Asian Buddhist traditions have a diversity of festivals that celebrate different aspects of Buddhism. This diversity developed within different nations and cultural settings as Buddhism became established. Buddhist Action Day is a Buddhist festival for Britain. It is intended to be a regular annual event taking place on the 3^rd July.

The name ‘Buddhist Action Day’ was chosen from a range of options by representatives from some well-known Buddhist organisations. Alternatives such as Dhamma Action Day were rejected because ‘Dhamma’ is not a specifically Buddhist term, or because they were too closely linked with a particular Buddhist tradition. The intention for Buddhist Action Day was that it was inclusive of anyone who felt an association with the path established by the Buddha. This also includes more secular movements such as ‘mindfulness’ groups whose members may wish to feel part of a burgeoning community who regard ‘awakening’ as of great value.

‘Action’ was included in the name to counter a common stereotype of Buddhists as being un-involved (detached?) and on the side-lines of life as well as emphasising what brings everyone (including Buddhists) together – right or skilful action. Buddhist Action Day is intended as a day when all well-intentioned folk can meet together and get involved in voluntary action for the good of local communities. This might be focused on the environment or recycling – as in this years ‘earthkind’ Buddhist Action Day –  or on helping a particular part of society such as the elderly and infirm, or some other form of social action. We also intend that the day should be enjoyable and include a meal and be open to those from all faiths or none.

Many Buddhist organisations already undertake a range of out-reach and social action projects and Buddhist Action Day could be a way for you to publicise and showcase the good work that you are already doing.

The closest association between a traditional Buddhist festival and Buddhist Action Day is Asalha Puja Day, also known as Dhamma Day, which celebrates the Buddha’s commencement of his teaching – a very appropriate inspiration for Buddhist action.

Some will have noticed that the acronym of Buddhist Action Day is ‘BAD’ and perhaps felt a little ‘bad’ about this. Having selected Buddhist Action Day as the best name and noticed the BAD acronym, we decided that this was in fact a benefit – not only does it make the name easily memorable and probably quite appealing to some parts of the community, but it gives us the opportunity to turn BAD into good.

We hope that BAD becomes an exciting annual festival driven by enthusiastic individuals that helps to make clear that those interested in the path to awakening are also interested in their broader responsibilities and their interdependence with local communities, and in alleviating common forms of suffering.

For inspiration and to see where Buddhist Action Day could go, have a look at the Mitzvah Day site. Mitzvah Day was set up some five years ago and has become very popular.

The Network of Engaged Buddhists – the NEB – is working alongside the NBO in supporting Buddhist Action Day. Their web site has a growing library of useful material here.

Living well together

Methodist Central Hall Westminster

This is Interfaith Week and this was the main event for the Inter Faith Network UK.  As interfaith officer for the Network of Buddhist Organisations UK Acharya Modgala  attended this alongside Venerable Seelawimila from the Chiswick Vihara and Desmond Biddulph from the Buddhist Society representing Buddhism in the discussions.

The first short introductory talk was from Lord Sacks the Chief Rabbi who emphasised that though it was wonderful we faith leaders meet well, we need to go beyond this and help our parishioners to meet. The Archbishop of Canterbury, pointed out the dangers of isolation and the need for belonging, that our faiths and families etc. give us our identities. But we need to have an obligation to more than our little groups and that the healthy state is a community of communities. He also spoke of being wary of church/state rivalry. The secretary of state – Eric Pickles spoke about how the faithsdo good work in the community especially after the riots and that funding from the state via the churches urban fund helps this to be done.

Unfortunately he did not stay long and I was unable to put the question about the importance of RE in schools directly to him. However it was good to see that leaders of other faiths in their inputs to the discussion could also could see the importance of RE in encouraging more discussion of faiths in schools. Especially for the many who do not eschew a faith or are just nominally involved in faith groups, or those who are marginalised. Bridges need to be built.

There was a wide range of input into the theme, the problems of greed and lack of understanding were mentioned. Social action together at grassroots was seen by many as a way to bring people together; also an inclusive sense of Britishness was proposed. Some spoke of appreciating difference, while others spoke of the challenge to disagree. There was a call for us to celebrate our faiths and get positive stories into the media and for all of us to go further in our service to humanity.

The archbishop’s final words spoke of humanity and human flourishing and the opportunity to celebrate the Queens diamond Jubilee offer. Lord Sacks spoke of healing the secular divide with love and friendship, grass roots action, finding a visible and inclusive national identity, treating all faiths equally and getting good news into the media.

Namo Amida Bu

Acharya Modgala Duguid

A Year of Service and
the Diamond Jubilee

Would your organisation be willing to organise an event during the Diamond Jubilee year in July 2012?  Each major faith community has been offered a month in 2012 in which to organise inclusive events based on various themes. The Buddhist community has been offered a month – July – in which to run events that have an environmental theme.

You may already be involved in social action or in running events around this time – perhaps linked with Dharma Day (Asalha Puja Day) – in which case these could be registered for A Year of Service.

