The Melbourne University Buddhist Studies Society has confirmed the date & time to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2009.

1) AGM
What is an AGM? An AGM is one of the most important meetings of the year, its where we officially pass on the administration of the club to a new committee for the new year. There are elections for committee members, and reports about past events.

It is also very important because the amount of people who turn up directly influences the future of MUBSS. If we don’t get at least 30 members (the minimum quorum in our constitution) on the day, WE CEASE TO EXIST AS AN UMSU AFFILIATED CLUB. Also the amount of members we have influences our funding, so the more people who come, the more money we have to put on events! This is why we need as many members as possible
to turn up for the meeting – that means you! We would appreciate your
attendance as the social cohesion & progress of the society lies in you.
In essence, the most important thing is that you just come!

Venue: Gryphon Gallery, Graduate Centre (1888 Building) (near the Eastern Resource Centre)

Date: Thursday, 14th May 2009

Time: 3.30pm-5.00pm

gryphon

2)Office Bearers 2009/2010
We mentioned elections of committee members above. Next, then the second
most important thing is the election of the new committee. ALL POSITIONS
ARE
OPEN FOR NOMINATION. This means that anyone can nominate to join the
committee. The positions available for nomination are:
Executive Committee
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer.
4. Secretary.
(Note: as stipulated by UMSU, at least TWO of the Executive Committee MUST BE A STUDENT UNION MEMBER, which does not include UMPA)
General Committee
5. Dharma Coordinators (1-2) (organise dharma talks etc)
6. Publicity Officers (1-2) (take care of website, make posters etc)
7.Librarian (look after locker and resources)
8. Welfare Officer (organise charity related things)

Being a committee member is a very rewarding experience, you’ll get to make decisions, work in a team, and get great satisfaction when you see
members enjoying the things you have put on. The time commitment is not huge – you only get out what you put in!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE FOR ANY OF THOSE POSITIONS PLEASE SEND US
AN EMAIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (email address located below).

More details of the AGM will be listed soon.
Sadhu & rejoice!
Happy Vesak 2009/2552BE

With Metta,

MUBSS
(mubss2551be@gmail.com)
2009/2552 BE

Dear all,
For your information, there are also Vesak celebration at the Bodhivana Monastery, one of the Forest Monk temples in Victoria.
Address:
Bodhivana Monastery
780 Woods Point Road
East Warburton
Victoria 3799
Australia
The current abott of the Wat is Ven. Ajahn Kalyano
Bio:

Ajahn Kalyano (Daniel Jones) was born in London in 1962. His interest in Buddhism awakened while still a student. After completing his university degree at Bristol University, he travelled to Thailand. In 1985 received ordination in the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah.

He has trained for many years with Venerable Ajahn Anan, one of several disciples of Ajahn Chah who have become highly regarded as meditation masters in their own right. In 2000, Ajahn Kalyano was invited to establish the forest tradition there. He is now the abbot of Bodhivana Monastery in East Waburton.

———————–
Saturday 9th May
7.00 pm – Meditation
7.45 pm – Evening chanting
8.00 pm – Dhamma talk
9.00 pm – Refreshments
10.00 pm – All night silent meditation (all welcome)
4.00 am – Morning chanting
5.00 am – Finish

Sunday 10th May
10.00 am – All visitors gather at the monastery
10.45 am – Pindabata (alms round)
11.00 am – All visitors are invited to share lunch
12.15 pm – Dhamma talk followed by candlelit circumambulation of the Uposatha Hall
12.45 pm – Samanera (novice) ordination ceremony
1.30 pm – Guided tour of the monastery (please bring along strong walking shoes)
———————–

For the benefit of those who may not know, the monastery only opens its forested areas to visitors twice a year: Vesak and Kathina. On other days visitors are not allowed to venture in because obviously that’s where the monks live and meditate. I encourage those who haven’t taken the tour to do so, as it is quite interesting and inspiring to see the monks’ kutis. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a tour guide (a monk) who’s willing to share a lot of interesting stories with you.

