Chung Tian Buddhist Temple December 2018 Edition 129 1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Website: www.chungtian.org.au BLIAQ Newsletter Email: [email protected] Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522 Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia

Upcoming Events Greetings to all our readers.

Welcome to the December newsletter. This month’s edition sees the first Every Sunday: Buddha’s in a series Our Beautiful Temple, where we highlight one of the many wonderful Light Scout Group artefacts or features at Chung Tian. We also have a contribution from a member during school terms who has been attending Dharma classes under the expert guidance of Venerable Miao Xin, and who shares with us, her thoughts and experience of those classes. 2 December - One Day On November 24th almost 30 people Took Refuge in The Triple Gem, so for Meditation Retreat. this month’s words of Venerable Master , I have chosen some of his writing about The Triple Gem.

Recently the Oxford English dictionary listed Toxic as ‘The Word Of 9 December Thank you The Year’. They reported that Toxic best summed up the mood of Lunch for The Venerables the year and it was ‘a word or expression chosen to reflect the

passing year in language’ one that ‘best captures the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year.’ Whilst we may have 15 December Art Gallery previously used this word in relation to physical poisons or chemical pollutants of Art Exhibition Opening some kind, now this word can represent workplace cultures, politics, even Ceremony relationships. So how do we protect ourselves from this toxicity that seems to have permeated so many aspects of twenty-first century western life? 16 December As Buddhists, it has significant relevance for us. It is not a new use of the Tea Ceremony Day at word. It is actually what the Buddha was teaching centuries ago. Surely nothing can be more toxic than Mara. The Buddha spoke of three poisons that if not recognised for what they are, can infiltrate the mind, allowing delusions and the path of suffering to take hold. He showed us a path from suffering and that we 16 December Temple clean-up day can be impervious to poisons (toxicity) by studying and following the Dharma. In otherwords, the Dharma when combined with the Buddha and Sangha becomes our Hazmat suit! As noted by this month’s words of Venerable Hsing Yun, The Tripple Gem is the mechanism by which, if followed and practiced, we can become impermeable to the poisons and delusive thoughts of this world. Hilary Lennon – editor

Contents Page

The Rabbit’s Horn: a member’s experience of Dharma classes 2 Our Beautiful Temple 3 Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun 4 Temple Activities for December 5-6 Meditation, Buddhist, Tai Chi and other Classes for Term 1 in 2019 7

Buddha’s Light International Association Qld Newsletter Edition 129 December 2018

THE RABBIT’S HORN: A COMMENTARY ON THE PLATFORM SUTRA like ignorance and wisdom, truth and illusion, joy and A member reflects on Level 4 Dharma study anger, arising and ceasing.

Single-form Samadhi and single-practice Samhadi – Venerable right meditative Miao Xin has led concentration: us on a journey One must believe deeply into the final in the Law of Cause and chapters of the Effect; One must strictly sutra, discussing As part of the class uphold the precepts; One repentance and structure, the Venerable must have firm faith and One reformation, asked us to each present must have conviction to opportunities and conditions, a chapter or a number of pages follow the path. the sudden and the gradual, and our thoughts about what was discussed. Apart from and the Dharma protector. Overall, we have learnt involving everyone in the that answers are within, in We have pondered discussion, it led to deep thought the intrinsic Buddha nature. intrinsic Buddha nature, the about what was presented and Buddhism often mentions the three refuges, the fact that how to extract the salient points “outsider”. Outsiders are the mind is the Buddha and for the class to consider. By those who look for the Way the Buddha is the mind, becoming teachers, we have outside of the mind. Master permanence and become better students and we Hsing Yun’s commentary impermanence, the pure have tried to apply the teachings reminds us that to look for mind, motion and stillness. in our daily lives. the Way outside of the mind What we have found in One of the only leads us further from the our studies is that the presentations from another Way. People are deluded, Dharma requires close study, class member, gave us her because illusion covers their deep thinking and thoughtful insights which true mind. contemplation and a provoked a discussion in class Venerable Maio Xin has willingness to realise that of some interesting thoughts shared her deep knowledge even though we may not from the Dharma: of the Dharma with us and understand everything fully, encouraged us to persist we can still learn from its Dualistic phenomena – when we found it difficult to study and from discussing it thinking that things are either understand. She has helped with the Venerable and our one way or the other; this us see the intrinsic Buddha classmates. contradicts the Middle Way. nature that is in us all and We have also learned a The thirty-six pairs welcomed our thoughts and lot this term about Master taught by Huineng – ideas about what we have Huineng, the Northern and insentient things like heaven studied. Southern schools of thought, and earth, sun and moon, Karen Murphy BLIAQ Member as well as the lineage of the light and darkness; language Chan school. and characteristics like form and formlessness, form and emptiness, motion and stillness, old and young; and