If you have an idea for July 2012, and want to take part in A Year of Service, then please let us know. You can propose something you are already planning or something new. If you register now, you will get recognition and publicity for your work through interfaith and government channels.

We expect that major UK Buddhist organisations will want to take part in this initiative either individually or in partnership.

Please register your interest (and a description of your event if you have one) by email to:

secretary [@] nbo.org.uk  (remove apces and [ ])

Ideas for Projects

The theme of the ‘environment’ lends itself to many interpretations. Since the Buddhist community are organising events in July, the weather should be good (!) and so outdoor volunteering activities should be possible.

You may have your own grounds in which work could be undertaken:

• Clearing areas
• Planting tree, plants or vegetables
• Establishing vegetables, fruit,  or garden areas
• Working on community farms

Or find an existing project and provide volunteers. You need to tell them that you are faith based volunteers. Information can be found at:

• Your local Council’s website
• British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (www.btcv.org) – you can search by area
• London Wildlife Trust (London only – www.wildlondon.org.uk)
• Woodland Trust – note they have projects tying in with their Jubilee aims all-round the country  Start here http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/take-part/Pages/get-involved.aspx

Note that existing projects such as those above will have insurance for their volunteers which makes things simpler.

You may also want to interpret ‘environment’ in a broader way – for example as social or community environment – and, of course, this could still include a diamond jubilee picnic or meal as part of the event.

Manchester Triratna Buddhist Centre in  is hosting this years Buddhist convention. All groups and traditions in the Manchester area have been invited and many have accepted. There is a full programme of talks and meditation and an opportunity to meet senior representatives from many traditions as well as a diverse range of Buddhists from complete beginners through to those with more experience. The event is open to all, but please register at: https://studychinaprogramme.wufoo.com/forms/manchester-buddhist-convention-2011/

Programme Details – Manchester Buddhist Convention 11/06/11

1. Introductory Chanting

2. Early History of Traditions
By Andy Taylor from the Manchester University Buddhist Society. A brief talk about the early history of Buddhism, the early texts and how it branched and diversified across the world and how each of the groups in the Manchester region can be traced back to Buddha.

3. Keynote Speech – Do we need to choose a Buddhist tradition?
By Chris Ward from the Network of Buddhist Organisations.
Chris will briefly explore how we can relate to the diversity of Buddhist traditions in the UK. Do we need to become a disciple of a tradition or can we be non-aligned or a butterfly Buddhist? What criteria can be used to judge traditions? Can we use scripture, lineage, ethical behaviour, google, or intuition? Is UK Buddhism going to become more sectarian or are there things that UK Buddhists have in common – common threads – that unite us?
www.nbo.org.uk/

4. Lunch
Ordained members from certain traditions are required to eat before mid day so please allow venerables and Senior lay members to be served first. The Fo Guang Shan temple will chant the blessing before lunch commences. Please get your food but wait for nuns to chant blessing before starting eating.

5. Marketplace
All groups are welcome to bring Buddhist related goods to sell. Stalls will be provided.

6. Meditation Taster Session
Led by the Samatha group.

7. Practice by following the six paramitas
By Ven. Miao-Gi Shih from Fo Guang Shan IBPS. (International Buddhist Progress Society)
The Six Paramitas are: – 1 Giving, 2 Taking Precepts, 3 Endurance/Patience, 4 Vigor, 5 Meditation/Samadhi, 6 Wisdom/Prajna.

8. Dhammapada
By Valerie Roebuck from the Samatha centre.

9 Talk on the History of Kagyu Buddhism
By Robin Jackson Kagyu Ling

10 Workshop for Buddhist Creatives
Led by Oxana Poberejnaia
Provides space for Buddhists, creatives and Buddhist creatives to meet, share their work and discuss Buddhist path and creativity and how they do or don’t go together. So far, attendees can expect to experience poetry readings, an exhibition of watercolours, images of ceramic sculptures and live music. There will also be an opportunity for everyone to make a paper collage and write a haiku. Even if you do not write to us in advance about your particular creative pursuit, please come along and bring your works to share. We will equally be happy to see everyone who wishes to form a participating audience.

11 Meditation taster session
Led by Western Chan group. 12. Buddhism in the modern world – opportunities and challenges
By Vidyamala from Triratna
Based on her experience of teaching both ‘hard core’ Buddhism and secular mindfulness, Vidyamala will explore two opposite positions that can be taken in response to this ques­tion. One can be ‘liberal’ and try to change Buddhism to align with popular values in society, or ‘conservative’ and try to change society to align with traditional Buddhist values. Is there a middle way between these two extremes?”

13. Nichiren Buddhism in Action
By Helen Barker, Ameena Ahmed and Frankie Kington
Helen, Ameena and Frankie, all leaders in Soka Gakkai International Greater Manchester (SGI Greater Manchester), will provide an introduction to Nichiren Buddhism. Helen will talk about the SGI, Ameena will give details of the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and Frankie will explain about a local campaign, “Victory over Violence”.

