FABC News
Wishing peace between Israel and Palestine
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Council is saddened and shocked by the events of recent days in Israel and Gaza. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Israeli and Palestinian people; for those who are mourning loved ones, for those who have been injured, for those who have been abducted and for those who are fearing for their safety. We hope all people and communities find safety and that the violence ends. We also hope for a genuine peace process that will enable reconciliation between opposing forces and that the conflict can be resolved non-violently.
The ASA and FABC supports Yes Vote Voice to Parliament
On choosing a teacher and pathway to Dharma
As Buddhists we have faith in the teaching and trust in the path of practice, but this is not a blind faith nor of obedience based solely upon belief; rather it is faith that is to be developed through questioning and exploration of the teachings and their practical application.
The Buddha was questioned by the Kalamas as to how they should determine whether a teaching was authentic and worthy of following. With so many different teachers prevalent in ancient India at the time, each with their own version of truth, the Kalamas were understandably confused.
The Buddha responded that a teaching should not be followed based on "mere hearsay, mere tradition, mere rumors or just because it accords with your scriptures." Nor should it be followed based solely on "conjecture, logical inference or because it accords with one's own views". Nor should one “blindly accept a teaching based upon devotion to an individual teacher” no matter how lofty or convincing they may seem.
The discourse goes on to provide a detailed account of how to reflect upon our actions and decisions - are they skillful or unskillful and when followed do they lead not only to our own well-being but also the well-being of others? It is this wise reflection upon the whetstone of the teachings that helps develop our wisdom, refines our actions and increases our happiness.
Today, as in the Buddha’s times, there are a multitude of options for person who earnestly seek spiritual direction, but it is wise to adopt a sensible caution before committing to a particular teacher or tradition. In much Buddhist practice lineage is considered to be an important indicator of authenticity and following one of the main traditions of Buddhist teaching provides can be a good starting point for newcomers.
As understanding deepens a practitioner may develop a sustained relationship with a teacher which enhances their practice. But even here one should not be afraid to ask: do the teachings accord with the Buddha’s teaching, and are the teachers’ actions and behaviors in line with the precepts, are they living and expressing kindness and compassion to all sentient beings?
A link to the Kalama Sutta and also a commentary on it.
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.065.than.html
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/bps-essay_09.html
Vesak Day 2023 Message from the Prime Minister
First Nations peoples in the Constitution
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Buddhist Councils supports the recognition of First Nations peoples in the Constitution as requested in the Uluru Statement.
Reconciliation and redressing past wrongs require a comprehensive response: symbolic recognition in the Constitution, effective structures for consultation and decision making through the Voice, as well as practical moves towards addressing the problems outlined in the Closing the Gap and other reports.
There are uncertainties about the effect of constitutional change and how effective the Voice will be in addressing Indigenous disadvantage. However we are reassured about the approach being taken because:
- The proposal comes from an exhaustive process of consultation within First Nations communities, and we understand a large majority of First Nations people support it;
- The preponderance of expert opinion does not anticipate legal problems arising from the constitutional changes;
establishing the Voice first provides a strong foundation for Treaty and Truth Telling;
- Being able to advise the executive arm of government ensures that the Voice will be able to influence the detailed design and implementation of government programs.
There have been questions about how effective the new arrangements will be for addressing Indigenous disadvantage. Time will tell. However this is a test for all of us, and Truth Telling and Treaty will give us the opportunity to lead Australia to a more cohesive, stronger and prouder nation.
With this in mind, we encourage the Government to make priority of addressing current problems highlighted in the Closing the Gaps report, in parallel with pursuing constitutional reform.
Gawaine Powell Davies
President, Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
Constitutional Recognition of First Nations Peoples
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Buddhist Councils supports the recognition of First Nations peoples in the Constitution as requested in the Uluru Statement.
Reconciliation and redressing past wrongs require a comprehensive response: symbolic recognition in the Constitution, effective structures for consultation and decision making through the Voice, as well as practical moves towards addressing the problems outlined in the Closing the Gap and other reports.
There are uncertainties about the effect of constitutional change and how effective the Voice will be in addressing Indigenous disadvantage. However we are reassured about the approach being taken because:
- The proposal comes from an exhaustive process of consultation within First Nations communities, and we understand a large majority of First Nations people support it;
- The preponderance of expert opinion does not anticipate legal problems arising from the constitutional changes;
establishing the Voice first provides a strong foundation for Treaty and Truth Telling;
- Being able to advise the executive arm of government ensures that the Voice will be able to influence the detailed design and implementation of government programs.
There have been questions about how effective the new arrangements will be for addressing Indigenous disadvantage. Time will tell. However this is a test for all of us, and Truth Telling and Treaty will give us the opportunity to lead Australia to a more cohesive, stronger and prouder nation.
With this in mind, we encourage the Government to make priority of addressing current problems highlighted in the Closing the Gaps report, in parallel with pursuing constitutional reform.
Gawaine Powell Davies
President, Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils