The purpose of the ASA is to serve the needs of all Buddhist monks and nuns resident in Australia. ASA aims:
* To represent the Sangha in Australia
* To promote harmony among Buddhist traditions
* To educate and inform for the healthy growth of Buddhism

Visit ASA's website: http://asaweb1.googlepages.com/home
Download ASA's newsletter: ASA News Dec 2006 (.pdf 416kB)

The Buddha said in the Vinaya Pitaka (Cullavagga VII 3.16) that bringing together the Sangha that has been divided is an act of such supreme merit that it results in a heavenly rebirth for a whole aeon, at the very least.

The Sangha in Australia, Vajrayana and Mahayana and Theravada, both female and male, are now coming together under the fellowship of the Australian Sangha Association (ASA). The purpose of the ASA is to serve the needs of all Buddhist monks and nuns resident in Australia, without interfering in the internal affairs of any temple or monastery. It aims to promote the well-being of the Sangha, nurture its growth and protect its interests, by liaising with government or media or whomever. It will not be a supreme authority over any monk or nun in Australia, for as the Buddha declared in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra: "After I am gone, the Dharma and Vinaya that I have proclaimed will be your only authority".

There is much that we can achieve together that we can never accomplish alone. As the ASA develops, it will discover new ways to meet the changing needs of the Sangha in Australia. Moreover, through working together as brothers and sisters in the Dhamma, in the spirit of sincere friendship, mutual respect, and selfless service, we will show by example how the Buddha-Dhamma brings harmony, prosperity, and peace to our world.

In this historic opportunity for Buddhism in Australia, may we all work tirelessly together so that our ASA may flourish as a tribute to the Buddha, as a living example of the Dhamma, and in humble service to our Sangha here in this land.

Ajahn Brahm, October 2005 asasecretary@gmail.com
Tel: +612 4883 6331
Fax: +612 8572 8286
PO Box 132 Bundanoon NSW 2578

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