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Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Saturday, 20 May 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
For the first time Vesak was celebrated at the Australian Federal House (Parliament) in Canberra on Vesak day – 10 May. The celebrations were organised by the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC) along with the Australian Sangha Association and hosted by Senator Zed Seleja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs.
In a short address, the Senator referred to Vesak as an important day in the national calendar. He said that the Buddhists are a growing community in Australia and is one of the largest religious groups with over half a million people. According to the 2011 census, there were 529,000 Buddhists in the country.
“The Australian Government promotes and supports productive, harmonious and diverse communities and commitment to freedom of religion was reconfirmed recently,” he said. 
He then read out a Vesak message from the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s message stated that the traditional festival of Vesak is rich in symbolism and spiritual significance—a time for faith and community, a moment to welcome peace and happiness, and an opportunity to affirm one’s commitment to the Five Precepts.
“Vesak is also a powerful reminder of the wonderful gift that Buddhism has brought to this nation, and how its particular values and insights—such as equality, respect and understanding—remain relevant to all Australians. Our nation has been vastly enriched by faiths of every tradition, each contributing its own unique and special thread to the multicultural fabric of our society,” it said.
“Australians are truly citizens of the world and our shared commitment to friendship, inclusion and peace is what lies at the heart of our success. With these thoughts in mind, I hope that everyone observing the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, is inspired and uplifted by these special celebrations,” the message added.
‘Oldest democratic tradition’
Speaking on behalf of the Sangha Association, Ajahn Brahmavamso first read out a quote from Sydney Morning Herald where, a few years back, a reader had written: “I don’t know about Christians or Muslims, but I am greatly concerned about the Buddhists. It is simply un-Australian the manner they are so kind, gentle, never really in headlines or worried about how they are treated. Can this be quickly addressed before it spreads?”
Stressing that Buddhism is growing in Australia, Ajahn Brahm said that Buddhism is recognised by the Federal Government and is becoming an integral part in Australia. Stating that there are concerns and weaknesses, he mentioned that many temples are impoverished and need assistance. The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils and the Sangha Association are truly representative of the Buddhist community, he said.
Recalling the long history of Buddhism, Ajahn Brahm reminded that Buddhist Sangha is the oldest continuous democratic tradition in the world and that democracy was in existence 26 centuries ago in India.
He said he was looking forward to working with the Government and make a positive contribution to society.
Cecilia Mitra, President of the FABC stated that the Federation represents Buddhist Councils in five states – New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, and Queensland. Regular meetings are held with the government and FABC is working towards getting the Buddhist voice heard on current social issues and to ensure that Buddhism, as the largest minority religion in Australia, receives fair and equal treatment from the Government and media.
FABC has identified four areas as its core activities. As stated in the FABC Mission Statement they are:
nTo provide national representation of the Buddhist community to the Australian Government, media , inter-faith groups, and the public, in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.
