FABC News
The FABC Annual General Meeting was held in Perth on 10 August 2015. This event followed the "9th Global Conference on Buddhism" held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 8th to the 9th August. Some of the Delegates who had got to know each other via telephone and email, finally had the opportunity to meet face to face. The new management committee elected consists of President: Jake Mitra of WA, Vice-President: Myly Nguyen of VIC, Secretary: Mr Kim Hollow of QLD (past-President) and Treasurer Benjamin Webster of NSW.
Other invited guests attending the AGM (shown at rear Left to Right) were Mr. Kevin Dickson (BCWA), Mr. Dennis Sheppard (BSWA), Venerable Ajahn Brahm (BSWA)
The FABC consists of two delegated Members appointed by the mainland state Buddhist Councils of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The Buddhist Climate Change Action Kit is an up-to-date, comprehensive online resource with creative ideas to empower Buddhists to care for the natural world.
From quotes from the Buddha and great teachers, to dharma practice, to easy-to- understand science, from ideas for nurturing a sense of connection with Creation to tips for improving energy efficiency and advocacy, this kit will empower your Buddhist community to become more ecologically aware and responsive.
The Buddha was born in the forrest, achieved full awakening among the trees and passed away into parinibbana surrounded by trees and nature. He encouraged frugality and the preciousness of all life forms. He also taught impermanence and right action to improve one's own welfare and that of all beings on the planet.
Hence the Buddha taught us about the interconnectedness of all living things, including ourselves. This kit was developed with the assistance of ARRCC (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change).
DOWNLOAD THE KIT HERE
I am pleased to provide this message on the occasion of Vesak.
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Sakyamuni Buddha, this is an important time for the Buddhist community to come together in fellowship, and for the broader community to deepen their appreciation of Buddhist culture.
The Buddhist community, in all its diversity, has become an integral part of the Australian story.
Buddhism is Australia’s second-most practiced religion. For many, it provides meaning, purpose and inspiration to their daily lives.
The five precepts of Buddhism: don’t kill, don’t steal, avoid dishonourable conduct, don’t lie, and don’t over-indulge, stand as a universal code of conduct that all people – regardless of our religion or culture – should strive towards.
At this time, we celebrate the contribution that the Buddhist community makes to Australia. I acknowledge your commitment to respect, compassion and understanding as taught by Buddha.
I send my best wishes to everyone attending this celebration.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia
26 May 2015
download the message for display at your Buddhist center here