Edition 110 January 2016 Chung Tian Buddhist 1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127,

Website: www.chungtian.org.au

BLIAQ Newsletter Email: [email protected]

Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522 ha

Be Smart and Agile

Upcoming Events

30 January 2016 Humanistic Preachers Workshop

6 February 2016 BLIAQ Members & volunteers Gathering

7 February 2016 Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebrations

8 February 2016  Peace and blessings to you all! Homage to Thousand Buddha Service The year 2016, according to the Chinese Zodiac custom, belongs to the Year of Monkey. Monkeys are very clever with great adroitness. We often see monkeys performing stunts or tricks in a bid to 13 February 2016 win applause from onlookers. The giving of joy to other people is a very important kind of giving in Homage to Thousand the world.

Buddha Service I hope that in this year, all our Foguang people as well as people that are brought together by affinities will be wise and nimble like the fictional Money King who is almighty with supernatural 14 February 2016 power. I also hope that our acquaintances can exert the innate power of the mind so that it is like a Cultural Open Day monkey that moves and thinks. While our dexterity unfolds, we will become a man of refined manners and have great tact in handling matters. 27 February 2016 May everything be well with you! My best greetings to you all!  Venerable Master Patrons and Volunteers

Gathering A Prayer for the New Year

6 March 2016 Oh great, compassionate Buddha, another year is apt to bring spring breezes, a new year is finally Clean Up Australia Day coming down to the world again. The toll of temple bells, the new calendar on the wall; everything indicates that all things change from old to new, once a new year begins again.

Oh great, compassionate Buddha, at the beginning of the New Year I will regard everything in the future as a today that is new-born, and everything in the past as a yesterday that is past I would like to express my wishes; at the beginning of this New Year, I wish for: Harmony in the family and

happiness at home; contentment in life and the performing of good deeds to help the world; stability

in emotions and dignity in character, the elimination of bad habits and advances in moral culture; determination in doing things and compassion in treating others; smoothness in career and health in body and mind; improvement in cultivation and increase in wisdom and understanding; prosperity in Buddhism and the liberation of all beings; steadfastness in society and happiness in people; peace on earth and universal rejoicing.

Oh great, compassionate Buddha, in the New Year please bless me: That every word I say be compassionated kind and encouraging; that everything I do be liked by most people and beneficial to the masses; that every intention I have be a blessing to others and a transfer of merits to them; that every action I take be beneficial to the nation and of assistance to the world; that I be willing to contribute my own body and mind to society; that I be willing to share everything I own with others.

I pray to you, Buddha, please bless and support me with your compassion; allow me to share in the suffering of others, allow me to promote the well-being of society.

Oh great, compassionate Buddha, I vow to participate and serve in the activities of and other place that teach ; I vow to progress unadulteratedly, with determination, to cultivate and uphold the discipline and forms that remove the trials of life.

Oh great, compassionate Buddha, please give me strength, allow me to progress unadulteratedly, without idleness, on the way to enlightenment, and to never complain or regret.

Please give me faith; allow me to be able to subdue evil obstruction on the way to truth, and to benefit both self and others.

Oh great, compassionate Buddha, the New Year is a pervasive, new spirit. Allow me to start everything anew; oh great, compassionate Buddha, allow me to start everything anew..  Venerable Master Hsing Yun Page 1

New Year Greetings

 New Year Greetings

As we step into 2016, may prosperity and abundance follow you and bless you for the whole year round.

On behalf of and all the Venerables, we would like to express our warmest gratitude to all the BLIAQ members, devotees, volunteers and friends for your support and contribution throughout the years. Your contribution means the world to us and the propagation of .

I would like to personally thank each of you for the time, contribution and commitment you have given to Chung Tian Temple. We truly appreciate your support. Thank you so much.

Along with all the new hopes and promises that the New Year will bring, we hope that it also brings us more opportunities to work together. Wish you a very Happy and Successful Year ahead. May Buddha bless you and your family with happiness, good health, peace and joy.  Venerable Chueh Shan, Abbess of Chung Tian Temple

 Dear BLIAQ members and friends,

Firstly, I would like to take this great opportunity to wish you all have a jubilant and auspicious Year of Monkey and of course, thanks to the guidance of the Venerables. With their wisdom, together we achieved a lot in the past year.

The concept of is based on the fact that everyone has the nature of Buddha. That is why Venerable Master Hsing Yun always encourages us to speak out “I am Buddha” with confidence. I do believe, through continuously attending Dharma functions, learning the true meanings of Buddhism and good practices, we can cultivate our nature of Buddha very well to make ourselves to attain it.

This year, the 20th BBDF will be held from 29 April to 1 May at South Bank Parklands. It is really a milestone for us. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your support and contribution in the past years. As you can understand, we are unable to make it so successful without your support. Let us do it together again. Thanks!

Wish you have a peaceful and harmonious year of 2016.  Kim Wu, President of BLIAQ

All in a Thought

 When we talk about time, we often say “time flies”, however our thoughts flash past like lightning, even faster than time. Our minds are like the tides; thoughts arise and cease, one after another, never ending.

Our mind is not limited by time and space, we can travel the world all in a thought and we can go through three lifetimes in a thought. We can go up to heaven and then come back down to earth, all in a thought. Our minds could be as large at the universe, or even encompass realms as numerous as grains of sand. Just as the Chinese saying goes, “When we have no worries in our minds, a small bed is as large as the universe. But when we have troubles on our minds, even the whole world seems very small.” Our minds can embrace three thousand realms just in a singles thought. Be it heaven or hell, or being reborn in the six realms, whether it is Buddha or demon, it is all in a thought.

