Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils

From Healing to Awakening - AABCAP 4th Annual Conference

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:30:00 -0400

Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors & Psychotherapists
	AABCAP 4th Annual Conference From Healing to Awakening 14-15 August 2010 State Library - Macquarie Street, Sydney Register Online www.buddhismandpsychotherapy.org/conf Enquiries info@buddhismandpsychotherapy.org

Buddhist Festival Month

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:20:00 -0400

The Buddhist Festival Month is intended as a celebration in May for Buddhist ceremonies and festivities and a way of bringing the Buddhist community closer together, recognising that all Buddhist groups and traditions share the same core teachings. At the same time, it is also intended to be an invitation to the general public to come and explore the Buddhaâs teachings and how it can be incorporated into oneâs lifestyle. The main events during the Buddhist Festival Month would include the traditional Vesak and Buddhaâs birthday events, but also, for the first time, a Buddhist Expo, the Mitra Conference and a Buddhist Film Festival.

The Buddhist Expo will be the flagship event of the Buddhist Festival Month and will be held on the first weekend of May. It will be open to the general public and provide an opportunity for anyone wanting to know more about Buddhism to experience it for themselves. The emphasis would be on informing, experiencing and participating in the application of Buddhist teachings to everyday life.

To launch the Buddhist Festival Month we will have an Opening Ceremony which will probably include a combination of Buddhist chanting, meditation and short speeches on an appropriate theme.

Download Expo Poster

In 2010, the Mitra Conference will run alongside the Buddhist Expo on the first weekend in May. It will continue to have a full conference program with a range of the best international and local speakers and topics. Running it in parallel with the Expo gives those interested an opportunity for deeper involvement and exploration into Buddhism.

Buddhist Festival Month May 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:30:00 -0400

Download Mitra Conference Poster

Key Events:

* MITRA Conference on 1-2 May
* Buddhism Expo 1-2 May
* Schools Day for HSC students on 3 May
* Buddhist Film Festival later in the month Community events are also being planned and promoted at www.buddhistfestivalmonth.org.au

Here are the keynote speakers from around the world ...
* Ven. Tenzin Palmo author Cave in the Snow
* Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso author Opening The Door Of Your Heart
* Ven. Master Heng Sure writer/performer of Buddhist folk songs
* Ven. Thubten Chodron author Buddhism for Beginners
* Mr Gregory Kramer co-inventor of Insight Dialogue
* Ms Sarah Napthali author Buddhism for Mothers
* Ven. Huifeng authority on Chinese Buddhism
* Ven. Bhikkhuni Dhammananda pioneer in Buddhist womenâs issues

We are also launching the Metta Portal www.metta.org.au which is available to all your members as well for Free

As there is significant potential for the Buddhist community to grow its image and profile it is our vision and aspiration that Buddhist Festival Month becomes a national festival each year (when and if other states are able to join in).

5th Regional Interfaith Dialogue Perth 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:40:00 -0400

Participants from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are gathered in Perth for the 2009 Regional Interfaith Dialogue on âFuture Faith Leaders: Regional Challenges and Cooperationâ.

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The event was hosted by the Australian government; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During the Closing Reception held on 30 Oct 2009, BCWA President spoke with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Stephen Smith MP about representation of the Buddhist community.

- Dept. of Foreign Affairs & Trade Press Release - 5th RID
- Federal Minister Mr Stephen Smith MP Speech to 5th RID

Parliament of the World's Religions - Melbourne 2009

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:20:00 -0400

Make a World of Difference; Hearing each other, Healing the earth

The Parliament of the World's Religions invite you to answer the great challenges of our time. As individuals, as religious and spiritual communities, as citizens of the world, we hold in our hands the ability to create a more just and peaceful world â one in which our respect for each other is matched by our respect for our planet and its resources. The 2009 Parliament will also focus on the struggles and spiritualities of Indigenous peoples around the globe, particularly highlighting the Aboriginal communities of Australia. Thousands of people from around the world will convene to renew their work for the future of the planet.

This December, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings together people from every religious and spiritual background to advance the dialogue that can create the future we all envision.

Dhammapada presented to Australian Parliament

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:50:00 -0400

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A copy of the Dhammapada has been added to the Despatch Box on the central table in front of the Prime Minister. The president of the Federation of the Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC) Mr Brian Ashen is seen here handing a copy of the Dhammapada to Mr Harry Jenkins MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. This momentous occasion for the Buddhist community of Australia took place on the 15th of June 2009.

International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak

Sun, 24 May 2009 10:10:00 -0400

International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak
- Report by Brian White

I attended this conference in Bangkok from 4 to 6 May 2009. There were approximately 1300 attendees from over 70 countries. There were 36 names on the attendance list from Australia. /Cont......

Vesak Message from PM

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:20:00 -0400

You can download Prime Minister Rudd's letter here.

It is with pleasure that I provide this message to the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils for the Vesak on 20 May 2008.

The Buddhist festival of Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. With lanterns and lights adorning temples and homes this is an important time for spiritual renewal when Buddhists recommit to the Buddha's teaching.

Australia is home to a diversity of faiths united by tolerance, mutual respect and a commitment to democratic traditions. As an inclusive society we support and respect the rights of citizens to maintain and develop their cultural and religious beliefs.

This year Australia's Buddhist community is encouraged to celebrate Vesak with the theme Acts of Kindness. This reflects the commitment of the Australian Buddhist community to compassion, peace and harmony.

I send my best wishes to the Buddhist community in Australia as it celebrates Vesak in 2008.

The Honorable Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister of Australia

FABC letter to PM regarding the Stolen Generation

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:00:00 -0400

Dear Mr. Rudd,

I am writing to you on behalf of the State Buddhist Councils of Australia to express their support for the Sorry statement to be given to the Stolen generation, their families, and the wider indigenous community.

Open Letter to Australia's Political Leaders

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 07:20:00 -0400

Dear Mr Howard,

I am writing to you about the future of the Buddhist communities in Australia.