functions of intrinsic nature

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Our Beautiful Temple

A Buddhist monastery’s front entrance is literally called “mountain gate” in Chinese.

Photo: Dave Holland with permission

Mountain Gate refers to the traditional Buddhist monasteries have historically been mountain setting of monasteries. The Chung Tian situated in mountain forests, providing monastics Temple’s main gate is constructed in a style with a location well suited to spiritual cultivation. traditional to Chinese Buddhist temples: a large The gardens of Chung Tian serve to carry on this central opening flanked by two smaller openings. tradition in a more urban environment. Many of This triplet mirrors: the plantings are native to Australia, with a notable exception being the Bodhi trees. 1) The three virtues leading to enlightenment: wisdom, compassion, and These are easily recognisable by the heart- skilful means. shaped leaves, a shape which frequently appears in Buddhist art as a symbol of the Buddha’s 2) The three provisions: faith, vows and wisdom. practice, which aid one in realizing the truth and in promoting freedom from suffering. The Bodhi tree is the type of tree under which Gautama Siddhartha attained supreme 3) The three essential elements of enlightenment and was henceforth known as Buddhism: discipline (precepts), meditation Sakyamuni Buddha. and wisdom. Willow and bamboo also have symbolic 4) The three gates leading to liberation: meaning for Chinese Buddhists. Both trees emptiness, formlessness and no-action (wu- represent resilience and moral integrity on wei). account of their natural ability to withstand harsh wind and weather. The willow furthermore, has Located immediately inside the Temple legendarily been imparted with the power to fend grounds, the gardens contain statues and plants off evil demons. Because a bamboo’s core is chosen to create a peaceful ambience, while the hollow, it is a symbol of humility. The bamboo is presence of Bodhi trees are indicative of the also one of the “Four Scholars” of traditional place at which the Buddha achieved Chinese painting (the other three being enlightenment. chrysanthemum, plum blossom, and orchid). The Bodhisattva Kuan Yin is often depicted with a willow branch or bamboo. 3 Buddha’s Light International Association Qld Newsletter Edition 129 December 2018

THIS MONTH’S WORDS OF VENERABLE MASTER HSING YUN

Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem (also known as the Three Jewels)

‘Gold, silver diamonds liberation of sentient beings. and pearls are all considered Not one can be lacking. Only In his book Core to be treasures in our when a patient has a good Teachings1 Venerable Master mundane world. In the world doctor, proper medicine, and Hsing Yun tells us that the of Buddhism, the Buddha, the skilful nurses can his illness be Triple Gem is the first formal Dharma, besides the Sanga cured. This is also true for life, step onto the Buddhist Path. are the treasures of our for only by relying on the He goes on to say – Dharma body and wisdom- Buddha, the Dharma, and the life. By making a commitment Sangha can we be happy, to the Triple Gem, we reap liberated and free from the benefits of such sublime suffering.’ gems, which ultimately brings us far more meaningful benefits than any material

Triple Gem Ceremony November 2018 gems could provide.’

