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The Buddhist Society of Western Australia
Dear Members and Friends,
Welcome to our monthly eNews bulletin for: 1-30th SEPTEMBER 2021. 
All visitors to BSWA locations must sign-in using the paper registers, or scan the QR codes (posted in 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. Please see our Safety plan to be 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, HEREIf 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 notices of upcoming BSWA events you'd like to share in the months ahead, please email us at: (enews@bswa.org). For longer news articles of past events, photos, stories and reflections, please send them to, The Enlightened Times Editor at : (eteditor@bswa.org). For the archive of ET newsletters published by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia, click HERE.

DHAMMA REFLECTION:  Maha Mangala Sutta

The Buddha's Advice on Greatest Good Fortune

 

Not to associate with fools

But to associate with the wise,

And to honour those worthy of honour:

This is the greatest good fortune.

 

To live in a suitable place,

Having previously done good karma,

And to apply oneself in the right way:

This is the greatest good fortune.

 

To be educated and to have a vocation,

To be well-trained in one's chosen field,

And to speak words that are well-spoken:

This is the greatest good fortune.

To support one's mother and father,

To cherish one's partner and children,

And to have a job without stress:

This is the greatest good fortune.

 

Generosity and an upright life,

Kindness towards one's relatives,

And the doing of blameless deeds:

This is the great greatest good fortune.

 

To refrain from what is unwholesome,

To abstain from all intoxicants,

And to be steadfast in good qualities,

This is the greatest good fortune.

Respect and humility,

Contentment and gratitude,

And the timely hearing of Dharma:

This is the greatest good fortune.
 

Being patient and easy to correct,

The seeing of monks and nuns,

And timely discussion of Dharma:

This is the greatest good fortune.

 

Asceticism and the spiritual life,

Insight into the Noble Truths,

And the seeing for oneself of Nirvana:

This is the greatest good fortune.

A mind that remains unshaken

By the ups and downs of the world,

Sorrowless, stainless and safe:

This is the greatest good fortune.

 

Having performed these things,

Nowhere can they be conquered 

They are secure wherever they go.

This is the greatest good fortune.

Samyutta Nikaya 2.4, Khuddaka Nikaya 5

Maha Mangala Sutta - The Greatest Good Fortune
 Ajahn Brahm - 9 May 2021
Ajahn Brahm discusses the Maha Mangala Sutta, the Greatest Good Fortune. The Maha Mangala sutta is from KN: Khuddaka Nikaya and can found in two places Kp 5 and Snp 2.4. We apologise about 30 seconds of audio is lost a few minutes in. Click the image above to watch. You can read Snp2.4 on Sutta Central (translated by Ajahn Brahmali) HERE.
Become a patron
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
BSWA Online recordings are looking for volunteer translators to sub-title Dhamma talks into Thai  ภาษาไทย and Bahasa Indonesia. For more details, click HERE.
Global Mettā Meditation Program
This special event that led up to Ajahn Brahm's 70th Birthday, was very well received and a major achievement for BSWA, BSV and other associated groups. Click the link to read the full story of the MAKING OF A GLOBAL METTA MEDITATION PROGRAMME by Prem and Mahinda.
Featured below are just a small selection of the 31 Guided Metta Meditation teachings streamed during the online Metta retreat. The links will remain live for at least another 30 days. Thereafter, they will be transferred to the BSV Dhamma talks YouTube channel. 
Ajahn Brahm                                                    Ven. Radha
Guided Metta Meditation                                 Guided Metta Meditation  
     Bodhinyana Monastery                                    Bodhinyana Monastery           
           Ven. Munissara                                                        Ayya Sela
   Guided Metta Meditation                                    Guided Metta Meditation 
    Dhammasara Monastery                                   Newbury Buddhist Monastery
New Book: Opening up to Kindfulness
Opening up to Kindfulness was compiled to celebrate Ajahn Brahm's 70th birthday. Each 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.
Ajahn Brahm’s 70th Birthday celebration
was held on the 7th August 2021, at Jhana Grove Retreat Centre. A good time was had by all and in keeping with Ajahn’s Birthday wish a significant amount was raised for Newbury Retreat Centre's building project with the donated bricks and online auction. To see the video recordings of the live streamed event, click the links below:
Ajahn Brahm's 70th Birthday Online Celebration
A Life of Kindfulness – a tribute to Ajahn Brahm on this 70th birthday
Birthday Greetings to Ajahn Brahm from the sangha and lay people around the world
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, South-West WA and online. Check out our quick reference guide to locations and times, HERE.
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.
Meet our Audio Visual Team
Our online presence wouldn't exist without the kind people who turn up each week to do the floor production and behind the scenes work of the AV team and BMG. (Like those pictured
including: Jake, Renee, Choon Seng, Ashok, Carl and others) If you'd like to help, and you're a regular attendee at Friday night talks or Saturday afternoon Meditation, feel free to say "Hi" to any of our volunteers, particularly before or after the events. The Broadcasting Management Group is always happy to hear from you, so if you can volunteer your time, you can also contact Jake at: (av@bswa.org)
Dhammaloka BUDDHIST CENTRE
Nollamara
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.
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.
  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 6th September 2021, from 1.00 - 2:00pm 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.)

