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The Buddhist Society of Western Australia
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Dear Members and Friends,
Welcome to our monthly eNews bulletin for: 1-31st AUGUST 2021.
All visitors to Dhammaloka and other BSWA locations must sign-in using the paper registers, or scan the QR codes (posted in all public areas) with the SafeWA COVID tracing app for smartphones. This is due to the WA government's requirements for contact tracing at public venues, including places of worship.
To ensure the safety of yourself and the whole community, please stay COVID SAFE.
For government guidelines (for any Covid outbreaks) please see the WA Government website.
Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 outbreaks, we'll do our best to keep the website updated. Please check regularly for the latest information on our events for any last minute changes or cancellations.
Scroll down to read more important BSWA notices for this month. This list is prepared ahead of time, so please check the website for the latest announcements in News HERE or Events, HERE. If you find this bulletin helpful, feel free to share it with your family and friends. If this email is cut off at the bottom, please try the link: "View this email in your browser" or just click: View entire message. If you have any BSWA Community news, photos, quotes or events you'd like to share, please email us at: (enews@bswa.org).
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DHAMMA REFLECTION: CHILD PLAYING
"When we have contemplated the nature of the heart many times, then we will come to understand that this heart is just as it is and can't be otherwise. We will know that the heart's ways are
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just as they are. That's its nature. If we see this clearly, then we can detach from thoughts and feelings. And we don't have to add on anything more if we constantly tell ourselves that "that's just the way it is." When the heart truly understands, it lets go of everything. Thinking and feeling will still be there, but that very thinking and feeling will be deprived of power.
It's like at first being annoyed by a child who likes to play in ways that annoy us so much that we could scold or spank him. But later we understand that it's natural for a child to play and act like that, so we leave him alone. We let go and our troubles are over. Why are they over? Because we now accept the natural ways of children. Our outlook has changed and we now accept the true nature of things. We let go and our heart becomes more peaceful. We now have right understanding."
~ A Tree in a Forest: A Collection of Ajahn Chah's Similes, 2010, Sukhi Hotu, Malaysia.
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Sorry - Ajahn Brahm - 25 June 2021
What does it mean to be sorry? Do you need to feel sorry? Ajahn Brahm discusses the Buddhist views on how we should feel towards guilt and regret.
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Friday night Dhamma talks are live-streamed and then uploaded to our Youtube channel. Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.
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AJAHN BRAHM TURNING 70 - Membership Drive
To help mark this milestone, BSWA wishes to embark on a membership drive for all those whose lives have been touched by Ajahn Brahm. Memberships raise much needed funds to continue the good work that Ajahn Brahm has started. Given the challenges faced by many due to the pandemic, it has been vital that BSWA keep its doors “open” (more so online) for all those who seek solace and guidance in the Dhamma and Sangha. If your membership has lapsed, or your email / contact details have changed, please read this letter from Lucky our Membership Liaison, HERE.
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Global Mettā Meditation Program
From the 1st – 6th of August, live and online
Dear Dhamma Friends, This is an invitation to participate and generate good Metta vibes while sharing the merit and wishing Ajahn Brahm continued good health and a long life immersed in the supreme bliss of Dhamma, for the benefit of us all. See the links below for the introductory video and all the guided Metta Meditation sessions.
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At Bodhinyana Monastery, take part in group meditation in the Dhamma Hall at 1:00pm:
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New Book: Opening up to Kindfulness
Opening up to Kindfulness was compiled to celebrate the arrival of a wise being who came into this world on the 7th of August, 70 years ago. Every chapter of this book is an edited transcript of public talks given by Ajahn Brahm in Western Australia and Malaysia. The book covers the basics of Buddhism as well as practical approaches to some of life’s issues. We hope that you will enjoy reading it and see the meaning in Ajahn Brahm’s message of ‘kindfulness’ for a happier life. To download or read online, click HERE. |
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Find a BSWA Meditation Class near you
There's a growing list of opportunities to join a Meditation Class led by experienced teachers (Senior monastic and lay) in the Perth Metro area, the South-West and online. Check out our quick reference guide to locations and times, HERE.
