BLIAQ Newsletter December 2018 - Chung Tian Temple · 2 December-One Day Meditation Retreat. Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia Newsletter 1034 Underwood

Greetings to all our readers.

Welcome to the December newsletter. This month’s edition sees the first in a series Our Beautiful Temple, where we highlight one of the many wonderful artefacts or features at Chung Tian. We also have a contribution from a member who has been attending Dharma classes under the expert guidance of Venerable Miao Xin, and who shares with us, her thoughts and experience of those classes.

On November 24th almost 30 people Took Refuge in The Triple Gem, so for this month’s words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, I have chosen some of his writing about The Triple Gem.

Recently the Oxford English dictionary listed Toxic as ‘The Word Of The Year’. They reported that Toxic best summed up the mood of the year and it was ‘a word or expression chosen to reflect the passing year in language’ one that ‘best captures the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year.’ Whilst we may have

previously used this word in relation to physical poisons or chemical pollutants of some kind, now this word can represent workplace cultures, politics, even relationships. So how do we protect ourselves from this toxicity that seems to have permeated so many aspects of twenty-first century western life?

As Buddhists, it has significant relevance for us. It is not a new use of the word. It is actually what the Buddha was teaching centuries ago. Surely nothing can be more toxic than Mara. The Buddha spoke of three poisons that if not recognised for what they are, can infiltrate the mind, allowing delusions and the path of suffering to take hold. He showed us a path from suffering and that we can be impervious to poisons (toxicity) by studying and following the Dharma. In otherwords, the Dharma when combined with the Buddha and Sangha becomes our Hazmat suit! As noted by this month’s words of Venerable Hsing Yun, The Tripple Gem is the mechanism by which, if followed and practiced, we can become impermeable to the poisons and delusive thoughts of this world.

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

Every Sunday: Buddha’s Light Scout Group during school terms

Upcoming Events

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16DecemberTempleclean-upday

2 December - One Day Meditation Retreat.

Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia

BLIAQ Newsletter 1034 Underwood Road Priestdale QLD 4127, Australia Website: www.chungtian.org.au Email: [email protected] Ph: 3841 3511 Fax: 3841 3522

Chung Tian Buddhist Temple

December 2018 Edition 129

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

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Venerable Miao Xin has led us on a journey into the final chapters of the sutra, discussing repentance and reformation, opportunities and conditions, the sudden and the gradual, and the Dharma protector.

We have pondered intrinsic Buddha nature, the three refuges, the fact that the mind is the Buddha and the Buddha is the mind, permanence and impermanence, the pure mind, motion and stillness.

What we have found in our studies is that the Dharma requires close study, deep thinking and contemplation and a willingness to realise that even though we may not understand everything fully, we can still learn from its study and from discussing it with the Venerable and our classmates.

We have also learned a lot this term about Master Huineng, the Northern and Southern schools of thought, as well as the lineage of the Chan school.

As part of the class structure, the Venerable asked us to each present

a chapter or a number of pages and our thoughts about what was discussed. Apart from involving everyone in the discussion, it led to deep thought about what was presented and how to extract the salient points for the class to consider. By becoming teachers, we have become better students and we have tried to apply the teachings in our daily lives.

One of the presentations from another class member, gave us her thoughtful insights which provoked a discussion in class of some interesting thoughts from the Dharma:

Dualistic phenomena – thinking that things are either one way or the other; this contradicts the Middle Way.

The thirty-six pairs taught by Huineng – insentient things like heaven and earth, sun and moon, light and darkness; language and characteristics like form and formlessness, form and emptiness, motion and stillness, old and young; and functions of intrinsic nature

like ignorance and wisdom, truth and illusion, joy and anger, arising and ceasing.

Single-form Samadhi and single-practice Samhadi – right meditative concentration:

One must believe deeply in the Law of Cause and Effect; One must strictly uphold the precepts; One must have firm faith and One must have conviction to follow the path.

Overall, we have learnt that answers are within, in the intrinsic Buddha nature. Buddhism often mentions the “outsider”. Outsiders are those who look for the Way outside of the mind. Master Hsing Yun’s commentary reminds us that to look for the Way outside of the mind only leads us further from the Way. People are deluded, because illusion covers their true mind.

Venerable Maio Xin has shared her deep knowledge of the Dharma with us and encouraged us to persist when we found it difficult to understand. She has helped us see the intrinsic Buddha nature that is in us all and welcomed our thoughts and ideas about what we have studied.

Karen Murphy BLIAQ Member

THE RABBIT’S HORN: A COMMENTARY ON THE PLATFORM SUTRA

A member reflects on Level 4 Dharma study


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Our Beautiful Temple

Mountain Gate refers to the traditional mountain setting of monasteries. The Chung Tian Temple’s main gate is constructed in a style traditional to Chinese Buddhist temples: a large central opening flanked by two smaller openings. This triplet mirrors:

1) The three virtues leading to enlightenment: wisdom, compassion, and skilful means.

2) The three provisions: faith, vows and practice, which aid one in realizing the truth and in promoting freedom from suffering.

3) The three essential elements of Buddhism: discipline (precepts), meditation and wisdom.

4) The three gates leading to liberation: emptiness, formlessness and no-action (wu-wei).

Located immediately inside the Temple grounds, the gardens contain statues and plants chosen to create a peaceful ambience, while the presence of Bodhi trees are indicative of the place at which the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Buddhist monasteries have historically been situated in mountain forests, providing monastics with a location well suited to spiritual cultivation. The gardens of Chung Tian serve to carry on this tradition in a more urban environment. Many of the plantings are native to Australia, with a notable exception being the Bodhi trees.

