The 18th Annual General Meeting Lao Buddhist Society of NSW Incorporated

Wat Phrayortkeo Dhammayanaram 711-715 Smithfield Road, Edensor Park NSW 2176

www.watphrayortkeo.com 1st November, 2009

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AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgmentsAcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

In keeping with the Theravada tradition, bef ore we do any good deed it is customary to pay homage to the Triple Gem: the Enlightened One (the Buddha), his teaching (the Dhamma) and the community of his disciples (the Sangha), the ultimate ref uges. This report is about the Lao Buddhist Society (LBS) not just functioning as a temple; but also its con-nection with people f rom all walks of lif e—around Sydney, NSW, interstate and the world. It is about try ing to liv e the Dhamma - moment to moment wherever we may be. The theme f or this report is about the sacred Bodhi Tree—how it came about and our part in contrib-uting to the wider community. The Society has been working closely with the Fairfield City Council –especially with Ms Lesley Unsworth the Place Manager for the Bonnyrigg Town Centre Park since the year 2002. Lately, we hav e been asked to be part of the Vision Project f or the park. We would like to thank Ms Anita Winter f or her photographs and her support. The Fairfield City Council have asked the Sangha (the community of monks) of Wat Phrayortkeo to be the ‘Guardians’ f or the Bodhi tree-to be its caretaker f or the future generation. The tree will one day shelter the younger generation of this land while they sit under it to f ind stillness and time to contemplate. It is following the path of the Prince Siddhartha and his search for the end of suffering. This year 2009, it is a challenging y ear as it is known spiritually to be a year of ‘cleansing.’ It is about making a shift to a different dimension of thinking. It is about leaving behind the old thought habits, removing hurts, any resentment and ’shifting’ to a new way of thinking that will make us feel ‘Lighter’ at heart. With the growth of compassion, we begin to relate human to human rather than role to role. We are grateful f or the support of the Abbot Ajahn Thongsavanh Chanthathirath; f or the Sangha of Wat Phray ortkeo; for President Mr Champa and Mrs Bounthom Baramy; and for the Management Committee of LBS. We are thankful for the endless contribution and examples of the nuns; the eld-erly ; the lay people and f amilies who give Dana to our Sangha on a daily serv ice; the v olunteer cooks who work hard behind the scenes; the action teams who move heavy equipment during f esti-vals; the sound system team; all the cleaners; and most of all, those who clean up the mess- after all hav e left. The LBS members, Buddhists and non-Buddhists who regularly support the monthly f estiv als and activities. This year although there are many challenges in our life, we feel they are there for a specif ic purpose, they are there for us to learn ‘lessons of lif e’ on this earth. It does not matter which direction we choose there are lessons for us to learn and gain from. The point is if we see any dishonest anywhere in our life-to make a difference would mean to live a more honest lifestyle starting with oneself. ‘Be the change y ou want to see in the world’ Gandhi said. In this report, the Lao Buddhist Society is connecting with people from all walks of life. Apart f rom joining events with different organizations and Buddhist communities, this year we had the chance to be part of a world gathering-where people f rom all parts of the globe came to Sydney to f ind ‘inner peace.’ The positive energy was amazing. It is said that when the indiv idual has f ound inner peace, the family will be at peace. When the community is at peace, the nation will be at peace. When the nations are at peace, the world will be at peace. Peace starts with oneself. Gautama sat under the Bodhi Tree and f ound enlightenment. May all sentient beings find peace and calmness under this sacred tree– a tree for all to share. Wishing you all wonderful moments, Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu~! Metta,