Happy Vesak!

With Metta,

MUBSS
2552BE
Bodhivana Monastery

Dear members of MUBSS,

As most of us know, the most important day observed by fellow Buddhist
is the Vesak day. This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and
death of a teacher, the Buddha. On this month alone, there are a
number of events held across the City of Melbourne. They are as
follows:

1. United Nations Day of Vesak- Victorian observance 2009

Description- An event which will bring together Buddhists from
different traditions to celebrate Vesak (the Birth, Passing and
Enlightenment of the Buddha).
We are planning a colourful and exciting program of multicultural
song, dance and performance based on themes relating to Buddhism and
the life of the Buddha.
There will also be talks on Buddhism and the spiritual path,
meditation and chanting, a procession of monks and nuns representing a
range of Buddhist traditions – Theravadan and Mahayana traditions from
countries such as Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan and Thailand
– and a delightful “bathing of the baby Buddha” ceremony.
And you will have a chance to browse the stalls in the foyer offering
information about the various traditions and centres, books, and more.
So please feel free to come along and bring your family and friends to
this very special birthday celebration!

Date: 9 May 2009 (the Official Holiday in most asian countries)

Location: Melbourne Town Hall, Cnr Collins/Swanston St

Time: 2-4:30pm approx

(For more info, check out: http://www.unvesak.org/)

2. Buddha’s Day Festival @ Federation Square

Description- Organized by Buddha’s Light International Association
(BLIA or Fo Guang Shan), the event is held to commemorate the birth of
the Buddha and to introduce the traditions of Buddhist ceremony of
this key religious festival to the greater public. Buddha’s Day and
Multicultural Festival incorporates the traditions of Buddhist
ceremony including the “Bathing of the Buddha”, daily Dharma
ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings; a
vegetarian culinary tour of Asia alongside the Yarra on the River
Terrace; cultural demonstrations and insights; music; art and craft,
community service groups providing information and assistance to
Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike plus special activities and games
for the younger of body and mind.

Date: 16-17 May 2009

Location: Federation Square

Time: TBA (refer to Buddha Day homepage)

(For more info, check out: http://www.buddhaday.org.au/index.html)

3. Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso’s Visit to the Buddhaloka Centre/Buddhist
Society of Victoria (BSV)

Description- Ajahn Brahm, the Abbot of Bodhiyana Monastery, will be
with us to lead Wesak celebrations commencing Saturday 16th May and
will return to Perth on Wednesday 20th May.

Saturday 16th May: 8pm Dialogue with the Under 35s at the Buddhaloka Centre

Sunday   17th May: 8am – 5pm : Wesak celebrations at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Monash University
Religious Centre
(Clayton Campus)

Monday  18th May: 8am – 5pm : One day retreat at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Monash University
Religious Centre
(Clayton Campus)

Tuesday 19th May: 8am – 5pm : One day retreat at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Buddhaloka Centre
(71-73 Darling Road, East Malvern)

Location of  the BSV:
71-73 Darling Road, East Malvern 3145

Monash University Religious Centre
Building 9
Clayton Campus map available at:
http://www.monash.edu.au/campuses/clayton.html

(For more info, check out the BSV home page:
http://www.bsv.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=31)

Happy Vesak!!!!

With metta,

MUBSS

BE 2552

“It’s the end of the Rainy Days & welcome Sunshine, thus welcome Kathina”

 

There will be an annual Kathina Celebration at the Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV) to mark the end of the Vassa (Rains Retreat). MUBSS will be participating in this year’s Katina as we will be handing a Kathin (กฐิน) (Bikkhu’s robe) on behalf of a Buddhist Centre in Penang to the Sangha of BSV.  The details are as follows:

Event: Kathina Celebration

Venue: BSV, 71-73 Darling Rd., East Malvern

Date: Sunday, 19th October 2008/2551BE

Time: 9.00am sharp

KATHINA ROBE OFFERING

Kathina civara means robes offered to the sangha during the kathina ceremony.