These are easily recognisable by the heart-shaped leaves, a shape which frequently appears in Buddhist art as a symbol of the Buddha’s wisdom.

The Bodhi tree is the type of tree under which Gautama Siddhartha attained supreme enlightenment and was henceforth known as Sakyamuni Buddha.

Willow and bamboo also have symbolic meaning for Chinese Buddhists. Both trees represent resilience and moral integrity on account of their natural ability to withstand harsh wind and weather. The willow furthermore, has legendarily been imparted with the power to fend off evil demons. Because a bamboo’s core is hollow, it is a symbol of humility. The bamboo is also one of the “Four Scholars” of traditional Chinese painting (the other three being chrysanthemum, plum blossom, and orchid). The Bodhisattva Kuan Yin is often depicted with a willow branch or bamboo.

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

Photo: Dave Holland with permission


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THIS MONTH’S WORDS OF VENERABLE MASTER HSING YUN

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

In his book Core Teachings1 Venerable Master Hsing Yun tells us that the Triple Gem is the first formal step onto the Buddhist Path. He goes on to say –

‘Taking refuge signifies that we have become disciples of the Triple Gem – The Buddha the Dharma and the Sanga. When we take refuge in the Triple Gem it determines the direction of our faith. When a Buddhist practitioner decides to take refuge in the Triple Gem, it represents a stronger life commitment to learn, practice, and embrace the virtues of the Buddha, Dharma and Sanga’.

‘Gold, silver diamonds and pearls are all considered to be treasures in our mundane world. In the world of Buddhism, the Buddha, the Dharma, besides the Sanga are the treasures of our Dharma body and wisdom-life. By making a commitment to the Triple Gem, we reap the benefits of such sublime gems, which ultimately brings us far more meaningful benefits than any material gems could provide.’

He goes on to say 2- ‘To put it simply, the Buddha is like a doctor, the Dharma is like medicine, and the Sangha is like a team of nurses. each of these three causes are important causes for the

liberation of sentient beings. Not one can be lacking. Only when a patient has a good doctor, proper medicine, and skilful nurses can his illness be cured. This is also true for life, for only by relying on the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha can we be happy, liberated and free from suffering.’

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

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

Triple Gem Ceremony November 2018




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Date Day Time Program

1,8,15 Dec.

Sat. 10:30am-12:00noon

Nan Tien Temple Million Affinities Water and Land External Altar Dharma Service (Medicine Buddha Sutra)

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

(Lunar 1 Nov.) Fri. 11:00am-12:00noon Bright Light Dharma Service

8 Dec. Sat. 1:30pm BLIAQ Monthly Presidents Meeting 9 Dec. Sun. 3:30pm-5:30 pm Health Cooking Class

15 Dec. Sat. 1:30pm Art Gallery – Art Exhibition Opening Ceremony

16 Dec. Sun. 10:00am-3:00pm Tea Ceremony Day 21 Dec.

(Lunar 15 Nov.) Fri. 11:00am-12:00noon Bright Light Dharma Service

22 Dec. Sat. 9:00am- 3:00pm Recitation of Amitabha Buddha Retreat

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

29 Dec. Sat. 10:30am Chinese Buddhist Chanting Service Merit Transfer to the Deceased

Every week Wed. 9:30am-11:00am Chung Tian Tai Chi Class

Every week

Sat. 9:00am-10:30am

Chinese Calligraphy Class Sun. 8:30am-10:00am Sun. 1:30pm-3:00pm

Every week

Sun.

3:00pm-5:00pm Chung Tian Chinese Orchestra Practice

9:00am-9:40am English Buddhist Chanting Service

Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple Activities for December 2018


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

Basic Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 1 Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Advanced Buddhist Study & Meditation Class Level: Level 4 (Free for BLIAQ members) Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Cost: $20 per term – booking is required

Intermediate Buddhist & Meditation Class Level: Level 2 Day: Sunday Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Time: TBA Jan Newsletter Cost: $20 per term - Booking is required Bodhi Class For Children Ages: 4 - 12 years Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019 Cost: $20 per term Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free. Ì Children are taught Buddhist morals and ethics in a nurturing environment. Lessons are backed by fun activities which include: simple meditation, children’s tai chi, Buddhist stories and virtues, craft activities and team-building games.

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

Ì To book for the Buddhist classes, an application form must be completed and returned to the Chung Tian Temple’s reception together with full payment at least a week prior to the course commence date.

Ì For all enquiries please contact 3841 3511 on Tuesday to Sunday, or email: [email protected] or see www.chungtian.org.au

Thank you

Teenager’s Buddhist Class

Ages: 13 - 19 years

Sunday: 10.00am - 11.00am

Date: 17 Feb 2019 - 24 Mar 2019

Cost: $20 per term

Every 2nd & 4th child from the same family will be free.

Ì The intermediate Dharma class builds on and expands the basic foundations of Buddhist learning, aiming for a practical approach and solutions to challenges issues faced by young people today.

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Wednesday

Time: 9.30am – 11.00am

Where: Chung Tian Temple

Cost: Free donation

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Saturday

Time: 9.00am – 10.30am


Cost: Free donation

Tai Chi Class

Day: Every Sunday

Time: 8.30am – 10.00am


Cost: Free donation

Please send items and suggestions for inclusion in the newsletter to: [email protected] with the word “Newsletter” in the subject. If referring to another person by name in your submission, please ensure you have their permission to do so. Special thanks to Mr Dave Holland for the photograph of Our Temple Gate edition. Also Mr Peter Wu for photos of the Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony.

Documents

BLIAQ Newsletter December 2018 - Chung Tian Temple · 2 December-One Day Meditation Retreat. Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Australia Newsletter 1034 Underwood