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BUDDHIST EDUCATION RESOURCES:
There are a number of workshop presentations and classes available on our Youtube channel for people to learn more about the Teachings of the Buddha. For a subject list of some recent courses and ongoing classes by senior monastics and lay practitioners, click HERE.
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Thank you Sol and Nicole for your valued vision and service, leading BMG
The Broadcasting Management Group wishes to express the sincerest gratitude to Sol Hanna and Nicole Moustakas who have recently stepped down from their roles with the BMG.
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Sol has been involved for over 20 years in various roles, but in BMG, was our Social Media and Translations Coordinator and was instrumental to it's formation. He recognized early on that the internet was going to be a great platform to spread the Dhamma and has worked tirelessly to make the teachings available to audiences around the world.
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Nicole (pictured right) was our Online Services Coordinator, who posted the teachings online, including Youtube and podcasts. She also helped out with website issues and liaised with various groups within BSWA to keep everything running smoothly. She also wanted to acknowledge the contribution of Prasenajit Gunasekera, because they had worked together for a while. She said, "PJ and Sol worked together for many, many years. PJ was the IT guy. "
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At this stage, Sol (pictured left, with his wife and son) is stepping back to focus on family life, but will continue with BAMBI, while Nicole will take more time to move forward in her teaching career. We really appreciate their amazing contribution and their service to the community, and wish them all the very best of luck, good health, happiness and success. Sadhu! For a summary of the evolution of BSWA Broadcasting and the BMG team's achievements, click HERE.
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Dhammaloka BUDDHIST CENTRE
Nollamara
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DHAMMALOKA BUDDHIST CENTRE
Dhammaloka City Centre is located in Nollamara and is the main teaching and administrative centre for the Buddhist Society of Western Australia. It offers a wide range of services including regular Dhamma teachings and meditation classes, as well as WA's largest Buddhist Library. Click this link for: ALL REGULAR ACTIVITIES
Monday is our OPEN DAY. Volunteers will be available.
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DURING the RAINS RETREAT
(30th July to 20th October)
The Dhamma School for Children will be closed.
The Library opening hours will be:
FRIDAY: 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
SATURDAY: 2:00pm - 3:00pm & 4:15 pm - 5:00pm.
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MONDAY - 1st Monday of the month
Q&A and Dhamma Discussion at Dhammaloka
The next monthly Q&A Dhamma Discussion group led by Geetha will be on MONDAY, 2nd August 2021, from 1.00 - 1:45pm in the shrine room adjacent to the Main Hall. You may also wish to stay on for the Guided Meditation session with Jacob at 2:00 - 3:00pm in the Community Hall. All are welcome to participate, no booking required. Any questions, please forward to Lucky at: lucky@bswa.org (Please check our website for any Covid restrictions at the time.)
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BUDDHIST CARE LINE
The Buddhist Care Line operating hours are:
Time Zone – Perth, Western Australia (GMT+8)
Wednesdays 6.30pm-9pm
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WEDNESDAY Night Meditation Class
Led by lay guest teachers.
*Every Wednesday Night in AUGUST from 7:00pm - 8:00pm
On Wednesday nights at 7pm, the Care Group offers a meditation session, held in the main hall at Dhammaloka. The sessions are presented by experienced lay teachers from the BSWA community of practioners and are suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced meditators. The talks are live streamed, but if you're in Perth, we invite you to come along in person. Our friendly volunteers are on hand with a warm welcome, so join us for tea and conversation after the meditation. We look forward to seeing you! *This program will continue each week during the Rains.
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FRIDAY NIGHTS at DHAMMALOKA in AUGUST
RAINS RETREAT GUEST SPEAKERS Program
HEAL YOUR HEART 2021
6 August - Christiane Purcell-Wells - Yoga/Physio/Ayurvedic Therapist.
13 August - Imam Shakeeb - Perth Mosque, Northbridge.
20 August - Dennis Sheppard - BSWA.
27 August - Documentary Film - David Attenborough: The Year Earth Changed.
For more details on our Guest Speakers, please see below...