Our mind is our master, for from our mind arises views, and if we change our views and our outlook on life, we can change our fate. A thought can change tears into smiles and a thought can transform foolery into skillful means. A thought of compassion to help others elicits the mind of sages, and a thought of jealousy to hurt others brings forth the mind of the wicked. A thought of

selfishness to gain profit for oneself will only achieve limited accomplishments and a thought of initiative to benefit others will attain limitless .

In history, the fate of countries have been changed due to one thought; kings and emperors have risen and fallen from a single thought and the countries with them. In this world, many change their entire lives in a hasty decision. Many take their lives for lost love, leaving their families in pain and grief, while some steal and kill for profit, bringing others great harm and ruining their own lives as well, and it is all due to a thought.

Our minds hold the key to our rise and fall. There are two sides to every thought; we can be liberated and let go of all worries in a thought of enligh tenment and we can be trapped and create waves of agitation in a thought of delusion. The mind is also a symbol of eternity, a thought of enlightenment can transform the ordinary into the wise, and worry can become bodhi. A thought of delusion affects our whole life, and at the moment of passing, guides our next life. A thought can be so crucial – as practitioners, shouldn’t we be cautious of all that there is in a thought?  Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Invitation to visit Australia Zoo by Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin

 In order to thank BLIAQ Loving Care Group for the generous donation in 2015 Buddha Birthday Festival, Australia Zoo specially invited Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Loving Care Group Leader Wang Shuang-Rong, Vice Leader Karan Chi and BBDF Marketing Manager Ralph Smith and his wife to come for a visit in the morning of 14 th of January 2016. Australia Zoo, located in Sunshine Coast, Queensland is owned by the family of Steven Irwin ‘The Crocodile Hunter’.

Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin gave them a warm welcome, and guided them to tour round parks of koalas and crocodiles which covered 100 acres. Together with thousands of tourists, they watched the wonderful shows of parrots, eagles and crocodiles. They also visited Australian Animal Hospital in the park, the largest

private animal hospital in Australia and its medical equipment. In the hospital, wounded animals such as koalas, parrots and kangaroos were carefully treated. Injured wildlife was also admitted, and after recovery, they would be released back to nature. People were impressed by their spirit of great

compassion.

Though Steven Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter had passed away for many years, his widow Terri Irwin bravely led daughter Bindi, son Robert and 400 people in the working team to continue to promote the concept of conservation of wildlife, share experiences in animal care, and establish wildlife charitable funds to support animal protection and education. Through exchanges, they hope to enhance people’s understanding towards natural environment, and they also urge children to take part in conservation.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan praised their compassionate act in animal protection especial ly those that were vulnerable. Their act was similar to the of no killing and life protection, showing the spirit of ‘unconditional kindness and compassion’. She presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy of ‘Be Smart and Agile’ to them for the New Year and the book ‘365 Days for Travellers’ as gift.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Australian Ambassador Li Da-Wei visited Chung Tian Temple

 Li Da-Wei, ROC () Ambassador to Australia, accompanied by Lai Wei- Zhong, Director of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) visited Chung Tian Temple on 19th of January 2016. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, BLIA Director David Yang and BLIAQ Vice President Arthur Liu, a total of 12 people gave them warm reception.

The incumbent ROC Ambassador to Australia Li Da-Wei also served as envoy in Europe, the United States and Canada, and was the Chairman of Coordinating Council for North American Affairs. In April 2010, he was recognised as the second most influential ambassador by Ottawa’s foreign policy magazine ‘Embassy’ in Canada. Ambassador Li deeply admired Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and praised the struggle of Foguangshan around the world in the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. Every time when he served in a country, he would go to visit the Foguangshan temple there.

This time, Ambassador Li specially came from Canberra to visit Chung Tian Temple. Venerable Chueh Shan guided him to the Main Hall to offer light to the Buddha, ring the Blessing Bell to pray for peace and prosperity in diplomatic work. In the Wisdom Room, Venerable Chueh Shan briefly introduced the background of building the temple, and various cultural, educational, charitable and Buddhist practice activities offered by the temple in promoting the localization of Humanistic Buddhism. At present, the Pilgrims Lodge is planned to be built to cater the need of Dharma propagation. BLIAQ Vice President Arthur Liu introduced the structure of BLIAQ and activities held by all Branches each year, especially the annual Buddha Birthday Festival in May which has become an iconic cultural event in Queensland.

Director David Yang and Xu Xiu-Mei, Vice Principal of Chung Tian School, Gold Coast introduced the school’s curriculum and the future vision. Venerable Chueh Shan specially presented the Venerable Master’s books of ‘Hear Me Out: Messages from the Humble Monk’ and ‘Collection of Humanistic Buddhism’ to Ambassador Li as gifts.