Editor Team

C & R Production

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Message from the AbbotMessage from the AbbotMessage from the AbbotMessage from the Abbot This year 2009 has been a year filled with high demands. It is the demand for our monks from Wat Phrayortkeo to take part in many Buddhist gatherings and c eremonies around Sydney. This year is the year when people around the world c an feel the pressure of the recession. It is affecting every family. People are losing their jobs, their homes and their financ ial security. Everyone is affected somehow. There is also devastation with the bush fire in Victoria. Many families have lost everything. But through this suffering and hardship, we can also witness that the Australian people are very compassionate and fast in contributing what little they have to share with each other. Australians are very generous people and have big hearts. Each one of us too has a part to help those in desperation and need. This is the time to give ‘Dana’ to people in need. Then there is the ripple effect of the Tsunami in Samoa, Indonesia and the regions around the Pacific. There is also the earthquake in the Philippines. Let us all remind ourselves that we do live in an impermanent world. Let us all learn to live simply, walk gently on this earth, listen more, and give generously to others. It is almost a year now, that the Fairfield City Council has given the Sangha of Wat Phrayortkeo the duty as ‘Guardian’ of the Bodhi Tree at the Bonnyrigg Town Centre Park. It has been a good step in culti-vating loving-kindness, generosity, and building a stronger bond with our local neigbours. The Bodhi tree is a sac red tree for its message , and it is as strong as it was 2,500 years ago: when we sit in silence we c an all find the answer of peac e within-like Prince Siddhartha who was born with ric hes and gave it all up to find meaning in life and the reason why some suffered so much. Let all those who c ome to this temple, find time to cultivate mindfulness and get rid of greed, hatred and delusion.

May All Beings Be Happy and Peaceful, Ajahn Thongsavanh Chanthathirath

Ajanh Thongsavanh with Dar ug Aboriginal Elders during smoking ceremony at the Park.

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A Message from the President Dear Dhamma Members, Nom Namasakharn Ajahn Thongsavanh and the Sangha of Wat Phrayortkeo. It is an honor for me to be able to serve and support the temple. I am deeply grateful to work with the many people who have given their free time, their hearts and resources in supporting the temple and the Buddha-Dhamma. Thank you to all the volunteers and their help during all the Buddhist fes tivals and ceremoni es. My heart also goes to all those who have worked so hard in the ongoing constructi on wor k. This year, we have witnessed together the hundreds of volunteers who assisted with the Lao New Year cel ebrations held at the Bonnyrigg Town Centre Park for the ver y first time. A special mention to Chanthanith and Ramphay for their determinati on and perseverance i n working closel y with the Fairfield City Council for many years now. The Bodhi tree; simple yet deeply symbolic, has brought so much j oy to all Buddhists who come across it. On the 6th December 2008, we were pri vileged to have been a part of the Logo l aunch for the Bonnyrigg Town Centre organized by the Fairfield City Council. This wor k has brought us closer to the Mayor Mr Nick Lalich, and with the interfaith group from the Bonnyrigg area; also welcoming the Sanghas from the Khmer and Thai templ es.

I would li ke to express my gratitude towards the Management Committee for their hard wor k through the years. They have given extra time to support the Council with the Logo launch as well as the new Vision Proj ect. Early October this year, Ms Annette Stafford –the Council’s Policy Advisor, Recreation and Open Space officer came to the temple to i nform us that they have received new funding and told us the next plan for the Par k starting in November . I have recently received a letter from the Mayor confirming that a power box will be install soon at the Par k. The temple flourishes with the help from our elders and our youth. This combination makes the work lighter. I would li ke to thank the spiritual support of our Lao elders and advisors like Mr Tianethone Chantharasy, Dr Somphou Oudomvilay and Mrs Pathoumma Praseuth. This year we have had many meetings with friends from different Lao organizations in Sydney and NSW. It has been a step in compassionate social acti on. We have come together to assist those who have gone through natural disasters li ke the Victorian Bush Fires. I would li ke to congratulate all those who took initiati ves-and I hope we will continue to wor k together to thi nk of those less fortunate than us and show further support for the communities at large. This is a report of all the wonderful forms of contributions made to this temple. It will one day be a record for the younger generation. Finally, We would li ke to invite you to joi n us in celebrating a historic event which will take place on

Sunday 6 December, 2009 at the Bonnyrigg Town Centre Par k. For our first anni versary, a Bodhi Tree will be planted along with a commemorati ve plaque. This plaque is very significant for the Lao temple for we were chosen by the Fairfield City Council to be the ‘Guardians’ of the tree’. This will be a wonderful day event – do join us in our endeavour to create a better and a more peaceful future for our children –who will be rej oicing for a long time in this park in this lovely l and we call Australia. I would li ke to finally add that the Phra Bang statue arrive during the Kathina festival and our next project will be the Phra Keo project. PS: The incident that happened on the 22 Jul y 2009 when three members of the Board of LCAC came to the templ e and stopped the chanting of the monks and nuns surprised ever yone. It has caused ‘ripple’ effects around the world. The LBS condemned their actions and as Buddhists we are saddened by their actions.