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Christiane Purcell-Wells: Yoga Therapist, Physiotherapist and Ayurvedic Therapist. Christiane holds post graduate qualifications in Yoga Therapy and Physiotherapy and continues to study Yoga and Ayurveda with her mentors. Her highest goal is to live in accordance with these teachings and share them from her heart. Christiane's session will touch on becoming a mother with lessons for everyone.
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Imam Shakeeb: Perth Mosque, Northbridge. As Imam of the historical Northbridge mosque, the second oldest in Australia (established for 120 years) Imam Shekeeb is an engaging and articulate speaker who embraces inclusivity and unity. His session will focus on the importance of the heart in Islam, a topic which as seen from a different perspective will no doubt be eye opening.
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Dennis Sheppard: BSWA. Dennis Sheppard is a beloved long time member and past President of the BSWA on different occasions. His sessions are as diverse as his skills, ranging from regression hypnotherapist to building designer. Join as he takes us for a journey through the cosmos, that is our mind.
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Bodhinyana MONASTERY
Serpentine
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Bodhinyana Monastery
Every year, the monastic community (Monks and nuns) go on a three month retreat called the “Rains Retreat” from mid July to mid October. During this period, they do not visit our centres for teachings, because it’s a time for deepening their own practice. We wish them a happy and harmonious Retreat and look forward to the Kathina ceremonies in late October.
NEWS IN BRIEF:
- Ajahn Brahm turns 70! Join us at Jhana Grove for the celebrations on Saturday, August 7th. For more details: ajahnbrahm70th.org
- Anagarika Tim will ordain as a novice monk on August 15th, at 7pm in the main hall.
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You can visit Bodhinyana daily for dana, from 10am. Please scan Bodhinyana's QR code with the new SafeWA App from your smartphone, which can be downloaded from Google play store or Apple's App store before you come to monastery, or fill in your contact details in the COVID contact tracing register available in the dining hall area and at the Dhamma hall.
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Dhammasara MONASTERY
Gidgegannup
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Photo: A double rainbow appeared on the last Full Moon day (Asadha Puja) just before the Bhikkhuni Patimokkha recitation.
Dhammasara Nuns' Monastery
Dual Sangha Bhikkhuni Ordination at Dhammasara
Sunday, 1st August 2021 @2.30pm
We are delighted that our Abbot, Ajahn Hasapanna Theri has qualified as a Preceptor (Pavattini) to perform the Nuns Higher Ordination (Bhikkhuni).
On this day, 4 novice nuns will be receiving their higher ordination as Bhikkhunis, by our first in-house preceptor Ajahn Hasapanna, supported by Ayya Munissara Theri and Ayya Pasada Theri, witnesssed by the Dhammasara Bhikkhuni Sangha, and Bhikkhu Sangha led by Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Brahmali.
Come and rejoice with us for this quadruple, Dual-Sangha Bhikkhuni Ordination, an auspicious and historical event in Dhammasara Nuns Monastery and BSWA. Here are videos on the history of the Bhikkhuni Sangha:
D’Bhikkhuni Australia (Trailer)
Dhammasara Bhikkhunīs 10th Anniversary
Mulch Busy Bee
Thank you to the Mulch busy bee volunteers from Sunday 25th July 2021. Our enthusiastic volunteers arrived as early as 7.30am and worked till 2pm to help move and spread mulch onto our native plants and to protect against erosion. Despite the drizzle, everyone gave their very best, including the inspiring young ones.
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Dhammasara has entered their Annual Rains Retreat period until 21 Oct 2021
(Photo below: Full Moon night, leading to the start of Rains Retreat.)
You are welcome to bring Dana daily for the nuns community. The lunch ceremony and blessing starts at 10.30am. The nuns community are very grateful to all your support. May your kindness and generosity brings you much joy and happiness. Dhammasara will provide the next update after the Rains retreat is over. Our Kathina is in Sunday 31 Oct 2021. Check our website for program details.
A new look - Cashless Donation kiosks
Thanks to the generous supporters who helped to give a facelift to our existing Kiosks. (Photo: below right) You are welcome to support the nuns by donating towards their Building and Expense funds. Proceeds go towards medical and dental expenses, petrol, utility bills and monastery maintenance.
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Please observe physical distancing and any other COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place. Contact registers are mandatory - please fill the contact tracing form or use SafeWA app to scan the QR code when you are here.
