Bodhi Mind, Bodhi Living - new Right Livelihood in Sydney

Nick Maddocks writes from Triratna’s Sydney Sangha to say -

“Next time you’re in Australia make sure you visit Bodhi Books and Gifts - our exciting new Team-Based Right-Livelihood (TBRL) based in Newtown, epicentre of the Sydney Sangha. With the arrival of Bodhi, TBRL is now an integral part of the greater mandala in the Sydney Sangha, taking its place alongside the Green Elephant (our Op Shop), and Windhorse Books - plus of course the Centre itself!

Bodhi, in which I work, is in walking distance of the Sydney Buddhist Centre (24 Enmore Rd, Newtown) It started life in December 2007, being launched off the back of the well established (and still operating) Windhorse Books, which was set up by Ratnajyoti over 14 years ago. Since those early days we’ve grown to a core team of four people (three Order Members and one GFR Mitra), a further four casual staff and 10-15 volunteers from the Sydney Sangha.

Bodhi specialises in trading a unique range of ethically traded giftware, as well as stocking the largest selection of Dharma literature in Australia. Bodhi's vision is to make the Dharma accessible to more Australians, to practice non-harm and generosity through ethical trade and living, and to support TBRL as an integral part of Buddhist practice within the Australian Sangha.

So, in the meantime, until you have the opportunity to drop by the shop, visit our Facebook Fan page to become a fan and receive updates:  www.facebook.com/pages/Newtown-Australia/Bodhi-Books-and-Gifts/95512341087

The photograph comes from Google Street View - though taken before Bodhi's arrival on the scene!

Sydney Buddhist Centre:wheelchairs are go!

Nalaka Nick Maddocks writes from the FWBO’s Sydney Buddhist Centre with a rare bit of news from the Sangha ‘down under’ - the first of a number of stories from them, we’re promised...

He says - “Let's roll! Wheelchairs are a go!

“Fabulous news! The Sydney Buddhist Centre (SBC) has received funding to upgrade its building as part of the New South Wales Government's Community Building Partnership. The SBC was one of 13 local community organisations to receive funding and has been awarded $10,000. Winning the grant was the result of a group effort by Order Members, Mitras and friends who completed the application forms and encouraged others to vote for the SBC's application in an online poll.

“The SBC plans to use the $10, 000 funding from the grant to upgrade the building so that it is more wheelchair accessible. The modifications required to make the SBC more wheelchair friendly include:

– Installation of wheelchair access ramps to permit wheelchair movement into and within the SBC
– Widening and replacing internal doorways
– The installation of disabled grab rails in one of the centre toilets
– Repairs and upgrade to damaged tiles on the steps leading to the front entrance

“So where do we go from here? Once the upgrade has been completed at the Sydney Buddhist Centre (SBC) we will begin to promote it as a wheelchair-accessible Buddhist centre. This means that all ongoing meditation courses and Sangha nights will be available to people in a wheelchair. The SBC already caters for about 160 people who attend regular weekly classes, and about 300 people who undertake beginners meditation or Buddhism courses for the first time every year. We are very pleased that our centre will become more accessible to a broader population of people after these renovations. There will also be the option in the near future, if the need arises, for meditation courses for people experiencing chronic pain, illness or a disability. This is very positive news for the SBC.

“To find out more about the SBC and to see our upcoming courses, please visit: www.sydneybuddhistcentre.org.au

'Wrathful Compassion' exhibition in Sydney

The FWBO's Sydney Buddhist Centre is hosting a fundraising exhibition on the theme of 'Wrathful Compassion'- and many if not all the images are available to view on the internet.

 They say "Compassion as a quality, can be quite fierce - in response to the inequities and suffering of our world".

As the two images show, some of the images follow traditional Buddhist iconography; some are much more innovative and 'modern'.

For more details, check the centre's special exhibition page - or go straight to the on-line catalogue.