BUDDHIST CARE LINE
If you wish to be heard
We encourage you to contact the Buddhist Care Line on
:
+61 (08) 6270 4671
Website: Buddhist Care Line

or email: carelistener@bswa.org
The Buddhist Care Line operating hours are:
Time Zone – Perth, Western Australia (GMT+8) 
Wednesdays 6.30pm-9pm
__________________________________________________________________
 
WEDNESDAY Night Meditation Class
Led by lay guest teachers.
Past Care Group Meditation Classes have a PLAYLIST on Youtube
*Every Wednesday Night in SEPTEMBER 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.
FRIDAY NIGHTS at DHAMMALOKA in SEPTEMBER
RAINS RETREAT GUEST SPEAKERS Program
HEAL YOUR HEART 2021

 
3 September - Kelsang Tara - Kadampa Meditation Centre
10 September - Katherine Yew - BSWA Care Group:

                           "Exploring with a Child-Like Heart"
17 September - Dennis Sheppard - BSWA Care Group
24 September - Leonard Warren - Hayagriva Buddhist Centre:

                           "COVID-19: A Lesson in Impermanence"
For more details on our Guest Speakers, please see below...
Kelsang Tara - Kadampa Meditation Centre.  Kelsang Tara is a fully ordained Australian Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre, Perth. She has been studying and practising for many years and ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2015. Tara’s inspiring teachings reflect her sincere wish to help those in need and to share her experience of Buddha’s life-changing instructions with others.
Katherine Yew - BSWA Care Group: "Exploring with a Child-Like Heart".  Kathryn is an Early Childhood Educator who as been working as a nanny/household manager. She has completed further training in Family and Relationship Therapy, and would like to become a psychologist when she grows up.
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.
 SATURDAYS in SEPTEMBER
An Introductory Lecture and Q&A Series for New Buddhists.
Geetha Mendis will be introducing the core Buddhist teachings over four Saturdays, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm at Dhammaloka, in the Side Room to the Main Hall.

4th September – The 3 Refuges & 5 Precepts
11th September – The Four Noble Truths
18th September – The Noble Eightfold Path
 25th September – Kamma & Rebirth
COMING SOON:
Over four Saturdays in November & December 2021
Early Buddhism Workshops: Satipaṭṭhāna
at Dhammaloka with Ajahn Brahmali.


Ajahn Brahmali will teach the next workshop series focusing on the 7th factor of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Mindfulness or Sammā-Sati, otherwise known as, Satipaṭṭhāna, "the applications of mindfulness"  Satipaṭṭhāna is about meditation practice. As usual, we will live-stream the workshops. For those planning to attend in person, registrations will open in October 2021.
Bodhinyana MONASTERY
Serpentine
Bodhinyana Monastery

NEWS IN BRIEF:
  • The 2021 Rains Retreat is going well.
  • For anyone missing Ajahn Brahm's teachings or jokes this piece he wrote (below) might keep you inspired and entertained until he returns. It was first published in INQUIRING MIND journal in 2010.
Who Wants to Be Enlightened?
 By Ajahn Brahm

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Today on ABC-TV (American Buddhist Channel) we present the final of “Who Wants to Be Enlightened?” This show is proudly sponsored by Samadhi Meditation Cushions, the only company that promises: “If you’re not enlightened using our cushions in this life, we’ll give you your money back in your next life!”  READ more here....
Dhammasara MONASTERY
Gidgegannup
Dhammasara Nuns' Monastery

August marked a month of Ordinations:

1 August 2021 - Dual Sangha Bhikkhuni Ordination
We are delighted that our Abbot – Ajahn Hasapanna Theri has qualified as a Preceptor (Pavattini) and approved by the Bhikkhunī Sangha to perform Nuns Higher Ordination (Bhikkhuni). On this day, 4 novice nuns received their higher ordination as Bhikkhunis, by our first in-house preceptor Ajahn Hasapanna Theri, 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. The two Bhikkhunis ordained from Dhammasara are, Venerable Pāramitā and Venerable Pasannā. The Newbury Bhikkhunis are, Venerable Selā and Venerable Saṇkappā. Let's rejoice with this quadruple Dual-Sangha Bhikkhuni Ordination, an auspicious and historical event in Dhammasara Nuns Monastery and BSWA. (See photos above and below left.)