In the VIP Dining Room, they enjoyed the elaborately prepared vegetarian dishes which Ambassador Li repeatedly praised their delicious taste. BLTV reporter Ralph Smith also seized the opportunity to interview Ambassador Li, recording a New Year movie clip to the Venerable Master.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

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Chung Tian Temple promoted Art of Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy

 On 9th of January 2016, the ‘Art Feast of Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy’ jointly organized by BLIAQ Teachers Branch and Australian& Asian Art Network Association was held in Chung Tian Temple, inviting Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Taiwan double-barrelled brush calligrapher Xiao Ji-Hui, the wife of

Director of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (Brisbane) Jiang Yuan-Yuan, Director of Queensland Taiwan Overseas Community Affairs Council Dong You-

Wen, Chairman of Queensland Daily Huang Su-Zhen etc. as guests. David Yang School Affairs Committee member, President Xu Xiu-Mei, Xu Yu-Pei and Cai Shu-Man were to demonstrate ‘The oneness taste of Tea Ch’an’ in the Tea Ceremony classroom. 32 people attended including Fan Ru-Chu, Founding President of Australian & Asian Art Network Association and members.

President Xu Xiu-Mei briefly introduced the significance of Foguang Tea Ceremony and the way to appreciate calmness and purity. Participants sat at four tables to observe the demonstration of the Tea Ceremony procedure. The difference in tea leaves, tea sets and space ambience would bring about different feelings and experiences.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan said that she was honoured to have Xiao Ji-Hui, the Taiwan double-barrelled brush calligrapher to the ‘Art Feast of Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy’. Everyone could use tea to make friends and enjoy seeing the double-barrelled brush calligraphy on spot, enhancing the interaction of art. From the drinking of tea, one could appreciate the importance of affinity

and to experience joy, gratitude and compassion in accordance with Ch’an.

An impressive thing was when Xiao Ji-Hui was writing ‘Tea Ch’an’ with double- barrelled brush calligraphy on site, twin works were produced as the ink penetrated to the underlying sheet of paper. The characters were sleek and powerful, full of the taste of Ch’an. He presented them to Chung Tian Temple, winning continued applause from the people there.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book of ‘Hear Me Out: Messages from the Humble Monk’ and ‘The festival lighting up Australia’s new world city, Buddha Birth Day (Brisbane 1992-2013)’ to Xiao Ji- Hui and his wife, and thanked him for his participation and calligraphy demonstration. She also gave ‘365 Days for Travellers’ to the attendees.

Everyone cherished the opportunity of meeting each other with tea and calligraphy. In the end though reluctant to part, BLIA Director David Yang invited the different organizations and communities to come to Chung Tian Temple in future to organize art feast of tea ceremony and Ch’an, to read the Venerable Master’s works and to share knowledge and experience. This opened a prelude to the bright future of ‘Tea and Ch’an’.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

China Eastern Airlines Staff visited Chung Tian Temple

th  On 16 of January at 4.00 p.m., General Manager of Oceania of China Eastern Airlines Zhang Xiao-Xi, Fright Sales Manager of Oceania Luo Cheng and UEXPRESS Group Managing Director Alan Lai, a total of six people visited Chung Tian Temple. They were warmly received by Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, and BLIAQ Directors Ralph Smith and Meng Hong.

China Eastern Airlines was going to launch direct flights between Brisbane and Shanghai. General Manager Zhang Xiao-Xi came to Brisbane to organize the set up of a branch company. As the flight was launched the next day, she specially came to the temple with her colleagues to pray for blessing.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan guided them to the Main Hall to offer incense and pay homage to the Buddha, and then visit the Art Gallery, Conference Room etc.. The temple’s function in Dharma propagation was explained and they were led to ring the Blessing Bell.

Zhang Xiao-Xi said that they often went to in . When they knew that there was also a Foguangshan temple in Brisbane, they were happy to come to visit.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book of ‘365 Days for Travellers’ and ‘The festival lighting up Australia’s new world city, Buddha Birth Day (Brisbane 1992-2013)’ to them and wished them success in the test flight. She welcomed them to come to the temple often.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

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Thai came to Chung Tian Temple in Pilgrimage

th  On 9 of January 2016, Abbess of Thai Buddharam in Brisbane led 120

devotees to visit Chung Tian Temple in their New Year pilgrimage. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Venerable Miao Xin, and BLIAQ Directors Ralph Smith and Meng Hong received them. They were led to the Main Hall to offer incense and pay homage to the Buddha, wishing everyone to be smart and agile in the New Year to come.

Their five Venerables led the devotees to chant and pray in Thai, flowers, incense and light to the Buddha and piously expressing their reverence to the Triple Gem. Wat Thai Buddharam planned to visit nine temples on the day, departing from 7.30 in the morning. Chung Tian Temple was already the eighth temple they visited. Following this, they would go to the Cambodian temple in Logan City to complete their tour.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan welcomed them and thanked them for their participation in the Multi-faith Prayer and Light Offering Ceremony in Buddha

Birthday Festival in the past years. She said that Wat Thai Buddharam had good interactions with Chung Tian Temple, and wished them to successfully complete the visit of the ninth temple. She presented to them Venerable Master Hsing

Yun’s photo-biography of ‘Cloud and Water’ and the Venerable Master’s calligraphy of ‘Smart and Agile’ for 2016. Chinese New Year activities of Chung

Tian Temple were introduced, welcoming them to come to participate. Abbott

Venerable Chonlatish of Wat Thai Buddharam thanked Chung Tian Temple’s

Venerables & devotees for their warm reception and was grateful to the blessing of the Triple Gem.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Logan City Cr. Luke Smith visited Chung Tian Temple

th  On 18 of December 2015 at 2.30 p.m., Logan City Cr. Luke Smith and his assistant Mark came to visit Chung Tian Temple. They were received by Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and Marketing Manager Ralph Smith.