Offering of kathina robes was originally made to a group of bhikkhus known as the Bhaddavaggi Brothers of Paveyya region. The Buddha allowed a special form of robe offering to the members of the Sangha who were in need of robes. One-month period from the full moon day of October to the full moon day of November was prescribed as the period, during which, kathina robes may be offered. This special offering is purely voluntary. Bhikkhus are not supposed to ask for such offering even from their own parents. Robes are offered to the Sangha and not to any individual bhikkhu. These offerings are placed before the members of the Sangha who have observed their rains retreat. A prescribed ritual is held in a sima (hall) by the Sangha before distributing the offerings to the needy bhikkhus in the presence of the assembly. This special offering of robes brings five kinds of benefit to the donors:

These five benefits are as follows:

  1. The donor will always have safe journey without worry, danger or obstacle.
  2. They will never suffer shortage of food and will not be harmed by poisoned food.
  3. They will not suffer loss by robbery or theft.
  4. They will not suffer loss by natural disasters.
  5. They can easily accomplish what they set out to do.
Kathin

Kathin (Robe)

How to get there:
Image
Location of BSV

Buddhaloka Centre is easily accessed by public transport. 

By Train: The nearest railway stations are Darling (Glen Waverley line) and Carnegie (Dandenong, Pakenham, and Cranbourne lines).   

You can also take the Train to Caulfield and  catch the No 3 Tram at  Caulfield to reach the Buddhaloka Centre. 

By Tram: Tram number 3 (East Malvern line) terminates only a minute’s walk from the Centre. After alighting from the tram, walk south along Darling Road. 

By Car:There is limited parking at the rear of the Buddhaloka Centre, 73 Darling Road.
             If parking on the road please do not obstruct our neighbour’s drive ways

See also Melway page 68 J1. and also http://www.viclink.com.au/  to plan your trip.

For more info on forming groups to go there, feel free to e-mail mubss2551be@gmail.com

 

 

 

Dhamma Talk on Campus

October 1, 2008

This will be the third Dharma Talk on Campus for this Semester.

The details for this event are as follows:

Title: Mindfulness Training
Speaker: Lama Karma Chimé Shore
Date: 7th & 8th October 2008
Time: 1.00-2.00pm (both Tues & Wed)
Venue: Leigh Scott Room, level 1, Baillieu Library,The University of Melbourne
Admission cost: The Talk is FREE!

Biography:

Lama Karma Chimé Shore was, in 1974, the founding teacher of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre near Nelson, New Zealand and in 1983 of the Origins Centre. He has studied and taught for over 35 years and received ordination in the Theravada and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism. He has studied with many eminent teachers such as HH 16th Karmapa, Ven. Kalu Rinpoche and Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. His central teacher was Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche.

Chimé’s wealth of experience in working with a wide variety of people, and in combining both the spiritual and the worldly is rare. He is a warm, compassionate man who teaches in a straight-forward way. Chimé has been involved in community based projects in New Zealand, Australia and other countries, and has worked in the mental health system aiding people in their personal recovery. He has three grown sons and a partner and has an extended family life. Originally from Canada, he now resides in Western Australia and teaches mostly in Australia with some teaching tours abroad.

Chimé conducted meditation sessions at the University last year.

It is an honour to invite Chimé Shore over to the University to give a talk and also conduct meditation sessions.

Enquiries: Bill,  0383449375

Special Dharma Talk on Campus

September 15, 2008

MUBSS is hosting our second Dharma talk for Semester 2 2008.
The details are as follows:

Title: “An Introduction to Tai Chi and Meditation”

Speaker: Venerable Jue Yao of BLIA/FGS

Date: Wednesday, 17th of September 2008

Time: 5pm – 6.30pm

Venue: Gryphon Gallery, School of Graduate Research (SGR) building, 1st floor.