 23 August 2021 - Samaneri Ordination
Anagarika Kanchana has taken her first step into monastic life by going forth as a Novice Nun (SamanerI). She is now, Samaneri Vimutti. (Pictured below right, with Ajahn Hasapanna.)
How to support our branch monastery - Santi Forest Monastery
Bhikkhuni Karunika, Bhikkhuni Analaya, Bhikkhuni Acala and Anagarika Chathurani are spending their Rains Retreat at Santi Forest Monastery. With the lockdown in NSW, it is still possible to support them. Click this link for more details: santifm.org/santi/dana/items-needed/


Dhammasara is still in their Annual Rains Retreat period until 21 Oct 2021
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.
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.
Jhana Grove Retreat Centre
Serpentine
The Jhana Grove Sub-Committee
Pictured above, left to right : Jhana Grove Advisor – Ajahn Brahm, Jhana Grove Caretaker – Scott Ermer, Jhana Grove Coordinator – Ber Sun, Jhana Grove Caretaker – Christina Yew,  Jhana Grove Sub-Committee Chairman & Retreat Booking Coordinator – Lay Har Goh.

Changes to bookings for BSWA 9-Day Retreats
  • Due to the popular demand for BSWA 9-day retreats, all spots have been filled within minutes when the booking system first opens to BSWA Full Members.
  • To avoid any further confusion for Associate or other BSWA members and non-members, who might be waiting to book a week after retreat is open (effective from January 2022 Retreats) bookings for BSWA 9-Day Retreats will be open to BSWA Full Members only.
  • Equivalent status is given to members of Buddhist Fellowship Singapore, Buddhist Gem Fellowship Kuala Lumpur, Mahindarama Pali School Penang, Terengganu Buddhist Association, Ehipassiko Foundation and Bodhinyana International Foundation (BIF) of Hong Kong.
  • You are encouraged to sign up as a BSWA Full Member to be eligible for 9-Day retreats when they first open.
  • Additionally, if you are an existing Full Member, you are reminded to keep your membership up to date, at the time of the retreat booking, else your retreat booking be cancelled if the membership is found to be expired.
  • For all others including non-members, you are welcome to put your name on the waiting list.
  • Weekend retreats will continue to be open to all, including non-members.
  • In order to make things fair, to those wanting to attend Ajahn Brahm 9-day Retreats, attendance will now be restricted to once a year, for each per person, to give others a chance to attend. There will be a random pick process, so half of the retreat places will be available to book. For the remaining places, for one week only, you may register online for a random pick process. When all available places have been filled, the waitlist will open to all including non-members. Priority will be given to: Seniors (60 years and over) and first timers to Ajahn Brahm’s BSWA 9-Day Retreats in Jhana Grove.
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. Wait list open.

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.

 
Retreats at Jhana Grove in 2022
New BSWA Retreat Dates are now available. Please see the full list on our BOOKING PAGE at: http://jhanagrove.akmin.com/ for more information.
Two very special birthdays occurred during the Rains, Ajahn Brahm's 70th and "Mama Ber'", aka Ber Sun's 75th. The Jhana Grove Rains Retreat community gathered together to wish them both a very Happy Birthday and many, many more!
ARMADALE Meditation Group
Online
The Armadale Meditation Group (AMG Online) remains online throughout The Rains. The September guest speakers are: Chris Lafrentz, Christina Yew and Kevin Hume. The AMG Rains Retreat, 13 week Schedule (up to Tuesday 19th October) can be found, HERE. Throughout the Rains our meetings will not be recorded or uploaded.  If you would like to join our live sessions, then please email Marlene for more details at: (armadale@bswa.org). 
For those who may not know, we said goodbye to our dear friend, Doug Anderson, who died last month. He was a long time supporter of the BSWA and a regular at Bodhinyana Monastery, he was also one of the Armadale Group's first members. Doug "embodied the practice of peaceful living", he was "an inspiration to all" and "he showed all of us how to live the kindness, gentleness and compassion that is the Buddhist path." He will be missed.
KUSALA HERMITAGE
Roleystone
Kusala Hermitage
NEWS in BRIEF: 
  • 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.
Bodhinyana GREAT SOUTHERN
Albany
Bodhinyana Great Southern
NEWS IN BRIEF:
  • 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.
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.
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.
Busselton Augusta Margaret River Buddhist Initiative
(BAMBI)   MARGARET RIVER
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 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th SEPTEMBER 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:
4.00pm - 4.30pm  Guidance on developing meditation
4.30pm - 5.00pm  Meditation
5.00pm - 5.30pm  Dhamma Discussion
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)
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.
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.
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
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).
BECOME A MEMBER : CLICK HERE to go to our Membership Page.
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.
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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