May you all Be Happy,

Champa Baramy President of Lao Buddhist Society of NSW Inc 1st Nov ember, 2009

The Bonnyrigg Town Centre logo features the skyline of Bonnyrigg with the intertwined Gum and Bodhi leaves symbolising the di ver-sity and harmony of the Bonnyrigg community.

This Bodhi tree was officially planted by His Worship the

Mayor of Fairfield Cit y and State Member for Cabramatta, Nick Lalich, on 6 December 2008, to commemorate the launch of the logo for Bonnyrigg Town Centre

The Sangha (monk community) of Wat Phrayortkeo Dhammayanaram (Lao Buddhist Temple) will continue to generousl y act as guardian of this holy Bodhi tree to safeguard it for future generati ons.

Ven. Ajahn Thongsavanh Chanthathirath Abbot of Wat Phrayortkeo Dhammayanaram

Champa Baramy President of Lao Buddhist Society of NSW Inc . and his Management Committee

Nick Lalich Mayor of Fairfield City State Member for Cabramatta

Alan Young City Manager

Note below: The inscribed words on the plaque which will be placed on the stone (next to Bodhi tree) Designed and

written by the Fairfield City Council –first anniversary will be on 6 December 2009.

7

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Mr Thongdam Souri yavong Second Vice-President

Mrs Phatvilavanh Khammarath Public Relations Officer

Mrs Samly Yangnouvong Monastic Affairs Officer

Ms Khamla Phanoraj Assets & Properties Officer

8

Mr Bounphayvanh Sodarak Mr Bounpheng Phomphithack

First Vice-President Construc tion Officer

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Mrs Rasmy Leckloksavang Mr Bounlap Saenphoumy Treasurer Secretary

Dear Dhamma Friends,

I feel very privileged to be able to ser ve Aj anh Thongsavanh Chanthathirath and the Sangha. It is such an honor to be

able to ser ve them for different Buddhist ceremoni es and festivals. Apart from my duti es as secretar y for the Management Committee, I feel a privilege to be abl e to help with the maintenance and the running of the temple. There are many needs around the temple. I feel lucky to be working with dedicated people who have given their time and energy. They come after their hard day’s wor k and yet put all their hearts into running the temple. It is inspiring to see the way they li ve for the sake of others. There are people who put others first –this is what i nspires me to keep going and keep giving. The bes t part in this voluntary work is seeing others who are tired after a long festi val who come and support each other-this makes it ver y special. My heart goes out to those who fully give with all their hearts. I feel I have learnt a great deal and will continue to l earn.

Bounl ap Saenphoumy - Secretary

Dear Members,

I am very grateful to be part of the Management Committee of Lao Buddhist Society of NSW Inc. (Wat- Phrayortkeo Dhammayanaram) for the second term.

It has been a ver y successful year with all donations received totaling $137,598.00. and total payments of $119,510.00. We have spent this on the hand-rail which comes to a total of $14,300.00. This is done to meet the current standard by the Council. The Majority of our bills are now direct debit from account which makes it more convenient.

I want to thank all the volunteers who have given up their time to help out in all areas and want to see more young volunteers to come in and help out in all areas, both inside and outside of the temple.

Mrs Rasmy Leckloksavang –Treasurer Team Behind the Treasurer: This is to acknowl edge the finance team of Wat Phrayortkeo It is not an easy task for we have large numbers of people who come into the temple to give their donations. This is to give mention to the team who wor k closel y with the Treasurer. Apart from the collecting invoices and paying bills, they have managed to be at the templ e during all the lunar festivals and ceremonies to collect the donations from our devotees. It is an immense task-not just to make sure that all data are in order but to keep the book balance. We have noticed that hones t communication is required in this field and how to bes t tackle a situation to keep the finance at the temple as' transparent’ as possible. It is always a challenge and we can see that the team keeps on learning and growing. They said with each generation it does get better.

Ed.

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Message from the Public Officer As Public Officer, it has not been easy to create a team. It has been quite a challenge working together with others. The point is that f rom the beginning, we are all different. We come from different families, different upbringings and different point of views.

