identifying Buddhism with one or another of its expressions, maintaining that this, and this alone, was the true embodiment of the Buddha’s teaching. Such a course would be ... sectarian exclusiveness which … is quite foreign to the spirit of Buddhism.”
- - Sangharakshita, 1965.
Achievements
Member Services
We have developed a Member Service program which provides free advice and support to our member organisations on a wide range of topics such as fundraising, good governance, incorporation, tax and finance, technology and organising volunteers.
Education
We have developed a special website for our volunteer teachers who go to government schools to teach children. It provides access to the Buddhist syllabus, lesson plans and teaching guidelines
Chaplaincy Training
We have run an accredited introductory Buddhist chaplaincy course on many occasions over recent years..
Chaplaincy Funding
Over four years. we have increased by 50% the funding available to Buddhist chaplains in both hospitals and prisons.
Events
We have conducted events such the Buddhism Expo, Schools Day for HSC students, Q&A for children with the Dalai Lama, Acts of Kindness, Buddhist Festival Month and Dana Day for Monks and Nuns.