Cr. Luke Smith is the Councillor in Logan City Council to represent Division Six. He is currently responsible for the Finance and Economic Development Committee of Logan City Council. He came specially to introduce Logan City’s future economic development to Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan also introduced to Cr. Luke Smith the development plan of Pilgrims Lodge in Chung Tian Temple to provide cultural and social education to people of all ages in society, and to enhance interactions with the community. She also shared the Nursing Home visit and gift drive activity in Algester the day before to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with the elders, spreading love and cheers to them. She hoped for future cooperation with Logan City Council in community service work, and presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book of ‘Ten Paths to Happiness -- Commentary on the Sumati Sutra’ to him.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Chung Tian Branch February Monthly Meeting

 On Sunday 10th February the Chung Tian Branch of the BLIAQ held a branch meeting at 10:00 am with Ven. Miao Lai and 23 members. After the president gave

his report about the activities since the last meeting, the treasurer followed with the financial report. The main purpose of the meeting was to organise some fundraising

activity for the Chinese New Year and the Cultural Open Day. As both days fall on a Sunday this year it is a good opportunity to raise some funds. As we have pensioned

off the ducks, the question was what to do next and it was decided to try our luck with ice -cream. So a three person roster will be organised to accommodate the selling of

ice-cream on both days. Also the suggestion was made to have a jumping castle which will be looked into.

During the Cultural Open Day our branch is needed as well to help with explaining to the general public the significance of certain areas around the Temple such as the , Hall etc.. Another item on the agenda was this year’s Buddha Birthday Festival happening on the 29th April to the 1st May and as it is the 20th Anniversary of the event at the Southbank Parklands it will be a special event. All members will be called upon to help out at the two areas our branch is looking after and that is the Garden and the Information Booth. Roster applications will be emailed out in due course. In general business the problem with the translation machines was discussed and July was suggested as the month for our next branch outing. Meeting closed at 11:17 am  Brian Kemp Page 5

New Year’s Day Pilgrimage

 On 2016 New Year’s Day, pilgrimage in Chung Tian Temple commenced at 6.00 a.m.. Participants came from various parts of Queensland such as Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Peter Cheung, BLIAQ Elder Advisor Committee Member carried the censor at the front. 180 devotees attended including Elder Advisors Even Chang and Andy Hsueh, BLIA Director David Yang, BLIAQ Vice President Stephen Chang, Chung Tian Branch President Brian Kemp, YAD Assistant Leaders Winston Boon and Janice Chen, students and local Australians.

Venerable Miao Lai and Venerable Miao Xin led the devotees to piously read the ‘Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra’. They performed the ‘three steps and one ’ when mindfully and reverently reciting ‘Homage to Sakyamuni Buddha’, from the front gate of the temple all the way to the Main Hall, sweeping away their pride and arrogance, and leading them from darkness into brightness. When they were in the Main Hall, they continued chanting the Buddha’s name. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan led the congregation to read the ‘Prayer for Pilgrimage’ by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. “Great and compassionate Buddha! With a repentance mind, I come today to pay homage to your Holy Face and golden body, not to be afraid of gravel and heavy dew on the way but only afraid that my karma obstacles could not be eliminated and my sins could not be washed away. We pay homage to you all the way from the front gate to the temple, and from the outside to the Main Hall; the higher we climb, the closer we are to your seat, our most admired Buddha! We are willing to follow your steps, from self enlightenment to enlightening others, and from self benefit to benefiting others. Our respectable Buddha! Please bless us to continuously heading to the brightness and support us in walking on the Bodhi path.” Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan cited Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words in English and Chinese about the merits accrued from pilgrimage -- 1. Widely make good affinities, 2. Eliminate karma obstacles, 3. Overcome self arrogance, and 4. Enhance spiritual faith. The seeds of merit from every pilgrimage will be planted and will bloom to bear fruit.

This year, a number of new members from Chung Tian Branch joined in the pilgrimage. There was also an increase of Buddha’s Light youth members, and migrants and students from Mainland China. With genuine mind, they could experience the sincerity of Buddhists in paying homage using the way of ‘three steps and one prostration’.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

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New Year Cultivation Service in Chung Tian Temple

 On 1st of January at 9.00 a.m., Chung Tian Temple conducted the ‘New Year Cultivation Service’ in the Main Hall. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other

Venerables led 180 devotees in chanting ‘Amitabha Sutra’ and ‘Praise the Buddha Gatha’, circumambulation, sitting , reciting the Buddha’s name and transferring the merits of purity, compassion, kindness, empathic joy and equanimity to all sentient beings. The chanting of Buddha’s name permeated the space, solemn and peaceful like the sound of sea waves. Everyone was earnest and sincere in chanting and paying homage to the holy statues, wishing to eliminate karma obstacles and increase in wisdom and blessing.