I found that it takes patience to build trust no matter whom we work with. The team takes time to f ind out what is in one’s heart. Although there are plenty to take on as a volunteer, the best part is winning trust. Trust is built slowly. Trust is there when you walk your talk. It is putting words into action.

The f irst thing in working together I hav e found are one’s words. One’s words need to be based on truth. Working together as a group, it is best not to assume what is going on. Guessing tends to confused things. It is about expressing what you want. It is about clear communication and informing one another.

Another thing I have found in working in a large community is not to take –a word or any word from people –personally. Do not take it to heart. For a thousand words per day can damage you and sometimes it has nothing to do with you. So it is about training oneself not to take things ‘too personally.’ As a team, we are all gifted. It is not about competition but co-operation –it is about contributing my part in the Big Picture. I have to do my part no matter how small and others do their part. We giv e each other enough space to grow.

Teamwork is when we strive to see the best in others and seek the best in ourselves. This year, we can see the growth of an amazing team. There is the team giving their best in the Buddhist ceremonies; a team to keep order in the finance department; a team to keep the maintenance and construction; a team to look after the needs of the Sangha; a team to keep track of administration; a team in the kitchen and many more. It is the simple step of building trust.

I found f rom time to time to re-examining our work and our attitude towards moving f orward. The finance has been well recorded and put into MYOB which is easier for our accountant and auditing. Slowly , we are putting things in perspective. The running of the temple is smoother when we all know our true part and duties. My part is to make sure that all documents are in order and are according to the constitution of LBS and meet the full requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1984. Australia has helped us to preserv e the value of democracy– I am proud that we are adapting this in our decision making with the Management Committee of LBS.

To keep prospering as a team, forgiveness is needed. Forgiv eness is knowing that you have to clear the block-or else the work will feel tension. Forgiveness brings ease to any situation.

I have witnessed some of the volunteers have put aside their nine to f ive jobs in this stressful demanding world, and giv e a hundred percent to the running of the temple when they hav e to. It is witnessing that by working closely together and having the same goal, we become one large f amily. Slowly , we are beginning to understand that each person has sacrificed their precious time i.e. away from their own family - to give to the community. Apart f rom the work benef itting the temple, it is also works to f oster goodwill, mutual understanding and friendship among other Buddhists, other religious groups and the Australian public. This year, we continue to go further as we are in the process of working closely and have our say and a v ote with the Vision Project for Bonnyrigg Town Centre Park (Fairf ield City Council) which have received new funding. It is good that we can make decisions for our local Bonnyrigg area, and assist in thinking about the needs of the public in the Fairf ield area. We have mov ed beyond our own needs. I am proud that we can all contribute something to Australia.

Metta,

Chanthanith Chittasy

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Mr Sorn Yin and Theau Yorth from the Khmer Buddhist Society

Annette Stafford –Council’s Policy Advisor, Recreation and Open Space

with Claudia Stevens (New Leaf) and Rev. Mathew Kuruvilla (Parkside Church) next to Annette Stafford.

Meetings w ith FCC at temple.

22 July 2009: After the meeting at New Leaf office-it was resolved to invite the LBS to joi n the Town Centre committee. It is wor king closel y with advising Council about what needs to happen to improve Bonnyrigg Town Centre. Membership is by invite onl y-they have chosen organizations that are showing leadership to be part of the group. Each organization gets to have one vote but two alternate representatives. It meets ever y six weeks.

26 September 2009 : The purpose of the meeting –to plan for the organization or establishment of interfaith dialogue in Bonnyrigg. Mr Theau from the Khmer Buddhist Society had a vision to bring the Bonnyrigg faith communities together to discuss such issues as * What they can do to improve the area -* How can they build dialogue and harmony-* How they can be a rol e model.

8 October 2009: Ms Annette Stafford –the Council’s Policy

Advisor, Recreation and Open Space officer came to give us some ideas of what will happen with the funds for the park. She tol d us about the time they will start the construction of the playgrounds and asked us what we woul d like to see as priority for the par k. We also planned about the coming Vision Launch –on 6 Dec 2009 and the first anni versar y of the Bodhi tree.