Bio:
Ven Jue Yao was a Business graduate from university before attending Fo Guang Shan Buddhist College in Taiwan. Since graduating from FGS Buddhist College, she has been practicing in Chung Tian Temple in Brisbane. The Venerable has taught Buddhism and Meditation at Griffith University and University of Queensland. Currently, Venerable Jue Yao teaches Meditation at Victoria University and International Buddhist College of Victoria (also known as Fo Guang Shan Melbourne) in Yarraville.

It is an honour to invite Venerable Jue Yao over to the University to present a talk.

Ehipassiko

Lotus: the symbol of compassion

Dear friends of the Dhamma,

The Melbourne Uni Buddhist Studies Society is organizing a Dhamma Talk on Campus. This will be the first Dhamma Talk on Campus for this Semester.The details for this event are as follows:

Title:’Looking in the Right Place, for Happiness and Wisdom’
Speaker: Phra (Ven.) Ajahn Nissarano
Date: Thursday, 28th August 2008/ 2551BE
Time: 5.15-6.30pm
Venue: Leigh Scott Room, level 1, Baillieu Library,The University of Melbourne
Admission cost: The Talk is FREE!

Biography:

Venerable Ajahn Nissarano was born in 1952 in Western Australia and has been a fully ordained Buddhist monk for 10 years. He ordained and trained under Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamso for 9 years at Bodhinyana Forest Monastery, south of Perth in Western Australia. Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso is a direct disciple of the renowned Thai meditation master, Venerable Ajahn Chah. For the past three years, Ajahn Nissarano has been living in forest monasteries in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. He has been practising meditation for more than 25 years. Before taking the robes, he was a member and Librarian of the Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV). Currently, Ajahn Nissarano is residing at the BSV for annual 3 months Rains Retreat.
It is an honour to invite Ajahn Nissarano over to the University to give a talk.

Ehipassiko

The Bhikku's requisites

Almsbowl: A Bhikkhu's requisite

As a deer in the wilds,
unfettered,
goes for forage wherever it wants:
the wise person, valuing freedom,
wanders alone
like a rhinoceros.

- exerpt from Sn 1.3: Khaggavisāna-sutta (A Rhinoceros Horn)

Coming 28th August 2008/2551 BE…………..Saddhu, Saddhu, Saddhu!

Ehipassiko

(A Dhamma Talk)

This is MUBSS’s 1st event for the 2nd Semester. An event to meet or catch up with new & existing MUBSS members over lunchtime. Also, is the time to let us know what you would like MUBSS
to do (not assignments………) & also your support to MUBSS…..

Venue: Joe Napolitano A (opposite the Rowden White Library), Level 2 Union House
Date: Wednedsay, 30th July 2008/2551
Time: 12.00-2.00pm

Vegetarian food & fruit drinks will be provided for FREE.

All are welcome & also, do invite your fellow friends to come. Have fun!!!!! =)

“Ehipassiko”

Due to the current situation in Burma ( Myanmar), the University will be organizing a 10 minutes moment of silence. This is where we can send our thoughts of goodwill and spiritual support to those affected and in need of aid. This silent vigil will be held at:
Venue: South Lawn, the University of Melbourne
Date: 16th of May 2008
Time: from 1p.m. onwards
On their behalf, MUBSS will be collecting donations, which will then be handed to World Vision.
The donations can be made this Friday. Alternatively, you could also make the monetary contributions via attending our weekly meditation sessions should you not be able to attend the vigil on Friday.
The meditation sessions are held at:
Venue: Leigh Scott Room, 1st floor, Baillieu Library
Date: 13 to 14 May 2008
Time: 1-2pm, after 2 if you could not make it for the session
In addition , the open meditation session on this Thursday will be held in memory of the cyclone victims in Burma.

Event: “Group Healing Meditation for Burma”
Venue: Leigh Scott Room, 1st floor, Baillieu Library
Date: Thursday, 15th of May 2008
Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm

This Thursday’s meditation session will be focusing on radiating loving kindness (metta).
Donations would be sincerely appreciated. All the proceeds will be handed to World Vision.

Your presence will be much appreciated.
“May all beings be free from pain and suffering”
With Metta,
MUBSS,
The University of Melbourne