Buddha’s Light International Association Western Australia celebrated Buddha’s Birthday
Buddha’s Light International Association Western Australia celebrated Buddha’s Birthday on 17 and 18 April 2021 with multi culture and multi faith.
The ancient swastika symbol is almost universal
The ancient swastika symbol is almost universal – but made most famous by the Nazi rule of Germany and the ensuing World War 2 and all the hatred, violence and ignorance that was caused.This fascinating read that will explain how the Nazi swastika differs from the other types of swastika symbols used in many parts of the world and which predate Buddhism.
Certain Buddhists temples adopted a form of the swastika as the photos will show.
Buddhism is about universal compassion like the rays of the sun which reaches every corner of the world. It is a four spoked symbol representing the Four Noble Truths.
The Dalai Lama receives his first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, left his home on Saturday to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and promote vaccination against the coronavirus, in what was his first public appearance in over a year.
The 85-year-old scrapped plans to receive the injection at home, opting instead to travel to a clinic in Dharamsala, India, where he’s lived since fleeing China after a failed uprising in 1959.
He was photographed exposing his right shoulder to receive a vaccine known as Covishield in India, which was developed by the University of Oxford and drug firm AstraZeneca. In a video message afterward, the Dalai Lama said, “I took [the vaccine] so I want to share [that] more people should have courage to take this injection.”
The incredible Ajahn Vayama
Ajahn Vayama was one of the very first Australian women to ordain as a Buddhist nun in Asia, and is the founding abbot of Dhammasara Monastery in Gidgegannup, Australia.
Ajahn Vayama in front of her caravan at Dhammasara in December 1998
by Peace Weekes – originally published on Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage
From an early age Ajahn Vayama was very keen to offer help and support to others in need. She often reflected on the reality of suffering and was involved in collecting funds for many aid organisations, including Red Cross and Freedom From Hunger Fund.
After finishing high school she studied at the University of Sydney to become as a social worker. Compassion for others suffering always motivating her to take action, she pioneered the first women’s refuge on the north coast of New South Wales. Through her experiences as a social worker, she witnessed much emotional and physical suffering. Yet in spite of all the efforts she made, the suffering seemed endless. At times she felt there was little she could do to really help people. Even when her help was welcomed and well utilised it was still largely up to those individuals to continue to maintain any lasting changes in their own lives. Read more »
Climate Change Statement at Parliament Steps | Nov 2020
We are seeking a change of heart for our change in climate.
The impacts of the climate crisis are growing – fires are raging, floods are ravaging and crops are dying. We know that climate change is not just a political, economic or scientific issue. As people of faith, we see it also as moral and spiritual issue.
The WA Government are in the final stages of preparing the State Climate Policy and we want to take some time to pause, pray and meditate for a safe climate future. We deeply hope the new State Climate Policy will reflect the urgent need to reduce WA’s fossil fuel emissions and not create any further damage to the climate system.
We invite you to sit with us as we bring our grief about the impacts already seen, our fears about the impacts to come, our hopes for renewable-powered WA and our intentions for a just transition.
Please join us on Tuesday 17 November at WA Parliament House Steps to pray and meditate for our climate.
We have so far confirmed a Nyungar welcome to Country and prayers or reflections from Muslim, Catholic, Uniting, Buddhist, and Bahai traditions.
We also intend to hand over a letter to the Premier (or a representative thereof) regarding our desire for climate action in WA.
We look forward to your peaceful presence with us.