If you would like to make a donation to support Dhammasara Monastery, please choose it from the list on our Donation page, HERE.
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Jhana Grove Retreat Centre
Serpentine
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Retreats at Jhana Grove in 2021
(BOOKING DATES for retreats later in the year)
12-21 November 2021: BSWA 9-Day Retreat with Ajahn Brahm. Bookings for Full Members of BSWA will open on 20 August 2021, Friday 6:00 PM WA time - AWST. (Important: Your membership status will be verified post booking and if not valid, your booking will be cancelled.) For others, bookings open on 27 August 2021, Friday 6:00 PM WA time - AWST. if available.
10-12 December 2021: BSWA Weekend Retreat with Venerable Mudu. Bookings for all will open on 15 October 2021, Friday 6:00 PM WA time - AWST.
If you would like to make a donation to support Jhana Grove Retreat Centre, please choose it from the list on our Donation page, HERE.
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ARMADALE Meditation Group
Online
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Focus on the Darkness - Armadale Meditation Group
Ajahn Appichato - 25 May 2021
Ajahn Appichato joins the Armadale Meditation Group on-line live. Armadale Mediation Group (AMG) is designed to teach you about meditation. Due to physical distancing regulations, these weekly Tuesday night teachings are happening via Zoom from Bodhinyana Monastery.
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The Armadale Meditation Group (AMG Online) remains online throughout The Rains. This is because our regular meeting room at the hospital is still restricted to a maximum of 15 people. A group of very generous lay people have agreed to join us as guest speakers in the coming 13 weeks. For the month of August (on Tuesday evenings) we will welcome, Mark Simpson, Kathryn Choules and Chris Lafrentz, and one evening will focus on "Insights from AMG Ladies". For those of you who wish for more information, the 2021 AMG Online Rains Schedule will be posted online again this year. PLEASE NOTE: The Rains sessions will not be recorded. Some of our regular overseas participants are becoming involved in the running of the group, which is wonderful. We remain a small friendly group of around 25 to 30 participants. If you would like to join our live sessions, then please email Marlene for more details at: (armadale@bswa.org).
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Farewell, Kalyana Mitta - Doug Anderson
One of the Armadale Meditation Group's longest standing members, Doug Anderson, passed away on Saturday 24th July after suffering a severe heart attack the previous Sunday. He will be greatly missed. Doug has always been a rock we could rely on in the Armadale group, always there to help, to teach during Rains, and to do whatever was required to keep "the show on the road". He brought a calm, quiet presence to the group, which was from his consistent
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meditation practice following the Buddhist path. He was also a long time supporter of Bodhinyana Monastery, regularly and reliably providing dana for many years. He spent his professional life working for Alcoa and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Our deepest condolences are extended to Lynn and their family.
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KUSALA HERMITAGE
Roleystone
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Kusala Hermitage
NEWS in BRIEF:
- Beginning of Rains Retreat for Kusala Hermitage will be held at Dhammaloka on Sunday 1st August from 10:00am. All Welcome!
- We've now planted about 300-400 seedlings this year.
- Ven Vimokkha, our home grown novice, is back for the rains after spending a couple of months at Bodhinyana.
- We're getting a good turnout at the Sunday evening meditation meet-up in Roleystone. About 10-15 people attend with a mix of the old Armadale group and some locals.
- The development application for the "granny flat" has been approved. When built, this will increase the rooms available for residents, to six .
- Kusala Hermitage is looking for a long-term male guest, who is willing to keep the 8 precepts. For more details, click HERE.
- Roleystone Meditation Group - at the Roleystone Seniors Club, will continue to meet during the Rains on Sundays, Starting at 5:00pm with Ajahn Santutthi and Ajahn Jhanarato running the group. For more details, click HERE.
If you would like to DONATE to support the Kusala Hermitage Project, please choose it from the list on our Donation page, HERE.
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Bodhinyana GREAT SOUTHERN
Albany
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Bodhinyana Great Southern
NEWS IN BRIEF:
- Photo (see above) of the Sangha blessing the lay supporters from Ajahn Brahm's recent trip to Albany in July 2021. The Buddhist Community offering dana in Albany. (Pictures below)
- Entry to Rains Ceremony for BGS was held at Manley Lions Club Hall on Sunday 25th July 2021.