At 10.30 a.m., it was the New Year Light Offering Blessing Service. 200 devotees followed the liturgy of ‘Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance Service’ and piously read the ‘Prayer for the New Year’ by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. “Great and compassionate Buddha! A year has passed. For all the evil I committed in the past, I deeply repent before you and under your guidance, I hope I can rectify myself. Relying on your awe-inspiring virtue, let my ignorance disappear in this year; relying on your awe-inspiring virtue, let my bad habits elapse with time; relying on your awe-inspiring virtue, let my kindness germinate in repentance; relying on your awe-inspiring virtue, let my intelligence be rooted in humility. Great and compassionate Buddha! Through your protection and blessing, I have developed the courage to face reality and to overcome dangers and difficulties from time to time. Through your teaching, I have learned not to be discouraged but to reach the end of the year safely. I sincerely knell before you and pray that you give me a new life and let me restart again.” Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan in her discourse encouraged devotees to start off from the mind -- ashamed mind, grateful mind, mind of constancy, mind of advancement, mind of renunciation and to study and practise Buddhism to benefit sentient beings. Through the practice of chanting and paying homage to the Buddha, one could have a profound experience that would generate the supreme mind to achieve .  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat

 On Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2015, Chung Tian Temple held the two- day ‘Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat' in the Main Hall. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables led 150 devotees to cultivate by reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha (Amitorfo), chanting ‘Amitabha Sutra’ and ‘Praise the Buddha Gatha’, and reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ‘Prayer to Amitabha Buddha’ so that all those who were able to hear this, would generate a Bodhi mind with joy and vowed to be reborn in the Western Pure Land with no retrogression.

Venerable Chueh Shan in her discourse said, “Chanting Amitabha Buddha’s name is not just through the mouth but more importantly through the mind as it is to cultivate the mind. The name ‘Amitorfo’ embraces infinite merits, and in reciting, one should possess the three strengths of faith, vow and practice. All the sound entering the ears should be turned into the chanting that enables us to be mindful of the Buddha, Dharma and . Every thought is not separated from the Buddha’s name even during outdoor work. When mindful of the Buddha, we should be patient without anger, and be kind and compassionate to others regardless of whether they are good or bad. Do not look at people’s fault but see things with a mind of equality. In this way, the mind will be free of affliction. Reciting ‘Amitorfo’ can be practiced at any time and helps us to get rid of wandering thoughts by concentration. By always mindful of the Buddha’s name, one will see the Buddha and experience the bliss of the Pure Land in the present moment.”  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Temple Visit

 On 24 December, Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, John and I visited Don

at Algester Nursing home. Abbess Chueh Shan has invited Don for a temple visit for an outing. On 3 January, we had organised a day trip for Don to Chung Tian Temple for a visit and also having lunch at Water Drop Teahouse. Abbess Chueh Shan, Alison, Jenny, John and I had met up with

Don for lunch at the temple.

It was a wonderful day for Don as we took him to tour around the temple and also catches up with the devotees and venerables at Chung Tian Temple.

Don was very thankful that we organised a day trip for him and thanks everyone that organised this day trip for him.  Meng

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New Year One-Day Meditation Retreat

rd  On 3 of January, Chung Tian Temple held the first English One-Day Meditation Retreat in 2016. Twenty-seven local Australians from all walks of life such as government officials, dentists, engineers, administrative staff, marketing and students participated. Most of them registered via the internet.

At 9.00 a.m., Brian Kemp, President of Chung Tian Branch first gave a detailed

explanation of the meditation schedule and items to be noted to the participants in

the Conference Room, including no talking, the signal board, food allergies and

other emergencies.

Venerable Miao Xin led them to do exercise in the Kuan Yin Forecourt. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan guided them to do walking meditation in the Meditation Hall and instructed them the ‘Vairo-seven steps’ in sitting meditation by first relaxing the body from head to toe through contemplation, and concentrating the mind to overcome scattering thoughts through counting breaths. The Venerable also explained contemplation of ‘The Four ’ in Buddhism to eliminate greed, anger and ignorance. She encouraged students to be mindful of every thought in each present moment and cherish every minute of life as life was short and impermanent.

At 2.00 p.m., it was ‘Tea Ceremony and Ch’an’, demonstrated by Venerable Miao Xin, Brian Kemp, Fang Kai-Xiong and Chen Shu-Hui. They first had sitting meditation to calm down the body and mind, followed by the demonstration of tea leaves appreciation, warming of tea pot and cups, brewing tea, tasting tea and homing. The meaning of ‘Tea is Ch’an and Ch’an is tea’ was explained. Many Buddhist masters realised the Dharma in everyday life and appreciated that walking, standing, sitting and lying as well as eating and drinking could be Ch’an. Without talking and in the quiet environment, they could contemplate their mind and experience the state of Tea Ch’an.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Venerable Miao Xin and Brian Kemp conducted a Q & A session on meditation in the tea room. Questions asked included “How long should a beginner meditate in order to be effective?” “If one cannot cross legs for long and put down the legs, would one still be able to achieve the desired meditation effect?” and “How to apply meditation in daily life?” Participants said that they felt peace and calm in the meditation retreat especially in silence as they were able to develop their power of concentration. Finally, Chinese New Year activities and English Buddhist and Meditation classes were introduced to them, welcoming them to come to the temple often to meditate and study Buddhism.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Chung Tian Branch - Movie Watching

 On Sunday 17th January the Chung Tian Branch met in the Wisdom Room to

discuss a You Tube clip of a Google Talk by Chade-Meng Tan about his book titled

“Search Inside Yourself”. Chade-Meng Tan worked as a computer engineer at

Google and employees of Google were allowed to spend some of their working time

to develop anything they liked.