14 History and Practice of the Kwan Um School of Zen
By Koonlin Eunice

15. Meditation taster session – Kagyu Ling
XXXX from the Kagyu Ling tradition will lead a meditation session. The Kagyu prayer will be chanted in Tibetan followed by a session of Samatha meditation.

16 Introduction to Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation – The Bodhisattva Path (Buddhism in action)
In 1966, Dharma Master Cheng Yen established the Tzu Chi Foundation in Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan. With the spirit of self-discipline, diligence, frugality and perseverance Tzu Chi set out to help the poor and relieve suffering. Over time the foundation’s mission started with Charity and extended into Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture, Bone Marrow Donation, Environmental Protection, Community Volunteerism, and International Relief. For more information, please visit www.tzuchi.org.

17 How Buddhism can inform Psychotherapy
Ken Blythin will explore ways in which Buddhist teachings and practice can contribute to awareness-based psychotherapy. Ken is a UKCP accredited Core Process Psychotherapist and is currently Chair of the Association of Core Process Psychotherapists.

18. The union of dharma and daily life
By New Kadampur Tradition

19. Teabreak
Tea coffee and biscuits will be served in the ?????? by the main entrance on the ground floor but people will stand in the main reception area opposite.

20. Questions and answers for monks, nuns, and senior practitioners
Chaired by. Please feel free to ask questions of our panel. These can be questions on any topic you like relating to life and Buddhism. Examples from previous conferences are: – What is the meaning of life? Should we have children, since all we give them is life that is suffering with death at its end? Why do some Buddhists eat meat? Start thinking about questions you might like to ask or just sit and listen to the discussions. There is a large panel of venerables who will consider the questions. Not all of them will answer each question but there will hopefully be some interesting discussions. If you can email us with your questions in advance that would help prepare a more interesting reply manchesterbuddhistconvention@yahoo.co.uk

21. Closing speech- notices about future of the Convention
Andy Taylor

22. Chanting
Hannya Shingyo by Manchester Zen Dojo

Dear All,

The NBO AGM will take place on Saturday the 7^th May from 10.30 till 4.00pm.

The venue is:

SGI-UK
London Ikeda Peace Centre,
7 Wakefield Street,
LONDON
WC1N 1PG,

The room is in the basement.

Tea and coffee can be available but people will have to bring their own lunch.

Agenda to be circulated nearer the day.

If you are able to buy a copy of the Big Issue in or around London over the next three weeks  you will find an advert for the Tick the Box for Buddhism Campaign. Let us know what you think and let your friends know about the ad and the campaign.

Dear Buddhist Friends,

Please forward this as widely as you like.

Buddhists and Schools: a day conference

Saturday 26th March, Birmingham

Reply to: munisha@clear-vision.org

Please find attached details of a conference for Buddhists who work with schools as part of Religious Education, independently or on behalf of Buddhist charities or places of worship.

Whether you are experienced in working with schools, or thinking about it, we’d love to see you there.

With best wishes in the Dharma/Dhamma,

Munisha

Organiser, Buddhists and Schools conference

Reply to: munisha@clear-vision.org

Munisha (Catherine Hopper)
Director and Education Officer
The Clear Vision Trust
16-20 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ
www.clear-vision.org
0161 839 9579

The NBO has now created a Facebook page for our Tick the Box for Buddhism’ Campaign. Please become a member to show your support. We are now only about two months from Census Day on the 27th March. It is important to keep the momentum going to ensure that we get as accurate a figure as possible for all who follow Buddhist values in the UK. Please let your friends know about the Tick the Box for Buddhism Campaign.

Download the the poster and display where you can.

Birmingham Maha Vihara are holding an open day on Monday 22nd November as part of the inter faith week. For details see the poster:

BMV open day

I copied this from some material circulating about the Big Society.

The Big Society – relevant to the Buddhist Community?

The Context

Since the Coalition Government came to power, David Cameron has revived his vision of the ‘Big Society’ with community groups and local organisations taking more control of their public services. It is clear that faith based groups will have a considerable role to play if the Big Society is to be a success, both as community anchors and representatives, and as service providers.

This in turn is likely to provide new opportunities for faith organisations in terms of accessing funding and gaining the ear of policy makers. However it  will also present challenges as they adapt to the scrutiny and the levels of capacity needed to play a full and productive role in the Big Society and helping to build strong and cohesive communities.

The Issues

• What role does the Government envisage for faith based organisations in the Big Society?
• What new opportunities will exist for such organisations?
• In light of the coming spending cuts, how can faith based organisations best cope with increased demand on their services?
• How can faith organisations improve their capacity and structures?
• What role do representatives from all faiths feel they should play in the Big Society programme?
• The key practical steps that local authorities can take in engaging with local faith communities
• Ensuring that the role of the faith community in the Big Society is aided by receptive and supportive local commissioning and procurement structures?
• How can we reliably map the cultural and religious make up of local communities to aid the Big Society initiative and other cohesion projects?