FABC News
The management committee of the FABC wishes to make this statement regarding the reclining Buddha exhibit at the NGV.
There are of course differing opinions about this exhibit, even among our committee. However, on reflection, we feel that Buddha never took or gave offence about anything, and would not take offence about this depiction, the manifestation from an artist’s mind.
The artist is clearly not trying to give offence either and while we sympathise with those who may take offence by this exhibit, we can also take this opportunity to be tolerant in this matter.
The statues are not disturbed, only our minds can be disturbed, therefore we leave it up to individuals to express concern directly to the management of the NGV.
We attach the following letter from the NGV to the BCV rep and vice president of the FABC who has pushed for a meeting with a delegation from the BCV. This letter gives some explanation of the artist’s motivation.
We also attach a statement below from the Australian Sangha Association on this matter (click to read more below).
Ajahn Brahm (Abbot, Bodhinyana Monastery, Perth) and members of the Perth Buddhist community were thanked by Ms Cecilia Mitra for donations raised to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
In Buddhist traditions, there is no fixed or mandated form of marriage and from a Buddhist point of view there is no such thing as a single fixed, natural, or pre-ordained form of marriage and supports same sex marriage as long as it is between two consenting adults.
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils has been consistent in its position in support for Same Sex Marriage since 2012 :
Feb 2017
Senate Inquiry Submission: The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils made a Senate Inquiry Submission in support of the Bill introducing Civil Marriage Equality in Australia.
Sep 2016
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils made a Statement opposing the Plebiscite on Same Sex Marriage2013
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils endorsed its 2012 Statements on Marriage Equality.2012
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils submitted a written submission in support of Marriage Equality. This was followed by a Parliamentary Consultation Statement in support of Marriage Equality.