- For any enquiries regarding the hermitage or to arrange any dana (food offerings) please contact the monks between 6pm and 7pm in the evening, on 9844 6666.
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Free Meditation Talks by Venerable Mudu
All are welcome:
- Every FRIDAY NIGHT, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue - Manley Hall, 331 Ulster Road, Collingwood Heights, Albany.
- Every SUNDAY AFTERNOON, from 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue - The Garden Room, Denmark Community Resource Centre, 2 Strickland Street.
If you are from the Denmark area and want to learn how to meditate please join us. Please bring your own cushion if you need one.
PLEASE NOTE: These classes will continue each week during Rains.
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Connect with our BSWA Great Southern Facebook page HERE for more news and information. If you live in the Albany area and would like to learn more about Bodhinyana Great Southern, click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to support Bodhinyana Great Southern, please choose it from the list on our Donation page, HERE.
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Ajahn Nissarano - In Memory of Laurence (Khantipalo) Mills
Ajahn Nissarano and Gary Dellora give a talk at BSV as a dedication to Phra Khantipalo.
Click the link for a short Biography of Laurence (Khantipalo) Mills written by Helen Richardson.
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Busselton Augusta Margaret River Buddhist Initiative
(BAMBI) MARGARET RIVER
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Our regular Sunday Meditation and Dharma discussion Sessions are held on each Sunday afternoon of the month, so that means they will be held on Sunday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th AUGUST 2021. Located at the Margaret River Community Resource Centre, 21-33 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River, the meditation room is located in the main building (alongside Tunbridge Street) just look for the open door with a BAMBI sign out the front. The schedule is as follows:
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4.00pm - 4.30pm Guidance on developing meditation
4.30pm - 5.00pm Meditation
5.00pm - 5.30pm Dhamma Discussion
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This is a very friendly group which is appropriate for beginners and on-going meditators and all are welcome.There is no fee, but donations are welcome. Connect via Facebook, HERE. To join the BAMBI mailing list for updates on public events. click HERE. Any queries, email Sol: (sol@bswa.org)
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE : If you would like to support the activities at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre, you can scan this code with your smartphone, or click the linked image to take you to the PayPal portal. Or, if you prefer, you can go to the full list of options on our Donation Page.
A NOTICE TO DONORS REGARDING CHEQUES
PATREON : Become a BSWA Patron on PATREON
To keep sharing these quality Dhamma teachings for free, we need the support of patron's donations to cover the costs of producing and uploading talks across multiple online platforms.
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MEMBERSHIPS : Becoming a member of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia is a great way to support our work, stay in touch via bulletins and our newsletter, as well as getting membership perks such as priority when booking a 9-Day meditation retreat.
For the full list of BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF BSWA, click HERE.
TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER, just download our Membership form, from the website, HERE.
CURRENT MEMBERS: Please inform us if your contact details have changed. Updating changes to your email, phone number or home address will ensure you receive our regular notices and especially our AGM notices. To update, please contact Lucky, at: (asec@bswa.org) Thank you.
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NEW: Yellow Membership Envelopes
An easy way to renew, or apply for Membership. For your convenience, yellow envelopes are now available at Dhammaloka and at our Monasteries. They can be used to renew, or apply for
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new memberships. Please use this facility by dropping your envelope with completed information and payment into any of our donation boxes. (This includes - making use of the Direct Debit Form or cheques).
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VOLUNTEER : If you would like to volunteer please fill out our New Volunteer Application FORM that records your details, skills and hours of availability. You can also use this form to sign up to volunteer with any of our monasteries. Please be sure to indicate your area(s) of interest.
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Anumodana ~ Thank you for your wonderful support.
BSWA is a non-profit organisation run by dedicated volunteers to faithfully share the teachings of the Buddha free of charge and to promote Buddhist values and Meditation for the realisation of Dhamma. Your kind donations go towards keeping it running and supports the aim of reaching as many people as possible.
May all beings be happy and well. May all beings be free.
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