Chade-Meng decided to try to find an answer to world peace and he decided that

world peace would be achievable through two things – the end of global poverty and

creating inner peace and happiness on a global scale. As the rich people of this

world e.g. Bill Gates etc. were working on the first part of the problem, he would

concentrate on the second part and so he came out with this book which is more or less a curriculum which blends the ancient meditative practice of mindfulness with the contemporary field of emotional intelligence. The book stresses the now common knowledge that one can train the mind to think positive as opposed to negative through a daily routine of meditation as well as other daily practices.

One of the practices is to select at random a person you see on the street and to mentally wish them loving kindness and happiness an d try to do it at least once an hour. This creates a habit of being non-judgemental and creates in yourself a feeling of wellbeing. After watching the clip, the group had a lively discussion about the subject matter.  Brian Kemp

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Dharma Festival Distributing Laba Congee

 January 17 (8th of lunar December) was the ‘Dharma Festival’, the day to celebrate Sakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment. Chung Tian Temple gave out 2,200 shares of Laba congee to members and the public. Logan Branch Elder Advisor Wang Shuang-Rong led the Dining Team members Chang Jin-Fa, Fang Kai-Xiong, Kwang Hooi Khor and Dai Xiang-Dong to cook Laba congee. Logan Branch me mbers assisted in individual packaging.

The staff of different Branches helped to deliver the congee to many people and to companies and stores such as Kingston Development Co. Ltd., Queensland Daily and Welcome Fresh Food Supermarket to make good affinities. When enjoying Laba congee, people rejoiced at the enlightenment of the Buddha and immersed in his blessings.

At 11.00 a.m., Dharma Festival Service was held in the Main Hall at Chung Tian Temple. Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables led devotees to piously chant ‘Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra’ and ‘Praise the Dharma’, recite ‘Homage to Sakyamuni Buddha’ and read Venerable Master Hsing Yun ‘s ‘Prayer for listening to the Dharma’: “Great compassionate Buddha, please bless us to be able to pra ctise the Six Paramitas. We pray for Buddha’s blessings for stability, harmony and peace in our country, seasonal weather and affluence in society, as well as prosperity, progress and stable growth in economy. May all people lead a happy and auspicious life.”

Remarks: ‘Laba’ in Chinese means ‘8th of lunar December’ which is Buddha’s Enlightenment Day. After 6 years of asceticism, Buddha regained his energy by accepting the offering of porridge with milk from a shepherdess. He then sat under the Bodhi tree and finally attained enlightenment. To commemorate this momentous event, special rice porridge or congee with eight ingredients is prepared as an offering to the Buddhas and a chance to make affinities with the ten directions.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Promotion of Laba Congee Cooking Competition by BLIAQ

 In order to promote Laba congee and vegetarian cultural exchange, BLIAQ held th the Laba Congee Cooking Competition on 17 of January, hoping that the contest would let members to work together to cook Laba congee, exercising their team spirit. Six Branches participated such as Logan Branch, West Branch, North Branch

and YAD (Young Adult Division).

There were eight adjudicators including Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan, Elder Advisors Even Chang and Andy Hsueh, and benefactor Rao Yao-Wu and his

wife. It was hosted by BLIAQ Vice President Arthur Liu.

Staff members of the six Branches brought their hot Laba congee to the Dining Room. Director Meng Yoke Hong and YAD Belinda Hsueh and Jia Jia Wong

assisted in the decoration and set up of the Dining Room. The adjudicators tasted and judged the congee one by one, based on Foguangshan’s five criteria of hygiene, taste, ingredient, presentation and authenticity.

The competition result was that West Branch was the first, and Logan Branch and North Branch were awarded the second and third. Vice President Arthur Liu invited the winners to share their experience in cooking Laba congee. YAD Leader Linda Chang and other staff prepared the ingredients and after pooling, they cooked

together. North Branch President Simon led the youth group to try cooking the first time. He realized that the Foguangshan Laba congee was rich and delicious.

The judges and volunteers gave the winners a round of applause. Together with

the other participating Branches, they posed for pictures to mark the event. The winning Branch also took the responsibility of being in charge of cooking Laba congee next year.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

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Home Blessing Visit

nd  On 22 of December at 6.00 p.m., Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan and other Venerables, BLIAQ South II Branch Elder Advisor Robert Wang, Mr. and Mrs Au Jin-Xing, Mr. and Mrs. Qu Jin-Xing, a total of 30 people visited Andy Yeh and his wife Ariel Tseng to congratulate them moving to a new home.

South II Branch made use of this opportunity to hold members’ fellowship gathering, bringing vegetarian food they cooked to share with others. Dr. Andy Yeh is currently teaching at Queensland University of Technology and Ariel is a Chinese teacher at Calamvale Community College. She recalled 15 years ago after migrating to Brisbane with two kids, she came to Chung Tian Temple and helped in the library for five years, thus establishing a close relationship with the temple. Recently, having a new job, they bought their ideal new home. In 2012, their elder son Nicholas Yeh joined BLIAQ YAD which provided him opportunities to find a job of pharmacist. Their second son is now attending medical school. They were grateful to Chung Tian Temple which helped them to settle down with the peace of mind after migration. They were willing to join the Buddha’s Light family and support Humanistic Buddhism by following one Master one Way. Her sister Tina is currently teaching at Loganlea High School and she often brought students to join in cultural learning activities in Buddha Birthday Festival in May.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan praised Ariel for her perseverance in work and responsibility to the family. Andy with a sincere heart, was able to complete his PhD and find a job smoothly. She specially presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s works of ‘365 Days for Travellers’ and ‘Ten Paths to Happiness – Commentary on the Sumati Sutra’ to them as gifts. Dinner was in the form of fellowship gathering, sharing experience in learning Buddhism, enhancing friendship and strengthening team spirit.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Logan Branch Monthly Meeting

 In the afternoon of January 16, BLIAQ Logan Branch held its monthly meeting in

the Wisdom Room, hosted by President Kwang Hooi Khor. 16 people participated

including Branch Elder Advisor Wang Shuang-Rong and Vice President Brendon

Soh. Elder Advisor Andy Hsueh attended as Advisor.

