May our Readers have a well and happy New Year.

Buddha Dhamma Tradition

For over 2500 years, Buddha Dhamma has helped people understand the causes for personal happiness. Buddha Dhamma is relevant, practical and timeless.

Our resident Teacher John D. Hughes and Founder of our Centre made a place for persons in order to introduce a philosophy of life based on Buddha Dhamma and to encourage the study, practice and realisation of Buddha Dhamma.

The lemma of our organisation is “LIFETIMES OF LEARNING”.

Key Members of our Organisation are committed to continue his vision into this new century.

Our key objectives :

-To introduce a philosophy of life based on Buddha Dhamma

- To encourage the study, practice and realisation of Buddha Dhamma

For these purposes teachings are given at our Centre by John D. Hughes in the Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and Ch’an (Zen) traditions.

Activities as a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB)

We are an associated spiritual training Centre of the World Buddhist University.

Our Centre operates as a peak organisation carrying the ideals of the WFB and objectives which include:

- To promote among the Members strict observance and practice of the teachings of the Buddha

- To propagate the sublime doctrine of the Buddha

- To organise and carry on activities in the field of social, cultural and other humanitarian services

Why Only an Outline?

It is not practical or ethical to disclose in writing the full program of teachings given at our Centre for three reasons. There is a tradition that some teachings are orally transmitted when the time is right for the student to grasp the insight.

The first reason is to respect the confidentiality/ privacy of the subject matter raised by clients.

The second reason is it is not our policy to do case studies dossiers on our clients.

The third reason is that we respect the Buddha Rule of not making public, details of the use of siddhi (Pali iddhi) or mantra or practices that help to connect persons to healing or protective Deities.

A deep and comprehensive treatment of a variety of methods is taught at the Centre over time.

Within this clear framework, the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. has a variety of Buddha Dhamma programs.

Teachings to raise Insight and Mindfulness

Traditionally called Vipassana to view anicca (the ever-changing nature of things).

Mohnyin Sayadaw compares this insight about anicca with the movement of a hand. Ordinary persons will say it is the same hand in all positions; yet in the ultimate sense, trillions of ‘groups’ - physical/energy configurations - arise and vanish in the process of the oscillation as the hand is moved.

So, the real teaching is a dynamic affair where no two students are taught the same, even if it appears they are taught as a group. We say you need to understand this fineness of anicca (change due to rising and falling of matter).

Buddha Dhamma Teachings

Buddha Dhamma practices including bhavana are taught by resident Teacher John D. Hughes at the Centre every Monday and Friday evening starting at 7.30pm. You are invited to join us for any session or alternatively please contact the Centre to arrange a convenient time to visit and meet with our Teacher.

Prajnaparamita Teachings

Master John D. Hughes will teach the Prajnaparamita Sutta on the Perfection of Wisdom every Tuesday evening starting at 7.30pm. These rare Teachings commenced on the New Moon day February 16 1999 and will be taught for three years and three moons concluding on Versak 2002. Those wishing to join in these unique teachings are encouraged to become Members of our Centre. For information on the Teachings or on becoming a Member please contact the Centre.

The recommended text book is:

Conze E., ed. and Sanskrit translator, (1975, reprinted 1990) The Large Sutra On Perfect Wisdom With Divisions of the Abhisamayalankara, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pty Ltd., ISBN 81-208-0752-9.

Visiting Teachers give specialised lineage transmission

At times the Centre accommodates eminent Buddhist Monks and Teachers from other Centres and overseas to conduct Dhamma talks and teachings. At present eminent Buddhist Monk Venerable Ajarn Chanhphy Manivong visits regularly on Tuesdays mornings for Dana which is followed by a Buddha Dhamma teaching.

Puja Transmissions

Various Pujas are conducted at the Centre throughout the year by visiting Teacher Francisco So with two Pujas being conducted in early September 2000, prior to Founder’s Day. Please contact the Centre for information on these and future Pujas.

The Way of the Scholar

To overcome sloth and torpor, selected Students are taught over time the methods of writing about Buddha Dhamma. They become the next generation of wordsmiths.

Our publishing program provides opportunities for global private correspondence, Internet input, key articles for the Buddha Dyana Dana Review and in house journal Brooking Street Bugle and practice in writing conceptual solutions to real projects.

Our weekly Buddhist Hour radio broadcast scripts provide a skills incubator for meeting time lines. Regular attendance is needed and a strong wish to learn. Our superior library gives research experience.

The Buddhist Hour Broadcasts

Hillside Radio 87.6FM and 88FM

The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. broadcasts a Buddha Dhamma program called the Buddhist Hour from Hillside FM radio station at Bayswater, Victoria, 87.6 and 88 FM, every Sunday from 11am to 12pm.

Broadcasts include Teachings from our Master John D. Hughes and chanting of Buddhist Mantras.

You may also be able to hear our broadcast online at: www.gbradio.com

Five Day Bhavana Courses

Several Five Day Meditation courses are held throughout the year. Courses run from 9.00am - 10.00pm each day and there is no fee for attendance. All those who attend the courses are asked to maintain at least five precepts. Please contact the Centre for all supplementary information. The confirmed dates for 2001 are:

13-17 April
l 8-12 June
7-11 September
27-30 December

Buddha Chanting and Buddhist Holy Days

Originally, the Buddha made no provision for his Monks and Nuns to have special holy days. Over time he stated that the full first quarter, half, last quarter and new moon days could be observed as special days to practice with more vigour.