2 He goes on to say - ‘To ‘Taking refuge signifies put it simply, the Buddha is that we have become like a doctor, the Dharma is Triple Gem Ceremony November 2018 disciples of the Triple Gem – like medicine, and the Sangha The Buddha the Dharma and is like a team of nurses. each the Sanga. When we take of these three causes are refuge in the Triple Gem it important causes for the determines the direction of our faith. When a Buddhist practitioner decides to take refuge in the Triple Gem, it represents a stronger life commitment to learn, practice, and embrace the virtues of the Buddha, Dharma and Sanga’. Triple Gem Ceremony November 2018

1 The Core Teachings, Essays in 2 The Core Teachings, Essays in Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun Tenth Anniversary Edition Buddha’s Tenth Anniversary Edition Buddha’s Light Publishing 2012 p.119. Light Publishing 2012 p.121.

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Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple Activities for December 2018

Date Day Time Program Million Affinities Water and Land External Altar Sat. 10:30am-12:00noon 1,8,15 Dec. Dharma Service (Medicine Buddha

Sutra) 2 Dec. Sun. 9:00am-3:30pm English Meditation Retreat 7 Dec.

Fri. 11:00am-12:00noon Bright Light Dharma Service (Lunar 1 Nov.) 8 Dec. Sat. 1:30pm BLIAQ Monthly Presidents Meeting 9 Dec. Sun. 3:30pm-5:30 pm Health Cooking Class Art Gallery – Art Exhibition Opening 15 Dec. Sat. 1:30pm Ceremony 16 Dec. Sun. 10:00am-3:00pm Tea Ceremony Day

21 Dec. Fri. 11:00am-12:00noon Bright Light Dharma Service (Lunar 15 Nov.) Recitation of Amitabha Buddha 22 Dec. Sat. 9:00am- 3:00pm Retreat Celebrate Amitabha Buddha’s

23 Dec. Sun. 9:00am-12:00pm Birthday – Recitation of Amitabha Buddha Dharma Service

Chinese Buddhist Chanting Service 29 Dec. Sat. 10:30am Merit Transfer to the Deceased Every week Wed. 9:30am-11:00am Chung Tian Tai Chi Class Sat. 9:00am-10:30am Sun. 8:30am-10:00am Every week Sun. 1:30pm-3:00pm Chinese Calligraphy Class Chung Tian Chinese Orchestra 3:00pm-5:00pm Practice

Every week Sun. 9:00am-9:40am English Buddhist Chanting Service

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Buddha’s Light International Association Qld Newsletter Edition 129 December 2018

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2019 Term 1 - Meditation, Buddhist & Tai Chi Classes held at Chung Tian Temple

Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 2 Level: Level 1 Day: Sunday Level: Level 3 Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Date 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required

Bodhi Class For Children Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class Ages: 4 - 12 years Level: Level 4 (Free for BLIAQ members) Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Cost: $20 per term Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Cost: $20 per term – booking is required Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. Ì Children are taught Buddhist morals and ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are backed by fun activities which include: simple meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist Ì To book for the Buddhist stories and virtues, craft activities and team- classes, an application form building games. must be completed and returned to the Chung Tian Temple’s reception together with full payment at least a week prior to the course Tai Chi Class commence date.

Day: Every Wednesday Ì For all enquiries please Teenager’s Buddhist Class Time: 9.30am – 11.00am contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday Ages: 13 - 19 years to Sunday, or email: Where: Chung Tian Temple [email protected] Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am or see www.chungtian.org.au Cost: Free donation Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Tai Chi Class Thank you Cost: $20 per term Day: Every Saturday Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family Time: 9.00am – 10.30am will be free. Where: Chung Tian Temple Ì The intermediate Dharma class builds on Cost: Free donation and expands the basic foundations of Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical Tai Chi Class approach and solutions to challenges issues faced by young people today. Day: Every Sunday

Time: 8.30am – 10.00am

Where: Chung Tian Temple

Cost: Free donation

Please send items and suggestions for inclusion in the newsletter to: [email protected] with the word “Newsletter” in the subject. If referring to another person by name in your submission, please ensure you have their permission to do so.

Special thanks to Mr Dave Holland for the photograph of Our Temple Gate edition. Also Mr Peter Wu for photos of the Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony.

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