Proposals discussed: 1. Chinese New Year’s Eve activity on February 7 –schedule for the Logan Branch booth; 2. Logan Branch assisting in the preparation of VIP banquet in New Year’s Eve; 3. Member Volunteers Fellowship Party on 6th of February; 4. Logan Branch New Year Fellowship Party on 20th of February; 5. To confirm 2016 Logan Branch activities; 6. To confirm the dates for Cantonese Buddhist Class; 7. Logan Branch ‘Tea and Ch’an’ Group Study on January 30, inviting Fang Kai-Xiong as the teacher; 8. Logan th Branch is responsible to cook in the kitchen for the temple's Open Day on 14 of February; 9. On Clean Australia Day, Logan Branch and Chung Tian Branch will cooperate to clean Underwood Park in Rochedale. President Kwang Hooi Khor encouraged members to actively participate in each activity, and urged them to bring their families along to enhance interaction among members and implement the heritage of faith.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

My Journey to Chung Tian Temple

 Many moons ago on one of my usual Sunday outings with my son at Southbank and we meet some lovely ladies at the Buddha Birth Day Festival

at Southbank. Then again the following year we meet again at Southbank and enjoyed their hospitality and tea. We were invited to come to Water Drop Teahouse and experience the relaxing

grounds and nearby park .

My boy Joshua really enjoyed and we have made it

part of our regular outing activity. It is great to see

Joshua when I say we going to the temple and

surrounds.

For me it has been great to enhance my tea experience. And also bring other members of my

family to enjoy the great atmosphere and hospitality at Chung Tian Temple.

Now I came to Chung Tian Temple volunteered at the Tea Room and at the same time enhance my knowledge in Tea and making affinity with many

members and visitors that participated in the Tea

Ceremony.  Paul Banks

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Volunteers helping in the Main Shrine and Outdoor Work

th  On 14 of December 2015 at 10.00 a.m., Venerable Jue Tang led 12 Dharma sister volunteers assisting in Dharma functions, to set up an altar for the 2-day Amitabha Buddha Recitation Retreat. Li Li-Fang together with Wang Jin-Lan and Li Li-Siao placed the tablets for the deceased and prepared fruit for offering. Cheng Ya-Yun, Ye Ding-Yun and other volunteers cleaned the promenade in the Main Shrine and tidied its environment.

Also, at 10.00 a.m., Diamond Men’s Group Leader Liu Tai-Dian led 13 group members including Fang Kai-Xiong, Wang Qian-Sheng and Chen Xiu-Ye to build a base for maintaining the stability of the stone lamp in the Ch’an Garden. Everybody helped in digging, transporting, filling etc. to make sure that the lamp base was secure.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Shan came to the Ch’an Garden to encourage them and thanked them for their support in the temple. The Dharma sisters and the Diamond Men’s Group had been busy all day, and finally all the work was completed at 3.00 p.m.. Though the weather was hot, they all served with happiness and a loving heart for the coming New Year.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

New Year Decoration by Diamond Men’s Group

th  On Monday 11 of January 2016, Diamond Men’s Group Leader Liu Tai-Dian

led ten members including Fang Kai-Xiong, Lu Chao-Xiang and Lin Chu-Zhong to

Chung Tian Temple to help in hanging lanterns, decorating the Art Gallery and

replacing bulbs of the corridor lamps for the Chinese New Year Celebration.

Members were busy in arranging wires and hooks, and constantly adjusting the

position of lanterns to keep them neat and balanced.

Though the work had not yet completed, the whole temple was already in the New Year atmosphere.  Chung Tian Admin  Translated by Elaine Pun

Care for the ill

 During the time of Buddha, there were two monks who usually were sent to visit people who were ill. One of the monks was an old man who had been a monk for many years. The other monk was a young man who had not been a monk for very long.

People were always grateful to be visited y a monk, but as time went by, they began to realize that there was a big difference between which monk they were visited by. Those who had been visited by the old monk quickly got well, while those who had been by the young monk usually got worse. In addition to that, people who had been visited by the old monk usually became very happy, while those who had been visited by the young monk became sad.

Eventually people figured out that what the monks were saying during their visits was very different. The young monk would say,

“ Life is short and full of suffering. Illness is the result of bad karma from the past catching up to us. There is nothing you can do about it, and there is no cure to be had. ”

The old monk would say, “ All phenomena are transient. Nothing lasts for very long. Your illness will disappear quickly if you spend some extra time chanting the Buddha’s name and contemplating the merits and virtues of the Buddha; then you will soon be well again. ” When Buddha heard this story, he was full of praise for the old monk, and he instructed the young monk to spend more time studying with the old mam.  Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Friendship based on a book

 One day a man named Lin Hsi-sung came to Universal Gate Temple in Taipei. Just as he was coming up, I was going out.