Morning chanting sessions are held on the NEW MOON, FIRST QUARTER, FULL MOON and the LAST QUARTER of every month. Please refer to the Moon Phases 2001 calendar for the dates of these Buddha Chanting sessions and Buddhist Holy Days.

Moon Phases 2001

http://www.mov.vic.gov.au/planetarium/solarsystem/phases/phases01.html

Versak

The lunar month in May denotes Versak, the celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and paranibbana anniversary. This falls on the 7 May 2001 according to the Museum Victoria Moon Phase 2001 chart.

CH'AN ACADEMY

Ch’an Classes

As an ancient Buddha Dhamma practice Ch’an trains the mind by the Way of the Brush. Ch'an (Zen) trains the mind using ink, paper, inkslab and brushes over the four seasons.

Classes in Ch'an methods are conducted by the resident Ch'an Teacher, John D. Hughes, and visiting Teachers. John has empowered two senior students Julian Bamford and Jan Bennett to teach his Ch'an methods under his guidance, on the last Sunday of each month.

Sumi-e Classes

Sumi-e methods are taught at the Centre by Master Andre Sollier. Classes are conducted monthly over the four seasons and each class runs from 10:00am to 3.00pm. Master Sollier selects a new theme every year for his students to learn. The theme for 2001 is the Story of Siddhartha.

CH'AN Classes

Classes run from 1pm – 4pm

Taught by Julian Bamford and Jan Bennett under the guidance of Ch'an Master John D. Hughes

Summer: 25 February 2001

Autumn: 25 March 2001, 29 April 2001, 27 May 2001

Winter: 24 June 2001, 30 July 2001, 27 August 2001

Spring: 24 September 2001, 29 October 2001, 26 November 2001

SUMI-E Classes

Classes run from 10am to 3pm

Taught by Master Andre Sollier

Autumn: 17 March 2001 (class 1), 31 March 2001 (workshop: how to stretch and preserve paintings), 21 April 2001 (class 2), 12 May 2001 (class 3)

Winter: 9 June 2001 (class 4), 14 July 2001 (class 5), 18 August 2001 (class 6)

Spring: 15 September 2001 (class 7), 13 October 2001 (class 8), 10 November 2001 (class 9), 24 November 2001 (workshop: how to stretch and preserve paintings)

Lessons in Ch'an and Sumi-e methods have fee charges to cover materials. The cost for classes is $66.00, which includes $6.00 GST.

The Way of the Garden

Selected Students are taught within the garden settings to observe the four seasons change.

This method improves their health.

Founders Day 2001

Founder's Day will be held at our Centre on Saturday 9 September 2001, to mark the occasion of John D. Hughes' 72nd Birth Anniversary. Our Founder's dedication to the propagation of Buddha Dhamma has meant that our Temple is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Victoria in the same location. The celebrations will include the release of 71 birds, during which those in attendance may experience the liberation of mind that is attributed to viewing this act of liberation.

Fundraising & Financial Responsibility as Leadership Training

Selected Students who wish to stabilise the continued existence of our Centre need to understand our financial programs are based on “self-help”. Several are trained in leadership and encouraged to become University graduates and post graduates in skills needed for them to become the future Directors of our Centre.

Dhamma Online

We welcome you to take a tour of our new weblink of Dhamma and related sites. Coordinated by the Founder of our Centre, John D. Hughes, the sites provide information for Buddhists and web travelers searching for good information. To start your Dhamma Online journey log on to:

www.bdcu.org.au
www.bdcublessings.one.net.au
www.skybusiness.com/j.d.hughes
www.companyontheweb.com/buddhamap
www.companyontheweb.com/buddhatext
www.johnhughes.citysearch.com.au

Teaching about Relevant Current Affairs

More and more we plan that our teaching is delivered by Internet.

We are developing more and more Internet sites so we must operate under many different regulations. In 1999, the European parliament initialed an amendment to the Copyright Directive that would outlaw random, illegal copying of material on the Internet. The move came after the Telecom companies proposed to weaken the entire copyright regime for content providers. We are studying the recent amendments to the Australian copyright law with due diligence.

We do teach minutiae when it is appropriate. Facts and figures are important to understanding issues. The lead vehicle for this style of teaching is found in the texts of our radio broadcasts. These can be read on our Internet site at www.bdcublessings.one.net.au

We are Members of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria.

From time to time, we put our position to Government Standing Committees drafting new legislation. We strive to present a balanced view of how we see the legislation affecting religious organisations in general and in particular how it will affect the operations of our organisation.

Our views are formed by extensive reading and discussion with our international peers. We cultivate direct contact with University theses to legitimatize our arguments with use of pertinent reference material.

We will not infringe copyright by publishing material that has not been cleared by the holder of the copyright. We respect industrial and intellectual property rights. Our Founder worked in the area of patents, trademarks and copyright for many years and founded AMPICTA. Our Teacher is a life member of AMPICTA, an organisation that looks after intellectual property.

Humanitarian Activities

We train persons towards cultural adaptability that can distinguish between generosity and stinginess and encourage the practice of dana (material assistance). Our ‘self-help’ training extends to many realms.

We train our Members and other persons to speak good things, to do good things, to be kind and to spread kindness to others. We fund Buddhist orphanages in Bangladesh and India. We help many local Australians with household goods and sound advice. We help many business persons direct their company policies towards sounder human resource development and prosperity based on a better global view of how their activities impact on their worker’s families and the need for enrichment training in a post-Fordism era.

There is no bias in our organisation between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the economic sense. We train persons who can organise and promote exchange of missions, scholars and students.

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