FABC News
The FABC and the Australian Sangha Association have written to the Myanmar ambassador regarding our deep concern about the violence in Burma last month. In particular we are alarmed by reports that in some instances the violence may have been instigated and/or supported by some Buddhist monks.
The text of the joint letter read as follows:
2013 VESAK DAY CELEBRATIONS
It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Vesak across Australia this year.
Vesak is of global importance to the Buddhist community as it gathers to commemorate Gautama Buddha and contemplate his message of compassion and goodwill.
This occasion also offers a time for reflection and the opportunity for all to learn from the teachings of equality, respect and understanding that are such a rich part of Buddhism.
The world is increasingly interdependent and complex, and we are more connected to one another than at any point in history. It is increasingly important that tolerance, non-violence and diligence – Buddhist values – are demonstrated in all of our relationships within local and global communities.
The ABC TV program Q&A is perhaps Australia's number one current affairs program and so we were pleased to see Ven Robina Courtin on the show on 1st April 2013.
The Australian Buddhist community is looking forward to more Buddhist panelists, especially Buddhists who are based in Australia. We note that all other panelists on the show on 1st April are all based in Australia.
So we urge the Q&A show producers to invite prominent Buddhist speakers who are based in Australia to voice our views on topics such as religion and science, marriage equality, voluntary self-euthanasia, animal rights and all other current affairs matters affecting Australians.