We bumped into each other outside the elevator. Lin said to me, "Aren't you Master Hsing Yun? I've come because I want to buy

a copy of Buddhist Temples of Taiwan from you." I thought, "That was really not my book. All I did was write the preface for it and

it has been quite a few years since then. I know the book is out of print. I wonder if I can possibly find a copy for him?" Out loud I

said, "Please wait a moment. I will go look for it."

I got lucky and found my last copy on the edge of my bookcase. When I gave it to Lin, he reached in his pocket and pulled out six hundred yuan to pay me for the book. I refused his money. "Let's use this book to start a new friendship, instead," I said. He was

happy with that idea and returned home. Two months later, he came to see me again. He said, "I've heard that you are going to

be preaching the Dharma for three days at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. I've also heard that each day you will be giving away five thousand copies of your collected teachings. That's really a big burden for you. Why not let me print all those books and give them away for you?" That act of kindness cost him a lot, yet he told me that he was happy to do it. He felt it was a way of

repaying me for having given him Buddhist Temples of Taiwan.

From that time on, he often came to Universal Gate Temple to pay his respects to the Buddha and to listen to Dharma talks. I

heard one time that when Universal Gate Temple was suddenly in need of money, he loaned us over three million yuan. He also stipulated that we need repay the loan only if he became destitute unexpectedly. Otherwise, there would be no need to repay any of it. Recently, he has moved with his wife to Los Angeles, and I've heard that they often volunteer their time to help at Hsi Lai

Temp le.  Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Buddhist Book Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Level: Level 2 Level: Level 3 Day: Every Sunday Day: Every Sunday Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Time: 9:00am - 10:00am (Meditation) Time: 10:00am - 11:00am(Buddhist talk) Time: 10:00am - 11:00am (Meditation) 10:10am - 11:00am (Buddhist talk) 11:10am - 12:00pm (Meditation) 11:10am - 12:00pm (Buddhist talk) Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Cost: $20 per term-Booking is required Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 4(Free for BLIAQ members) Tai Chi Class Discussion Classes

Day: Every Sunday Day: Every Wednesday Day: Every Sunday Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Time: 10:00am -11:00am (Meditation) Where: Chung Tian Temple Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm 11:10am - 12:00pm(Buddhist talk) Cost: Free donation Where: Chung Tian Temple Cost: $20 per term – booking is required Cost: Free

Tai Chi Class Tai Chi Class

 To book for the Buddhist classes, Day: Every Saturday Day: Every Sunday an application form must be Time: 9.00am – 10.30am Time: 8.30am – 10.00am Where: Chung Tian Temple Where: Chung Tian Temple completed and returned to the Cost: Free donation Cost: Free donation Chung Tian Temple’s reception together with full payment at least a Bodhi Class For Children Teenager’s Buddhist Class

week prior to the course Ages: 3 - 12 years Ages: 13 - 19 years commence date. Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am

Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016 Date: 21 Feb 2016 to 27 Mar 2016  For all enquiry please contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday, Cost: $20 per term Cost: $20 per term Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. or email: [email protected] free.  Children are taught Buddhist morals and www.chungtian.org.au  The intermediate Dharma class builds on ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are and expands the basic foundations of Thank you. backed by fun activities which include: simple Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories approach and solutions to challenges issues and virtues, craft activities and team-building faced by young people today. games.

Date Day Time Program 30 January 16 Saturday 9.00am ~ 12.00noon Memorial Service for Ancestors & Deceased (Chanting of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s Sutra – in Mandarin) 1.30pm Humanistic Buddhism Preachers Workshop 6 February 16 Saturday 12.00noon BLIAQ Members & volunteers Gathering 7 February 16 Sunday 11.30am – 1.30pm Food and Fun Fair 11.30am Light Offering and Blessing Ceremony 12.00 noon Lion Dance 1.30pm Opening Ceremony of Art Exhibition 2.30pm & 5.00pm 2.30 pm Tea Ceremony Cultural Activities & 5.00pm Food Fair 5.00pm Food Fair & Multicultural Performances 8.00pm Light Offering Service 9.00pm Lion Dance 11.00pm & Midnight 11.00pm Morning Chanting & midnight Ringing the blessing bell 8 February 16 Monday 10.00am ~ 12.00noon Homage to Thousand Buddha Service 13 February 16 Saturday 10:00am~12pm Homage to Thousand Buddha Service 14 February 16 Sunday 9:30am -3:30pm Cultural Open Day - Tea Ceremony, Meditation, Buddhist Discussion, Arts and Crafts, Art Exhibition, Face painting, Kids Activities, Calligraphy ...etc. 10:00am ~ 10.30am Musical Performances (Conference Room ) 11:00am Multi-faith Light Offering Ceremony 11:30am Lion Dance 1:00pm ~ 2.30pm Buddhist lecture by Ven Dr Hui Feng, Deputy Abbott of FoGuangShan 2:00pm Baby Blessing cum Children New Year Party th 22 February 16 Monday 11.00am Bright Light Dharma Service (15 of Lunar Calendar) (In Mandarin) 27 February 16 Saturday 10:30am Light Offering Service & Completion of the Lantern Festival 1:30pm Patrons and Volunteers Gathering 6 March 16 Sunday Australia Clean Up Day Every Sunday 9.00am ~ 9.40am English Buddhist Chanting Every Saturday 10.30am ~ 12.00noon Buddhist Service (in Mandarin)

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